Physically recovering from a miscarriage... PDF E-mail
The physical healing from a miscarriage will seem to drag on forever. Unfortunately the emotional aspects may cause suffering for a significantly greater amount of time. Couples may become so overwhelmed by the physical process of miscarriage, fear, and wondering if what they are experiencing is “normal” that emotional aspects can be cast aside. For many to begin the healing process of their tragic loss, the physical reminders must resolve. While physical recovery is different for everyone, just as miscarriage experiences vary from woman to woman, we hope to help you understand what you might expect after both a natural and medically assisted miscarriage. 

 

After a natural miscarriage—which may take hours, days, or even weeks (although not recommended due to the possibility of infection)—your bleeding will begin to taper off.  You may then have some spotting for perhaps a week or two. Intermittent spotting may continue along with the passage of some residual tissue. You might experience cramping and discomfort. Some women experience large amounts of cervical mucus which can vary in color from brown to yellow. Pregnancy symptoms such as breast tenderness, nausea, and frequent urination may continue as your body begins to slowly return hormonally to a pre-pregnant state. Extreme fatigue, grogginess, and hormonal swings are common due to the physical demands of a natural miscarriage, and the sadness of your loss. 

 

Many of the same symptoms occur with a D&C or a D&E, but typically the physical recovery time is shorter. You will remain in the hospital until you are stable and awake enough to go home. Someone must drive you as you will be groggy from the anesthesia. Pain and tenderness is common even at this early stage of recovery. Your stay in the hospital will depend on your physical well-being and may be anywhere from a few hours to the entire day. Rarely does this procedure warrant an overnight admission. When you arrive home you will still be quite sleepy from the anesthesia, which may even persist for several days. As with a natural miscarriage, ibuprofen, naproxen, or prescription pain medication and a heating pad on your abdomen may provide some comfort.  Many of the physical symptoms you will experience are similar, but to a lesser degree, than a natural miscarriage. Vaginal bleeding will occur in smaller amounts and subside in a shorter amount of time. Cramping may be present, but fairly mild. You may still have a small amount of tissue passage which had not been completely removed during the surgical procedure. These events may continue for several days. Rest quietly for the remainder of the day, and resume normal activities only when you feel you are able. 

 

Both natural miscarriage and surgical treatment will produce hormone induced mood swings. Your body will begin to regulate these hormones back to a pre-pregnant state, and your menstrual cycle will usually take four to seven weeks to produce a period. This period could be heavy, light, long, or short, or entirely like any other period you ever had.  . 

 

Regardless of whether you have endured a natural miscarriage or surgical intervention, you must pay close attention to your physical recovery. Conditions which warrant immediate attention include dizziness or fainting, bright red vaginal bleeding which soaks thorough one or more pads in an hour, the passage of large clots, cramping or severe pain that does not resolve with medication or rest, a fever above 100 F, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, hot flashes, persistent sweating, rapid pounding heart beat, or any other concerns regarding your health. Do not insert anything into your vagina such as a tampon or douche, or engage in sexual intercourse until you consult with your healthcare provider. Your cervix will remain open for some time, and placing anything into the vagina will put you at risk for infection Consult your healthcare provider for actions which may place you at further risk for infection such as bathing, swimming, or soaking in a hot tub. Always follow up with your healthcare provider as directed. 

 

Feeling exhausted and sore are the normal physical issues that comes with any miscarriage. Take time to recover as returning to your normal schedule before you are ready can make it more difficult to deal with the emotional recovery which lies ahead.