Navigating Post-Miscarriage Bleeding & Cramps: What to Expect
QuestionOn August 14 we had a miscarriage, I was 12 weeks and had heard the heartbeat a week earlier. I had a few days of bleeding and then probably 2 1/2 weeks of spotting. Then it all stopped and I had no spotting for a weeks and a half, yesterday I started having cramps and some lite spotting. The lite cramps turned into hard cramps and alot of bleeding that lasted for a few hours accompanied with some clotting that was about the size of a silver dollar. Today almost no bleeding at all and only a little spotting when i go to the bathroom. Is it possible that I am having a period? I have an appointment to follow up with my ob on Wed. If it is a real period will he be able to tell? Is there anyway for me to tell befor then it is driving me crazy, I would call and talk to the nurse but since I have an appointment this week anyway I figure she will just tell me to wait and come in then. I hope you have some information for me, I am anxiously waiting the go a head and try again and not knowing what is going on with my body is driving me crazy.
Thanks Mariette
AnswerDear Marriette,
The first period after a miscarriage is very rarely "normal". More than likely this was a period, but you just never know because your body needs some time to completely heal and get hormone levels back to normal, non-pregnant levels after a pregnancy loss. Because of this, the general recommendation is usually to wait through 2-3 normal menstrual cycles before getting pregnant again. This is simply to allow for the most ideal conditions possible.
Waiting through at least one more cycle will also allow you to know for sure that this has actually been that first menstrual period. There really is no use stressing or worrying so about whether or not this has been a period. Again, your hormones take a bit to get back to normal and this can alter your normal bleeding pattern for the first period.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
