How many days will I bleed after a miscarriage?

Question

I started losing blood on Wednesday & had an epac scan on Friday to confirm I'd lost the baby at 71/2 weeks. How long should I expect to bleed? I was in total shock & did'nt even think to ask!! Also, am I right in thinking I must I wear a sanitary towel because tampons are not safe to usein these circumstances?

Answer 1

Oh my God! Your doctor should be slapped for not making sure you knew this!

First, let me say I'm sorry for your loss.

Yes, you are right. You should opt for a sanitary napkin instead of a tampon because you have just suffered a physical trauma that would make using a tampon unwise at this moment.

You can expect to go through cramping and some bleeding for quite some time as your body returns to normal since your uterus has to heal itself, eliminate a much thicker lining than it would normally sluff during a menstrual cycle, and return to normal.

If you continue to bleed heavily, though, and it does not seem to be tapering off after a few days, or if you begin to experience symptoms of light-headedness, dizziness, or excessive weakness, or severe abdominal pain, you need to return to the hospital for treatment.

I would honestly recommend calling your hospital or doctor's office nurse advice line tomorrow morning to talk to them about what you need to do to take care of yourself.

If you need any more help or feel like you need to find a support group, let me know and I'll see what I can find out for you. Again, I'm very sorry for your loss.

Answer 2

I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS I TOO SUFFERED A MISCARRIAGE. I BLEED FOR EXACTLY 7 DAYS. THE LAST PART OF IT WAS BROWN AND IT WAS NOT MUCH BLEEDING.

your health after miscarriage

HCG Levels
Most women can expect their levels to return to a non-pregnant range about 4 - 6 weeks after a pregnancy loss has occurred. This can differentiate by how the loss occurred (spontaneous miscarriage, D&C procedure, abortion, natural delivery), and how high the levels were at the time of the loss.
Health care providers usually will continue to test HCG levels after a pregnancy loss to ensure they return back to 5.0.

tiredness
It is normal to feel emotionally and physically drained following a miscarriage. If possible take a few days off work, and if you can't, make sure you get to bed early, plan rests where possible and postpone anything that isn't urgent.
Make yourself your first priority.

bleeding
If your miscarriage is complete, you can expect your bleeding to taper off rapidly, i.e. over the next week it should get lighter and lighter and stop. All bleeding and spotting should have stopped by seven days. If it persists or is heavier than a normal period, this indicates something is wrong, see your doctor. While you are still bleeding it is important that you shower, not bath, and that you do not swim in public pools because of the risk of contracting an infection.

pain
When the miscarriage is complete, or after a D&C all pain should cease. Again, see your doctor if you have continuing pain.

temperature
Temperature indicates infection which can result in infertility. If you have one see your doctor urgently. You will be treated with antibiotics and possibly a D&C (or repeat D&C).

discharge
If you are having an offensive discharge this could also indicate infection so get checked out.

lactation
This is normal if the pregnancy has lasted longer than 12 weeks and will stop by itself.

menstrual cycle
Ovulation can occur 14 days after a miscarriage with the next period 28 days after the miscarriage, but there is great personal variation. It may take a few cycles before your regular pattern is re-established. This means that you can become pregnant 14 days after a miscarriage if you resume a normal cycle immediately, but there is a great personal variation. It can take up to 6 or 7 weeks for your next period to come if you had "natural" miscarriage (i.e. no D&C or tablets).

sex
Sexual intercourse should be avoided until bleeding has stopped to prevent the risk of infection. Even though your cervix will be closed again, sperm can travel up through it and introduce infection into the uterus, which is still healing.

contraception
If you do not wish to become pregnant immediately, you should start using contraception straight after the miscarriage. Note: The pill should be commenced at the time of the miscarriage. You will not be safe until you have taken the tablets for 14 days.

the physical symptoms of grief
Many women find they experience physical symptoms of grief as well as the emotional aspects. These vary greatly from person to person, and include:
disturbed sleep and eating patterns
unexplainable tiredness
unexpected tears
disturbing dreams and mental confusion

Be gentle and patient with yourself during this time and take comfort in knowing that these symptoms are normal.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How many days will I bleed after a miscarriage?
I started losing blood on Wednesday & had an epac scan on Friday to confirm I'd lost the baby at 71/2 weeks. How long should I expect to bleed? I was in total shock & did'nt even think to ask!! Also, am I right in thinking I must I wear a sanitary towel because tampons are not safe to usein...

Answer 4

I'm so sorry for your loss, I know how it is I recently had a miscarriage too. I bled for what seemed like forever, about 10 days, alot longer then my normal period. And yes definitely use pads, as uncomfortable as they may be but tampons are not they way to go, that's they the doctor's told me.

Answer 5

Sorry to hear about your loss. The flow lasts up to two weeks and should gradually get lighter. Use pads only to avoid infection. If your flow has been decreasing and then suddenly gets heavier, contact your doctor immediately.

Answer 6

Sorry for ur loss,when I had a miscarriage I bled for 2weeks,But every1 is different.U should only use pads.

Answer 7

At the very least 1 week or two

Answer 8

7 to 14 days. Yes you are correct that you should ONLY use pads; no tampons, no "cups", etc.

Answer 9

seems like 4 ever to me when it happened to me

Answer 10

i agree with andigravity