Miscarriage is a loss of preganancy anytime during the first 20 weeks of gestation. About 25% of the known pregnancies end up in miscarriage. Miscarriage affects your menstrual cycle, physical health, and emotional well-being. The first period after a miscarriage occurs after almost 4-6 weeks. The return of the periods after a miscarriage depends on the hormonal levels and how far the pregnancy had progressed.
Highlights
- The first period after a miscarriage depends on how far the pregnancy has progressed, and thus, the hCG hormone levels
- The first period after an early pregnancy discharge occurs after 2 weeks while periods take 4-6 weeks to return after a late pregnancy miscarriage.
- The first post-miscarriage period is heavy, painful, and causes breast tenderness.
When will the first periods after miscarriage start?
The first period after miscarriage depends on how far the pregnancy had come. The first period after a miscarriage returns in 4-6 weeks, usually. If the miscarriage occurs during early pregnancy, periods can return in almost 2-3 weeks. The ovulation starts after 2 weeks of miscarriage.
The time for the periods after a miscarriage can vary depending on the hCG levels in the body. Higher hCG levels in pregnancy increase the progesterone levels in the body. These increased hormonal levels restrict ovulation until the pregnancy ends. When a miscarriage occurs in early pregnancy, hCG returns back to normal in 2-3 weeks. During the second trimester, periods return in 4-6 weeks. This is because hormone levels are at their peak during this time and takes time to return back to normal.
Also read: The first period after C-section
How long does the first period after a miscarriage last?
The first period after a miscarriage can last longer than the normal 3-7 days cycle. The days for the periods are calculated after the miscarriage bleeding is over. A miscarriage is considered complete when the uterus has shed all the tissues of its lining. The tissue fragments can remain in the uterus and shed off and on but this bleeding is not considered a period until 4-6 weeks.
The first periods after a miscarriage can become heavier and last longer than normal menstrual bleeding. If your periods were irregular before pregnancy, it is likely that they will be irregular after miscarriage as well.
Periods after miscarriage may become heavier than before. They have increased clots and foul odor as well.
Read also: What are the causes of delayed periods
What is your first period like after a miscarriage?
The first period after a pregnancy loss can be a lot different from normal menstrual bleeding. The bleeding during the first one or two cycles can be very heavy with blood clots. The first periods after a miscarriage also have a foul odor and cause breast tenderness. The menstrual cramps and pain is increased and periods cause more discomfort after a miscarriage.
However, some people may experience very light vaginal bleeding during their first post-miscarriage period. If the periods are very light or the cycle doesn’t return to normal after 1-2 cycles, it is important to consult a gynecologist.
Factors affecting the first periods after miscarriage
The return of the normal period after miscarriage depends on the following factors;
Hormone level fluctuations: The ovulation and periods after miscarriage depend on the hCG and progesterone levels in the body. If the miscarriage occurs in late pregnancy, hCG and progesterone levels take a longer time to return back to zero.
Pregnancy Trimester: The body recovers from a first-trimester miscarriage earlier and the normal periods begin as soon as after 2 weeks. During a miscarriage of higher progressed pregnancy, it takes longer for the body to recover and starts ovulating again. Hence, it takes 4-6 weeks for the periods to return in such cases.
Underlying Medical Conditions: The menstrual cycle becomes irregular in women suffering from underlying medical conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, etc. The periods are affected by these medical conditions even after a miscarriage. The hormonal storm in the body resulting from a miscarriage affects the time of the first period after a miscarriage.
Normal Menstrual Cycle: If your periods were irregular before pregnancy, it is very likely that the periods will still be irregular after miscarriage. The menstrual cycle is also affected by higher body weight.
Emotional Stress: A miscarriage brings along emotional disturbances and stress. Many women experience extreme depression and anxiety following a miscarriage. This emotional outbreak affects hormonal levels, and thus menstruation, after a miscarriage.
Also read: How to stop periods immediately at home
How to manage first periods after miscarriage?
The first period can be extremely painful and with the heavier flow after a miscarriage. It has a foul odor and heavy blood clots. It is essential to manage reproductive health properly to avoid any further complications.
OTC medicines: Use OTC medicines including ibuprofen and paracetamol to manage the intense period of pain post-miscarriage.
Heating pads: The first or second cycle after a miscarriage results in extremely painful period cramps. Use a heating pad in the abdominal region to manage the cramps and pain.
Relaxation techniques: The hormonal distress after miscarriage and during the first post-miscarriage periods can also lead to emotional distress. It is important to practice yoga and meditation techniques to relax your mind
Good hygiene: Take a hot bath during periods to ease the pain. Avoid using tampons during the first or second periods after a miscarriage. Also, refrain from intercourse immediately after a miscarriage as it further complicates the menstrual cycle.
Consult a gynecologist to discuss the complications associated with miscarriage.
FAQs
1. Is your first period different after a miscarriage?
The first post-miscarriage periods are heavier and more painful than normal. They also contain blood clots and cause breast tenderness. The initial one or two menstrual cycles also last longer than usual after a miscarriage.
2. Why you are not getting your periods after a miscarriage?
The periods can get delayed after a miscarriage by 4-6 weeks. It is normal not to have periods immediately after a miscarriage as the higher hCG hormone level prevents ovulation during this time.
3. Are miscarriages and periods the same?
The bleeding during a miscarriage is heavier than the usual periods. The discharge also contains vaginal tissues and causes extreme pain due to the dilation of the cervix.