your health after miscarriage HCG Levels Most women can expect their levels to return to a non-pregnant range about 4 - 6 weeks after a pregnancy loss has occurred. This can differentiate by how the loss occurred (spontaneous miscarriage, D&C procedure, abortion, natural delivery), and how high the levels were at the time of the loss. Health care providers usually will continue to test HCG levels after a pregnancy loss to ensure they return back to 5.0. tiredness It is normal to feel emotionally and physically drained following a miscarriage. If possible take a few days off work, and if you can't, make sure you get to bed early, plan rests where possible and postpone anything that isn't urgent. Make yourself your first priority. bleeding If your miscarriage is complete, you can expect your bleeding to taper off rapidly, i.e. over the next week it should get lighter and lighter and stop. All bleeding and spotting should have stopped by seven days. If it persists or is heavier than a normal period, this indicates something is wrong, see your doctor. While you are still bleeding it is important that you shower, not bath, and that you do not swim in public pools because of the risk of contracting an infection. pain When the miscarriage is complete, or after a D&C all pain should cease. Again, see your doctor if you have continuing pain. temperature Temperature indicates infection which can result in infertility. If you have one see your doctor urgently. You will be treated with antibiotics and possibly a D&C (or repeat D&C). discharge If you are having an offensive discharge this could also indicate infection so get checked out. lactation This is normal if the pregnancy has lasted longer than 12 weeks and will stop by itself. menstrual cycle Ovulation can occur 14 days after a miscarriage with the next period 28 days after the miscarriage, but there is great personal variation. It may take a few cycles before your regular pattern is re-established. This means that you can become pregnant 14 days after a miscarriage if you resume a normal cycle immediately, but there is a great personal variation. It can take up to 6 or 7 weeks for your next period to come if you had "natural" miscarriage (i.e. no D&C or tablets). sex Sexual intercourse should be avoided until bleeding has stopped to prevent the risk of infection. Even though your cervix will be closed again, sperm can travel up through it and introduce infection into the uterus, which is still healing. contraception If you do not wish to become pregnant immediately, you should start using contraception straight after the miscarriage. Note: The pill should be commenced at the time of the miscarriage. You will not be safe until you have taken the tablets for 14 days. the physical symptoms of grief Many women find they experience physical symptoms of grief as well as the emotional aspects. These vary greatly from person to person, and include: disturbed sleep and eating patterns unexplainable tiredness unexpected tears disturbing dreams and mental confusion Be gentle and patient with yourself during this time and take comfort in knowing that these symptoms are normal.

what is miscarriage? | why miscarriages happen recurrent miscarriage | ectopic pregnancy molar pregnancy | stages of miscarriage miscarriage at home | D&C and miscarriage treatment in NZ hospitals your health after miscarriage | subsequent pregnancy | medical FAQ email: support@miscarriagesupport.org.nz | Online forum Supportline: (09) 378 4060 | Fax: (09) 360 4034 Please note: The medical information included on our website has been supplied for us by doctors. Please take any further medical enquiries to your own LMC or try; www.AskAnOb.com (unlimited personalised email answers also offered for $29.95 US) ©2006 Miscarriage Support Auckland Inc Terms of Use & Legal

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