Post-Miscarriage Bleeding: What to Expect & When to Worry

Question
I had a miscarriage on June 8th, I did not have a period until July 28th. The flow is quite heavy, and the blood is a bright red. Is this normal? My obGyn did a sonohysterogram 5 days before my period began, he did a pregnancy test in the office before the procedure and it came out negative. I am worried that I was pregnant during the procedure, and that i am now having another miscarriage. I don't know what is normal or if I should be worried, please help we have been trying for about a year.

Answer
Dear Shelley,

I'm sorry for your loss. I know how difficult it is, from having two myself.  It is unlikely that you were pregnant again after your first loss as it typically takes 2 months or so after a miscarriage to start a normal cycle again with typical ovulation.  If you were pregnant, that would have shown up on the sonohysterogram as it visualizes the uterus.  It is common to have a heavier period after a miscarriage, as there may have been some tissue left.  How far along you were during that pregnancy can also have an effect.  Most people go on to have a typical pregnancy next time, so stay positive.

Sarah