First Period After Miscarriage

Any pregnancy which terminates on its own is called miscarriage. Miscarriages are very common in early pregnancy, before 12 weeks. Very early miscarriages often go unnoticed, as women are yet to realize that they are pregnant. In case of early miscarriages, body cleans the uterus on its own. The remnants of terminated pregnancy are flushed out of uterus during the very next period. This process ensures that the body comes back on track, so that it can start regulating its reproductive function again. This natural cleaning is required to prevent the body from becoming infected. Given the complexity of all the above processes, the first period after a miscarriage is often very different from what you might expect.

When to Expect Your First Period After Miscarriage

Miscarriage may throw your menstrual cycle completely off the track. You may bleed for a whole month following a miscarriage or you may not menstruate for months. The timing for the next period depends upon your individual condition. Many women experience light or heavy vaginal discharge at all times after a miscarriage. It may disappear for a few days, only to return. However, this bleeding should not be assumed for a normal period. It could only be the result of the cleaning process of the body. There are certain conditions that need to be satisfied for your period to resume. The hCG levels after miscarriage which have elevated during pregnancy need to fall to zero. Similarly, the estrogen levels should reach a threshold value. In simple words, you should not have any spotting for 20 consecutive days after miscarriage bleeding. The period that you get anytime after these 20 spotting free days can be considered as true period. You can expect this period to arrive at anytime after 4 to 6 weeks of your miscarriage.

What to Expect

As mentioned above, your first period after a miscarriage may not be anything like you ever experienced. If you usually get light periods, this period may be characterized by very heavy bleeding and vice versa. Similarly, severe cramping may or may not accompany menstruation. Some women also complain of blood clots during period. The period may last for 4 to 7 days. However, one must note that, period after miscarriage is highly individual specific. Similarly, first period after natural miscarriage may also differ from first period after abortion. Hence, it is very difficult to predict its characteristics, when it will arrive and how long will it last. What seems normal for one woman may not be for other. Hence, if you experience very heavy bleeding or severe cramping, it is a must that you see your OB-GYN right away.

Since now you know that menstruation after miscarriage is highly unpredictable in all aspects, you need to allow sufficient time for your body to heal completely. First period after late miscarriage, should be handled with even more care as body may have become very fragile after D&C. You should not rush into trying for baby at once. Moreover, unprotected sexual intercourse is also not recommended following a miscarriage, as the cervix is open at this time, hence is susceptible to various infections. Ideally, couples should let two normal periods pass after a miscarriage, before they start trying again. This gives body the required amount of time to heal completely. Similarly, the hormones also start functioning normally by this time.

Period after miscarriage can also be a time for emotional upheaval, as you might be constantly reminded of your lost pregnancy. However, it is important to take good care of yourself during this time, to prepare your body to handle future pregnancies to full term.