An ultrasound or blood test may not be able to confirm a miscarriage right away. If this is the case, you may be urged to repeat the tests in a week or two. If the pregnancy continues to disappear, your care provider should be notified immediately. A blood test can measure the level of hCG, which drops after a miscarriage has taken place. This test can also help determine if you are still pregnant. In some cases, an ultrasound may be used to look for evidence of a miscarriage such as a fetal heartbeat or fluid-filled sacs (amniotic bands) that remain even after the pregnancy has been lost. Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks' gestation. The causes of miscarriage are many and varied; however, most women will experience one miscarriage during their lives. Knowing the cause of the miscarriage is important because it may influence future decisions about contraception and/or pregnancy management strategies. Miscarriage can be a painful experience. Many women feel sad and depressed after a miscarriage. Some find relief in eating foods they enjoy or drinking beverages that taste good. Others may want to move on quickly from this phase of their life and try again. No matter what you decide, make sure you get support from friends and family members.