When to Expect Your Period
When you can expect your period to return is probably the most common question women have about physical recovery after a miscarriage, and the answer varies depending on the person. There are several factors that affect the timing of when you will resume menstruation, including:
The regularity of your menstrual cycle: If your cycle was unpredictable prior to your early pregnancy loss, it will likely be the same after your miscarriage.The gestation at the time of the loss: Generally, depending on how far along you were in your pregnancy when you miscarried, you may ovulate as soon as 2 weeks after an early pregnancy loss or it may take several weeks more. If you were further along, it might take longer for it to come back than if you were in early pregnancy when the loss happened.
When Will I Ovulate?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), ovulation can occur as soon as two weeks after an early pregnancy loss. And since ovulation happens before you get a period in any given cycle, you may be fertile before you realize it. If you do not wish to become pregnant again right away, talk to your doctor about birth control. For example, an intrauterine device can be inserted immediately after an early pregnancy loss, notes ACOG.
The First Period After Miscarriage
For some people, that first period after a miscarriage will not be noticeably different from your normal period, but others might experience the following:
Clotting due to a heavier flowDischarge with a strong odorHeavier or lighter bleedingLonger than usual periodMore painful periodTender breasts
In addition to physical symptoms, many women also experience emotional symptoms due to hormonal fluctuations and the distress of the miscarriage itself.
Irregular Periods After Miscarriage
It’s fairly common for periods to be irregular after a miscarriage, particularly the initial one cycle after pregnancy loss. The timing of the miscarriage will also impact how long it takes to get back to a regular period. The farther along you were in your pregnancy when a miscarriage occurred, the longer your period may take to get back on track. Additionally, if you had irregular periods before the pregnancy, your cycle may continue to be irregular. However, typically, your period should return to its typical pattern after a cycle or two.
When to Call Your Doctor
If your period remains abnormal for multiple cycles, or if you’re having severe pain or other concerns associated with your period, you should let your doctor know. Furthermore, if it has been longer than 2 or 3 months since your miscarriage and you haven’t yet had a period, you should inform your doctor. An extremely light or no period could be a sign of Asherman’s syndrome, which is scarring in the uterus which can occur after a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure. Especially if you have a history of depression, a miscarriage can increase your risk of having an episode of clinical depression after a miscarriage. Be sure to contact your doctor if you’re experiencing any of the following signs:
Appetite changes Fatigue and low energy Irritability or restlessness Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, guilt, or helplessness Persistent pains or digestive problems that do not respond to treatment Problems in concentrating and making decisions Sleep disturbances Thoughts of suicide
When to Try Again
After a miscarriage, you may find yourself thinking about trying again for a new pregnancy. A lot of physicians advise waiting anywhere from 1 to 3 months before attempting to conceive again. This is because some doctors believe there is an increased risk of miscarriage if couples conceive too soon, though there’s no real evidence that is true. Others believe that couples need time to grieve the previous loss. And some recommend waiting for at least one menstrual cycle simply to have a normal period to use in dating the next pregnancy. It is also generally recommended that women abstain from sex for one to two weeks after a miscarriage to reduce the risk of an infection. Yet, short of individual health circumstances, there’s no convincing evidence that it’s medically necessary for most women to wait any set period of time to conceive after a miscarriage. If you have any questions or concerns, you should discuss them with your physician.
A Word From Verywell
Miscarriage is a major life stressor for those who experience it, and feelings of loss, anger, sadness, guilt, and more can linger in the months or years following a miscarriage. You and your partner should take enough time to grieve properly after pregnancy loss and meet with a mental health professional if needed. When you and your partner feel comfortable and ready for pregnancy, this is a good time to consider becoming pregnant again. Successful pregnancy after miscarriage is very common.
