Recovering After a Miscarriage: What to Expect in the First Month

Question
Hi Christine, I dont know if you can help me or not.  But I thought I would give it a try.  I had a miscarriage at 6 1/2 weeks along (very early).  My husband and I had been trying for a second child for almost 6 years so losing this second one was extremely hard, but I have now come to terms with it.  In a few days I am due to have my menstrual cycle again and have been feeling kinda ill, so I figure it is coming.   My miscarriage was never confirmed.  I went to the doctor and he was rude and uncaring.  he just told me I was definately miscarrying and there was nothing I could do.  I came home that night and started bleeding bad and clots soon followed, so even though he was so rude I figured he was right and never returned back to him.  My question is this far after a miscarriage is it normal for your stomach to be really hard?  My stomach is so hard, its just not the same as it used to be.  Is that normal?  Any ideas?  Thanks in advance.

ASHLEY

Answer
Hi Ashley
         I'm sorry you had such a bad experience with your doctor. Miscarriage is upsetting enough witout having to deal with an unsympathetic medic.

Everybodys bodies act differently after miscarriage. As long as you're not bleeding or are experiencing any abnormal discharge (not its usual colour, foul smelling etc) then the blating could just be pre-menstrual.

My main concern is that you've been trying for so long without success. You probably don't want to hear this, but you need to seek advice about your 6 unsucessful years of trying. It's advised that under 35's should wait a year and over 35's should wait 6 months before seeking advice about not being able to concieve.

You could always try an ovulation planner. They work very well. There's a good one here: http://parenthoodplace.com/planner/ovulation.html

You need to note the first day of your period each months for it to be more effective.

Don't forget, you really need to aim to have sex about 3 to 4 times a week to stand a chance of conception. Once an egg leaves the ovaries, it only actually lives for 12 to 24hrs so you have a very small window to work with!

I wish you the best of luck.

Sarah