I Might be Having a Miscarriage. What do I do?

Thinking about a miscarriage can be very scary and emotionally overwhelming. It’s a really common concern for pregnant women. Maybe that’s because miscarriage (losing a baby before 20 weeks gestation) isn’t uncommon. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 15 – 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. But that means 75 – 80% of pregnancies do not end in miscarriage.

First, let’s talk about why you’re worried about a miscarriage.

Are you having symptoms?

The main symptoms of a miscarriage are abdominal pain, cramping and vaginal bleeding. Maybe you’re having these symptoms and you’re afraid that you’re having a miscarriage. Though cramping and bleeding are the main symptoms of a miscarriage, women also sometimes have spotting, bleeding or cramping early in pregnancy because of other reasons. And these women don’t always lose the baby.

Of course, it’s normal to be frightened or worried if you start bleeding or have pain. But take a breath, and let’s remember that it isn’t always a miscarriage.

It’s important to call your doctor right away so you can find out for sure what is happening.

What will your doctor do?

Your healthcare provider will probably take some blood and check the level of hCG (pregnancy hormone). If you’re in the first six weeks of pregnancy, your doctor may just want to wait and see what happens. You might have a vaginal exam to see if your cervix is thinned or dilated, which could be a sign that your body is miscarrying. Finally, your doctor may do an ultrasound to determine if you have a viable pregnancy, meaning if the pregnancy is located in the uterus and your baby’s heartbeat can be seen.

What if your doctor says you’re having a miscarriage? What happens then?

Most of the time, you don’t need any sort of treatment or medical intervention. Unfortunately, once a miscarriage has started, there isn’t anything you can do to stop it. Your doctor will probably send you home to rest. It’s probably a good idea to have someone stay with you (or at the very least, come check on you). Maybe your partner, a close friend or parent will be there to give you emotional support and to keep an eye on your symptoms.

Occasionally, there could be some complications with a miscarriage. So if you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room:

bleeding that soaks more than one maxi pad in an hour
feeling faint or dizzy
having an unusually fast heart rate
having a lot of pain on one side of your belly or your pelvis
having a fever and discharge that smells really bad

Why would a miscarriage happen?

When something difficult happens, we naturally want to know the why behind it. However, in the case of miscarriage, it’s rare for a doctor to be able to discover the exact cause.

There are times when the developing fetus has a chromosomal abnormality that occurs randomly and was not inherited from the parents. There’s nothing you did to cause it and there’s nothing you could do to stop it.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a mother’s health condition occasionally contributes to the risk – diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, uterus or cervical abnormalities, immune disorders, abnormal hormone levels, obesity or an infection. So it’s important to talk to your doctor about any of these concerns.

Does this mean I’m more likely to have another miscarriage?

Almost always, a miscarriage is a one-time event. According to the NIH, only about 1% of women have repeat miscarriages or more than one in a row.

Emotional Support

Losing a baby to miscarriage, even in the very early weeks of pregnancy, is still a significant loss. It’s so important that you give yourself permission to grieve and to take as much time as you need. There isn’t a timetable. If you need support or someone to listen as you talk through your emotions, our staff is here for you. Please feel free to call us in Kearney, (308) 234-9880 or in Grand Island, (308) 675-2217.

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My Partner is Pressuring Me to Have an Abortion, But I’m Not Sure

February 10, 2026

An unexpected pregnancy can already feel like a lot to carry. However, when your partner is strongly pushing you toward abortion, and you’re not sure what you want, it can feel even heavier. You may feel torn between your own emotions and his expectations, trying to keep the peace while feeling anxious or confused. If you’re in this situation, take a deep breath. At Collage, we understand how emotionally complicated this can be. You deserve a safe place to talk through what you’re feeling and be treated with respect. You don’t have to rush into a decision. Schedule a free appointment to learn how we can help you navigate this situation. It’s Your Decision Sometimes a partner’s reaction is rooted in panic. He may be thinking about finances, school, your relationship, or how unprepared he feels. In his mind, abortion may seem like the fastest solution. When someone repeatedly insists on one outcome, refuses to listen, or makes you feel guilty for even considering other options, it can start to feel like your voice doesn’t matter. And in a moment this vulnerable, your voice matters more than ever. Giving Yourself Space If conversations feel tense or emotionally draining, it’s okay to take a step back. You have the right to say something like, “I need time to think. I’m not ready to decide right now.” Creating a little space can help you reconnect with your own thoughts instead of constantly reacting to his. Sometimes the best thing you can do is pause, breathe, and remind yourself that you don’t have to figure everything out in one day. You Deserve Respect It’s also important to pay attention to warning signs. If your partner threatens to leave, withdraw support, manipulate you emotionally, or isolate you from others unless you choose abortion, that is not love. That is control. You deserve a relationship where your safety and well-being are protected, not threatened. If you ever feel unsafe, reach out for immediate support. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) offers 24/7 confidential resources to help you get the assistance you need. You Deserve a Safe Place to Talk It Through At Collage, we’re here to support you. You don’t have to walk into our center with a decision already made. You can come in simply because you need someone to listen, help you process, and remind you that you are not alone. This is your pregnancy and future. If your partner is pressuring you and you’re feeling unsure, please know that help is available. We offer a calm, caring environment where you can talk openly, ask questions, and explore your options without feeling judged or persuaded to make a specific decision. You are not alone in this. Schedule an appointment with Collage today. We’re here to walk with you, one step at a time. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services .

