If there's vaginal bleeding also,I would think so. I'm 55 and the doctors insisted on a pregnancy test before I had some minor surgery. But I never went to medical school,so I honestly don't know.

Hormone levels change dramatically with a miscarriage. But usually they'd do a physical exam as well to see if she was still pregnant.

My niece was taken to the ER last night. She was bleeding but told her mom "It's not my period." (She's had a kidney infection before but said it wasn't like that, either.) She had also been in bed sick and with chills all day and had a headache. They did blood work and said she isn't pregnant and hadn't had a miscarriage. But can you believe they didn't even examine her?! They did a cat scan for the headache (sigh), told her to take Advil or Alleve for the headache and see an OB/GYN. I thought they'd have at least felt around up there. ???

There should be some HCG remaining in her system. (the hormone they check for in a pregnancy test done on urine or blood. The blood will have measurable amounts longer...Or is it that the blood test is more sensitive...Anyway, the blood test would be the best way to tell, not a urine test.) It might depend on 'how pregnant' she was at the time and when the miscarriage actually started. They might also do an ultrasound that could show something if the miscarriage was still incomplete.

I am sorry for whomever you are asking this. I wouldn't wish the experience on anyone and anyone else who has been through one (or 3) doesn't relish being an 'expert.' My prayers and best wishes to her.

One other thing...If she thinks she might be/might have been pregnant, have her ask for an ultrasound before OKing anything like a D&C. A woman can miscarry a twin, or have significant bleeding, but still have a baby remaining.

Thanks, rhome. Having been through several miscarriages myself many years ago, one of which ended in an emergency D&C, you are so right...it's a dreadful experience. I sincerely appreciate your prayers ~

Is she saying it wasn't her period because the flow was different or because she thought she was pregnant? Chills and headache can be hormone related (not uncommon as a PMS symptom for some)...or infection related. Any fever? It was, perhaps, one of those freak periods where something was out of balance and off schedule, and the flow was affected. Maybe they haven't done any real 'feeling around,' because it's hard to tell anything in the midst of the bleeding. Good followup with her OB-Gyn would probably be more helpful, and most advisable.