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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What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.

The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025

Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025

If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.