Every person’s experience after a loss is different, physically and emotionally. This means that there’s no “one size fits all” explanation for your loss or for what comes afterwards, but we can tell you what you’re most likely to expect, mentally and physically, and how it will impact your Ovia account.
What happens to my body after a loss?
Some of the most common and normal physical changes you might experience include:
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting lasting for 1-3 weeks
- Brown or yellow cervical mucus
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- A decline in your hCG hormones (determined with lab work)
Normal physical changes you may experience a week or more afterwards include:
- A continued drop in your hCG hormones
- A delayed first period (you won’t menstruate until your hCG levels return to almost zero, which takes about 4-8 weeks, depending on how far along you were). You may not ovulate during the first cycle following a miscarriage.
- An irregular period for up to 3 months, even if you’re normally very regular
- Lingering pregnancy symptoms
- A partially dilated cervix, which can make you more susceptible to infection. Wait until after your first period to have sex, put anything in your vagina or go swimming.
Which symptoms are dangerous?
Any of the following post-miscarriage symptoms are considered serious. Contact your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing:
- Bleeding on and off for several weeks without fully stopping
- Heavy, severe bleeding, especially if it contains clots (i.e. ie soaking through a pad in an hour or less)
- Fever of 100.4°F or higher, or other signs of infection
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Most complications that arise after a loss are the result of pregnancy tissue that hasn’t cleared your body yet, which can cause infections or hemorrhaging.
Medical procedures associated with miscarriages
Many people who experience a miscarriage don’t have symptoms like heavy bleeding or cramping, and only find out they’re experiencing a loss at an appointment to check on their pregnancy. It can be shocking and difficult to process a silent or missed miscarriage. Whether you had miscarriage symptoms or not, in addition to the emotion surrounding loss, you’ll be given options about how to proceed medically and physically. These options may include waiting until your body begins to miscarry on its own, taking medication to start the process of miscarrying without waiting, or having a surgical procedure to remove all pregnancy tissue. There are risks and benefits to each choice, and it is a highly personal medical decision.
About half of those who experience pregnancy loss end up having one of two common procedures called a dilation and curettage (D&C) or a dilation and evacuation (D&E). Performed to stop bleeding and prevent infection, these procedures dilate your cervix and remove all of the pregnancy tissue from your uterus. The difference between them is typically the timing. A D&C is common in the first trimester, while a D&E is often needed for second-trimester losses.
Either procedure typically takes about 20-30 minutes. You’ll receive pain medication or general anesthesia beforehand. If you need a D&E, you may have medication placed in your cervix or given to you to take by mouth the night before. During the procedure, your doctor will remove the retained tissue from your uterus by passing through your dilated cervix with either a curette instrument or a suction tool. Most people are able to leave the hospital or surgery center the same day they receive the procedure.
Afterwards, you can expect cramps, spotting, and bleeding for up to two weeks. Avoid any vaginal penetration, including sex, tampons or cups, or swimming during your recovery.
Can I get pregnant again?
A majority of those who suffer a miscarriage go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future. Although some people may have conditions that heighten the likelihood of miscarriage, it appears that most miscarriages are independent events that happen most often due to chromosomal differences in the developing embryo. You are not responsible for a pregnancy loss, it is never your fault.
According to the Mayo Clinic, less than 5% of pregnant people will experience two consecutive miscarriages, and only about 1% will suffer three. If you have two or more miscarriages, review your options for testing and care with your OB provider.
Though some people may want to wait to try to conceive again because of the physical or emotional toll of miscarriage, there is no evidence that any waiting period is necessary. It’s really up to you, your partner, and your healthcare provider to decide if you’re ready.
Sources
- “Dilation and Curettage (D&C).” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 11/7/2023. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Micarriage.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 9/8/23. Web.
- “Miscarriage.” Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web.
