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Evidence to Improve Care

Early Pregnancy Complications and Loss

Care for Adults in All Settings



Quality standards are sets of concise statements designed to help health care professionals easily and quickly know what care to provide, based on the best evidence.

See below for a summary of the quality standard or download it for more detailed statements.


Download the Quality Standard


Quality Statement 1: Comprehensive Assessment
People with signs or symptoms of early pregnancy complications receive a comprehensive assessment that includes a transvaginal ultrasound and serum beta-hCG measurement.


Quality Statement 2: Early Pregnancy Assessment Services
People experiencing early pregnancy complications and loss have access to early pregnancy assessment services.


Quality Statement 3: Pregnancy of Unknown Location
People with a pregnancy of unknown location (not visible in the uterus or adnexa, on ultrasound) receive two serial serum beta-hCG measurements taken 48 hours apart. They are followed until a final diagnosis is made or until beta-hCG returns to zero.


Quality Statement 4: Diagnosis of Intrauterine Early Pregnancy Loss
Pregnant people who experience intrauterine early pregnancy loss receive this diagnosis as quickly as possible based on transvaginal ultrasound. While waiting to learn whether or not the pregnancy is viable, they receive information on who to contact, where to go, and how long it should take to receive a diagnosis. A diagnosis of early pregnancy loss is also communicated to the person’s primary or other relevant care providers.


Quality Statement 5: Management Options for Intrauterine Early Pregnancy Loss
People with intrauterine early pregnancy loss receive information on all potential management options (expectant, medical, and surgical) and are supported in making an informed decision on the most appropriate management approach for them, based on their diagnosis, clinical situation, values, and preferences.


Quality Statement 6: Management Options for Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy
People with a confirmed tubal ectopic pregnancy receive information on all potential management options (expectant, medical, and surgical) and are supported to make an informed decision about their care. They have access to their preferred management option. Health care professionals closely monitor signs and symptoms and arrange appropriate access to follow-up care.


Quality Statement 7: Compassionate Care
People and families experiencing early pregnancy complications and/or loss are treated with dignity and respect, and receive support in a sensitive manner, taking into account their individual circumstances and emotional responses, no matter where they receive their care.


Quality Statement 8: Psychosocial and Peer Supports
People who experience an early pregnancy loss and their families are offered information about psychosocial and peer support services and organizations.

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