Post-Miscarriage Bleeding & Recovery: What to Expect

Question
Hello

I had a spontaneous complete miscarriage (at 5 weeks 2 days) on Friday march 18th 2011. I bled for 4-5 days. The bleeding stopped and has suddenly started again with cramping since last night (3/29/11) and 1 and a half weeks later. I have been doing lots of reading online and understand that every womens body is different. But in general, i should be ovulating this week Friday (2 weeks after m/c) and then should proceed to have my period in another 2 weeks or so. (4 weeks after m/c) I have not had intercourse since the m/c. I am concerned about what could be causing this bleeding as the hospital ultrasounds confirmed that my uterus was empty and cervix was closed. I was also not happy with the OBGYN i had used and decided not to go back to her after my follow up visit. 3/18 my HCG level was 7000 and 3/21 it was 1378. I just assumed that since it had gone down it would be normal by now. I just do not feel comfortable going back to that doctor as she was very rude and impersonal. Please could you help with any information that you may have as to what the cause of the bleeding may be. Think its an early period? Could i have ovulated already? Is it delayed bleeding from the miscarriage? just random spotting? Thanks in advance. PS: when would be safe to try to conceive again?

Answer
Dear Dee

The most common cause for this complaint known medically as postabortive bleeding is the presence of remnants of conception insude your uterus. Therefore, if you get this bleeding/spotting again, i advise a pelvic ultrasound to confirm that the uterus is empty. If not, then a curettage will be necessary but if empty some medications can be prescribed depending on your age.

Good Luck