Caring for Your Body After a Miscarriage
Miscarriage is defined as loss of a fetus prior to 20 weeks pregnant. Recovering from a loss may take a few days to a few weeks depending on how far along the pregnancy was. The treatment will vary depending on your situation.
Expectant or Natural Management
“Natural” management refers to "wait and watch.” This option is typically recommended in early pregnancies. Bleeding is similar to a heavy period and once the fetal tissue is passed, your doctor would likely recommend an exam to determine if any follow up interventions are necessary. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Medical Management
There are medications your doctor can prescribe that can help speed the process of passing the tissue. Some providers will allow you to return home and some will require you to stay at the hospital until the process is complete.
If either of these methods are right for you, here are some things to consider:
Using pads for the bleeding
Medication can help with the cramping; your doctor may prescribe something
No sex, swimming, or using tampons until the bleeding has stopped
Contact your medical provider if you:
Soak through 1-2 pads in an hour
Have severe pain that does not subside after taking medication
Pass large clots of tissue
Have a temperature
If you are RH-negative, your doctor will want to see you to administer the RhoGAM shot to protect future pregnancies.
Surgical Management
The surgical process to intervene in the case of miscarriage is called dilatation and curettage (D&C). Your doctor may recommend this procedure when expectant or medical management options have not been successful, or if there are signs of infection, heavy bleeding, or significant pain. You have the option of electing this procedure if expectant or medical management options are not right for you. For more information, check out the American Pregnancy Association.
Medical Follow-Up
It is very important to follow up with your medical provider after the miscarriage is complete. They will want to perform an exam to determine whether all the tissue has been expelled and discuss further options as needed.
Fertility and Future Pregnancies
It is possible for your fertility to return shortly after experiencing a miscarriage. Most medical providers encourage women to wait at least one full menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again as pregnancy immediately following miscarriage, has a slightly higher risk of subsequent loss. On the positive side, most women go on to achieve healthy pregnancies.
If you have been impacted by pregnancy loss of any kind, we at BenefitBump send our most heartfelt condolences and we are here to offer emotional and logistical support as you navigate the impact that this loss has on your family. Please know we are here to help and support you through this challenging time.