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How is Bleeding After Miscarriage Treated?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Bleeding after miscarriage normally lasts for up to two weeks. If bleeding persists or it is unusually heavy, it can be a sign that there is a problem. Treatment for bleeding after having a miscarriage involves an examination to determine what is causing the persistent or recurring bleeding, followed by treatment to resolve the issue. Women should not be afraid to call a gynecologist or women's health provider if they have been bleeding for less than two weeks but they are experiencing symptoms which suggest complications, such as a smelly vaginal discharge, a fever, or extreme pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen.
Miscarriages involve the loss of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks. An estimated 15% of recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage, and up to 50% of unrecognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. There are numerous reasons for a miscarriage to occur, and women should not blame themselves if they experience one. Many women who experience a miscarriage go on to carry a healthy pregnancy to term later.
If a patient presents with prolonged bleeding after miscarriage, a doctor may recommend a blood test to check HCG levels. If HCG levels are elevated, it may mean that the woman has a molar pregnancy, or that there is still fetal or placental tissue in the uterus. An ultrasound can be used to check for signs of material which should not be present in the uterus, and a gynecologist can also perform a colposcopy.
The most common reason for bleeding after miscarriage is unexpelled material. The treatment for this is a dilation and curettage (D & C) to remove the unexpelled tissue from the uterus; this procedure can also be used to treat a molar pregnancy. D & C procedures are commonly performed under general anesthesia to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. Women who had a D & C at the time of a miscarriage should be aware that sometimes material can be left behind even by the most attentive surgeon, and the procedure may need to be repeated.
If there does not appear to be any unexpelled material in the uterus, the patient's prolonged bleeding may be the result of hormone imbalances, which can be checked with blood work. Hormones will eventually stabilize, and the bleeding will resolve on its own. Women who have a history of irregular menstrual periods may also find that they experience prolonged or recurrent bleeding after miscarriage while their bodies recover. Women who intend to try for another pregnancy should consult their doctors about when it is safe to try again.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
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![Miscarriages are most common during the first trimester of pregnancy.]()
By: olesiabilkeiMiscarriages are most common during the first trimester of pregnancy. -
![In cases of suspected miscarriage, a gynecologist usually orders an ultrasound or colposcopy.]()
By: JackFIn cases of suspected miscarriage, a gynecologist usually orders an ultrasound or colposcopy. -
![A woman who has experienced a miscarriage will likely still be able to carry a healthy pregnancy in the future.]()
By: Monkey BusinessA woman who has experienced a miscarriage will likely still be able to carry a healthy pregnancy in the future. -
![Women who have experienced a miscarriage may benefit from counseling.]()
By: Monkey BusinessWomen who have experienced a miscarriage may benefit from counseling. -
![A gynecologist may evaluate a woman who is bleeding during pregnancy or after a miscarriage.]()
By: Dmitriy MelnikovA gynecologist may evaluate a woman who is bleeding during pregnancy or after a miscarriage.
Discussion Comments
I had a medical abortion. Following that, the bleeding didn't stop so the doctor did some procedure to clean my uterus, but the bleeding is still continuing. The doc asked for beta hcg which was also normal. My scan is also normal.
I know what you are going through Aron, and yes George, it's quite saddening. My wife had the misfortune of this yesterday. She is sad but putting up a brave face in front of me.
It breaks me from inside when I see her twinkling eyes. It was our first try for parenthood. I know time heals things, so just trying to shake off this sadness. Wish I knew something that would cheer up my wife. ~ Sam
@ Anon107039- My condolences on your loss. I can attest to your statement that a miscarriage is a sad thing to go through. My lady just went through her first miscarriage, and the bleeding finally stopped ten days later. We never thought about a miscarriage before it happened so I did not know what to expect. For me, the worst part was seeing how sad and in pain my fiancée was. It is not going to get much easier though. We decided to tell family and friends about the pregnancy just two days before the miscarriage (what luck right), so now we are getting congratulation cards in the mail almost every day. I am taking on the job of telling everyone, but I have to say it makes me feel stupid...like I jumped the gun by telling everyone too early.
We will keep trying after this miscarriage, but I think we will need to recharge emotionally for a while before we look to have our second child. Miscarriages are stressful.
I had a miscarriage on Friday morning - 4:30 a.m. It is now Saturday morning - 9:30 a.m. Today my cramps are far worse than they were yesterday, and I have significant lower back pain. All I've been doing is resting in bed, but that doesn't seem to be helping the situation.
I'm still bleeding, about the same as I was right after I miscarried. Halfway filling about 2 maxi pads a day, so not that much blood. Far less than a regular period.
I did go to the doctor yesterday and had an ultrasound done. A D&C wasn't necessary because there wasn't anything except some blood left in my uterus.
I knew something was wrong when I went to bed Thursday night. Felt like I had the flu; fever, sick to my stomach, exhausted, and cramps that felt like menstrual cramps.
Hope this information helps anyone with questions about miscarriages. It is a sad thing to go through, and very uncomfortable.
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