Post-Miscarriage Care: When to Seek Medical Advice

Q: Post-Miscarriage Care: When to Seek Medical Advice

Dear Ms. Chen, Post-miscarriage care considerations： 1. If you experience excessive bleeding, it may lead to anemia or even shock due to significant blood loss. Generally, bleeding should not exceed three times your normal menstrual flow. If the bleeding is

Miscarriage

Last month, on November 18th, I unfortunately had a natural miscarriage, with bleeding lasting about five days (all clots).
I did not experience any significant discomfort.
Should I return to a medical facility for follow-up if there is no further bleeding? Additionally, I had sexual intercourse with my husband a few days ago, and he did not ejaculate inside me.
During intercourse, I felt a dull, aching sensation in my abdomen, but it was not painful.
Could this be a result of having intercourse too soon? Generally, how long should one wait after a natural miscarriage before resuming sexual activity? What are the potential consequences or complications of having intercourse too soon? After the miscarriage on November 18th, when can I expect my next menstrual period?

Ms. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/12/04

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear Ms.
Chen,
Post-miscarriage care considerations:
1.
If you experience excessive bleeding, it may lead to anemia or even shock due to significant blood loss.
Generally, bleeding should not exceed three times your normal menstrual flow.
If the bleeding is too heavy or persists for too long, it could indicate poor uterine contractions, incomplete miscarriage, or infection, and you should seek medical attention.
Even if there is no further bleeding, it is advisable to return to a healthcare facility for follow-up.
2.
During the miscarriage period, bacteria can easily proliferate in the vagina.
Engaging in sexual intercourse at this time may increase the risk of bacteria entering the uterus, leading to infection.
If you continue to experience discomfort in your lower abdomen, it is recommended to visit a hospital for evaluation.
Typically, after a natural miscarriage, it is best to wait until there is no bleeding before returning to the hospital for a check-up to ensure everything is fine before resuming sexual activity.
3.
How long will it take for your next menstrual period to return after a miscarriage? It can take at least a month, and it may be longer, possibly up to two months.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Taoyuan Hospital, Health Bureau

Reply Date: 2009/12/04

More Info

I'm sorry to hear about your recent miscarriage. It's a challenging experience, and it's important to take care of both your physical and emotional well-being during this time. Let's address your questions regarding post-miscarriage care and when to seek medical advice.

Firstly, after a miscarriage, it is common to experience bleeding, which can last for several days. In your case, you mentioned that the bleeding lasted about five days and consisted of blood clots. If the bleeding has stopped and you are not experiencing any severe pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms, it may not be necessary to return to the medical facility for follow-up. However, it is always wise to consult your healthcare provider if you have any doubts or if your symptoms change. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.

Regarding sexual activity after a miscarriage, it is generally recommended to wait at least two weeks before resuming sexual intercourse. This waiting period allows your body to heal and reduces the risk of infection. Engaging in sexual activity too soon can potentially lead to complications, such as infection or increased bleeding. The sensation of discomfort you felt during intercourse could be attributed to your body still recovering from the miscarriage. If the discomfort persists or worsens, it would be advisable to consult your healthcare provider.

As for your menstrual cycle, it can vary significantly after a miscarriage. Many women may experience their next period within four to six weeks after the miscarriage, but this can depend on individual factors such as hormonal levels and how your body is healing. Some women may find that their cycles return to normal relatively quickly, while others may experience irregularities for a few months. If you do not have a period within six weeks, or if you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle, it is a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while it is often not necessary to return to a medical facility after a miscarriage if you are feeling well, you should always err on the side of caution and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Waiting at least two weeks before resuming sexual activity is typically recommended, and your menstrual cycle may take some time to normalize. Remember to take care of your emotional health as well, as experiencing a miscarriage can be a significant emotional burden. Support from friends, family, or professional counseling can be beneficial during this time.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your specific needs.

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