How long does it take to stop bleeding after miscarriage

What is a miscarriage?

It is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week.

• This can be both physically and emotionally painful.
• They often happen before 12 weeks

10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in a miscarriage.

Terms:

What is expectant management?

It is when a non-viable pregnancy passes without medication or a procedure (spontaneous miscarriage). 

What are the signs of a miscarriage?

Vaginal bleeding or spotting

• May be like a period. 
  • You may bleed for a few days, or on and off for a few weeks.
  • Call your care team or go to the Emergency Room if you:
    • Soak one maxi pad in one hour, for 2 to 3 hours.
    • Feel lightheaded or dizzy.
• When you lie down blood collects in the vagina.  When you stand up, blood may pass:
  • In a large gush.
  • As a large clot.
• Small clots, no larger than a golf ball are normal. 
• Bleeding will change from red to pink to brown.
• Discharge should not be foul smelling.
• Use maxi pads for the first two weeks.
  • After 2 weeks, tampons can be used.

Tissue passing from your vagina

After you have passed all the tissue your bleeding should slow to like a light period.

Pain or cramps in your abdomen or lower back

You may take acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Call your provider if you:

• Have vaginal bleeding for more 2 weeks.
  • Brown discharge is ok and may last longer.
• Soak one maxi pad, in one hour, for 2 or 3 hours.
• Pass clots larger than a golf ball.
• Have severe pain in your abdomen.
• Have foul smelling vaginal discharge or bleeding.
• Temperature above 100.4 Degrees F.

How do I take care of myself after a miscarriage?

Blood type

• Call your care team if you do not know your blood type or you are Rh negative.
• You may need Rh D immune globulin (Rhogam®) within 72 hours after you miscarry.

G​et a blood pregnancy test 2 weeks after your miscarriage

Take a home pregnancy test if you cannot come to the lab.

• Call your care team if it is positive after 2 weeks.
• You may need more testing.

Sexuality

• No sex, tampons, or douching for 2 weeks.
  • Pregnancy can happen with unprotected sex.
  • Start contraception as discussed with your provider.
• We recommend waiting until after 2 normal periods to attempt pregnancy again.
• You may feel that sex will never be the same due to fatigue, physical discomfort, or anxiety.
  • You should tell your partner how you feel.

Temperature

Take your temperature each day between 4 and 8 p.m. for 1 week.

Rest and exercise

• Slowly start normal activity.
  • No strenuous exercise (such as running or aerobics) for 2 or 3 days.
• Your energy level may be low for the first week.
• Naps may be helpful.
• You may return to work as told by your care team.

Bathing

• You may shower and wash hair.
• You may have a tub bath.
• No swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, or rivers for at least 2 weeks.

Diet

• Take your prenatal vitamin.
• Eat a balanced healthy diet.
  • Cut down on food and drinks containing sugar.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid each day.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.

Breast care

• Your breast may be tender or feel full.
• They may leak milk. Use breast pads to protect your clothing.
• Wear a bra that gives good support.
• Use ice packs under your arms and on breasts for 20 minutes every 2 hours if they are sore.
• Take acetaminophen and ibuprofen as needed.
• Do not stimulate or pump your breasts.
  • Avoid hot water directly hitting your breasts in the shower.
• Cabbage leaves can help with breast pain and swelling.
  • Place green or red cabbage leaves in the refrigerator.
  • Rinse the leaves with cold water and pat dry if desired.
  • Place cold leaf in your bra on your breast.
  • Leave in place for 20 minutes or until warm.
  • Repeat with a fresh leaf as needed.

Emotions

• Each person will feel different.
  • It may help to talk about your feelings.
• A support group or grief and loss website may be helpful.

What may cause a miscarriage:

You did not cause the miscarriage.  Most miscarriages happen because the fetus has not developed normally.

They are not caused by:

• Normal activity
• Sex
• Exercise
• Working

Conditions that may increase the risk of a miscarriage:

• Age
  • A person age 35 has a 20 in 100 chance of miscarrying.
  • A person age 40 has a 40 in 100 chance of miscarrying.
  • A person age 45 has an 80 in 100 chance of miscarrying.
• History of 2 or more miscarriages in a row
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Uncontrolled thyroid disease
• Problems with your uterus or cervix
• Infection
• Hormonal problems
• Smoking, heavy alcohol use, or illicit drug use

See your care team if you are worried before trying to get pregnant.

How long is it normal to bleed after a miscarriage?

How will I know if miscarriage is complete?

Why is my bleeding not stopping after miscarriage?

How do they stop bleeding after miscarriage?