Your First Period After Miscarriage: What to Expect

First Menstrual Period After Miscarriage

Hello Dr.
Liu, I experienced a miscarriage at 8 weeks of pregnancy due to the absence of a fetal heartbeat, and I underwent a medical abortion (vaginal suppository) on June 22.
Three days later, during a follow-up appointment, the doctor confirmed that the embryonic tissue had been expelled completely.
I then experienced intermittent bleeding for about two weeks, during which I had blood tests to monitor my progesterone levels for four weeks until they returned to normal.
My menstrual period started on July 24 and has now lasted over 10 days, with bright red color and light flow, but it has not yet ended (my periods before the miscarriage typically lasted about 5-7 days).
Is this normal? Do I need to return to the hospital for an examination? Additionally, when can I start preparing to conceive again? Since I am currently abroad and have difficulty accessing medical care, I would appreciate your advice.
Thank you very much! Ms.
Huang

Ms. Huang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/08/06

Dr. Liu Yuhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The first menstrual period after a miscarriage can often be irregular.
However, if the menstrual bleeding lasts longer than 14 days, it is advisable to visit an obstetrics and gynecology clinic for evaluation.
It is recommended to allow your uterus to rest for three months after a miscarriage, as becoming pregnant too soon may increase the risk of another miscarriage or embryonic failure.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2012/08/06

More Info

Dear Ms. Huang,
I'm sorry to hear about your recent miscarriage. It's a difficult experience, and it's understandable to have concerns about your health and future pregnancies. Let's break down your questions regarding your first period after a miscarriage and what you can expect.

After a miscarriage, it's common for women to experience irregularities in their menstrual cycles. The first period following a miscarriage can vary significantly in terms of timing, flow, and duration. In your case, you mentioned that your first period after the miscarriage started on July 24 and has lasted over 10 days with a bright red color and light flow. While some women may experience a heavier flow or longer duration, others may have lighter periods that can last longer than usual.
The persistence of bleeding for more than 10 days can be concerning, especially if it is significantly different from your normal menstrual cycle. It is important to consider a few factors:
1. Hormonal Changes: After a miscarriage, your body undergoes hormonal adjustments as it returns to its pre-pregnancy state. This can affect the timing and characteristics of your menstrual cycle.

2. Retained Tissue: In some cases, if there is any retained tissue from the pregnancy, it can lead to prolonged bleeding. This is something that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

3. Infection: Although less common, prolonged bleeding can sometimes indicate an infection. Symptoms of infection may include fever, foul-smelling discharge, or severe abdominal pain.

Given that your bleeding has lasted longer than expected and is different from your usual menstrual cycle, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare provider. Even if you are abroad and finding it difficult to seek medical attention, it is important to prioritize your health. You may want to consider visiting a local clinic or hospital to get a check-up, especially to rule out any complications such as retained products of conception or infection.

Regarding your question about when you can start trying to conceive again, many healthcare providers recommend waiting for at least one normal menstrual cycle after a miscarriage before attempting to become pregnant again. This allows your body time to heal and can help in dating a future pregnancy more accurately. However, the right time can vary for each individual, and it’s essential to discuss your specific situation with your healthcare provider.

In summary, while some irregularities in your menstrual cycle after a miscarriage can be normal, the prolonged bleeding you are experiencing warrants further evaluation. Please consider seeking medical attention to ensure everything is progressing as it should. Once you have the all-clear from your healthcare provider, you can discuss your plans for trying to conceive again.

Take care of yourself, and I wish you the best in your recovery and future endeavors.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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