Do I Have to Tell My Partner I Want an Abortion?

January 23, 2026

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can bring up difficult questions, especially when it comes to your relationship. You may be wondering whether you are required to tell your partner you’re considering an abortion, or whether it’s okay to keep that information private. Fear of conflict, concern about pressure, or a desire to protect your emotional well-being can all play a role. These feelings are common, and it’s okay to take time to think through what feels safest and healthiest for you. Collage offers a confidential and non-judgmental space where you can discuss these concerns without pressure. Before making any decisions, we provide cost-free pregnancy services , including ultrasounds, to help you understand important details about your pregnancy. Our goal is to give you accurate medical information and the space you need to move forward with clarity. You’re welcome to schedule a private, confidential appointment to learn more when you feel ready. Understanding Your Autonomy In many states, adults are not legally required to tell a partner if they’re considering or planning an abortion. Medical decisions about your body are generally protected by privacy laws, meaning the decision is legally yours. Some exceptions exist, such as parental involvement laws for minors, but partner notification is typically not required for adults. Even when the law is clear, the emotional side of this decision can feel complicated. You may feel torn between maintaining privacy and wanting honesty in your relationship. There is no single “right” approach, only what best supports your well-being and circumstances. When Safety Is a Concern In some relationships, sharing your thoughts with a partner may lead to understanding or emotional support. In others, it may not feel safe. If you’re worried about pressure, manipulation, anger, or physical harm, prioritizing your safety is essential. You’re never obligated to share information that could put you at risk. If you feel unsafe or unsure, confidential help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-SAFE). Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Why Medical Information Matters Whether or not you involve your partner, having accurate medical information is an important step. An ultrasound can help confirm gestational age, pregnancy location, and whether the pregnancy is viable. These details matter for your health and can help you feel more grounded as you consider your next steps. You Are Not Alone At Collage, we offer a confidential, respectful environment where your voice and concerns are taken seriously. Our team provides pregnancy confirmation, emotional support, and space to think through your situation without pressure or judgment. You deserve time, clarity, and peace of mind as you decide what is right for your life. Connect with Collage to discuss your questions in a supportive and confidential setting. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.

How to Handle Holiday Gatherings When You Haven’t Shared Your Pregnancy News Yet

December 17, 2025

Holiday gatherings often bring familiar traditions, questions, and expectations. But when you’re carrying the news of an unexpected pregnancy that you haven’t shared, the season may feel different this year. You might be participating in celebrations while quietly navigating thoughts and emotions that others cannot see. If you want clarity about your pregnancy or a private space to consider your next steps, Collage offers free services, including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and confidential consultations, to support your needs. Schedule your appointment today. Prepare Yourself, Not the Perfect Conversation You may not be ready to share your news, and that’s okay. What can help is preparing yourself: deciding on the topics you’re comfortable discussing, the questions you want to avoid, and the boundaries you want to set. This proactivity allows you to answer without feeling like you need to tell all and not overshare. Create Space Throughout the Gathering Instead of thinking about the whole event at once, break it into smaller, manageable moments. Emotional regulation becomes easier when you give yourself space to reset. Try: Stepping outside for a few breaths of fresh air Finding a quiet room for a brief pause Taking a short walk after a meal Giving yourself permission to excuse yourself from overwhelming conversations These small steps can help protect your peace. Remember that if at any point during the gathering you’re ready to go home, go ahead. Take care of yourself by calling it a day when necessary. Meet Your Basic Needs Early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and fatigue can be uncomfortable during gatherings. Come prepared to meet your own needs by bringing pregnancy nausea candy, snacks to settle your stomach, and a water bottle. Store these items in your purse, knowing they’re ready when you need them. You Don’t Have to Navigate This Season Alone If you want clarity before facing holiday conversations, Collage can help you understand your pregnancy and answer questions in a calm, confidential setting, which can make these boundaries easier to hold. Contact us whenever you’re ready to schedule a free appointment. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services .