You have had a miscarriage. This is the unplanned end of a pregnancy before the baby can live outside the uterus. You may feel a roller coaster of emotions as well as physical symptoms as your body recovers. It may take a few weeks to a month or more to recover physically depending on how far along you were in the pregnancy.
Home care
Suggestions for care at home include:
-
Return to your daily routines when you feel ready. This might be right away, or you may want to wait a few days.
-
Take showers instead of tub baths. This helps prevent infection. Ask your healthcare provider when you can take baths again.
-
Don't do any strenuous exercise right away, such as aerobics or running. Wait until the bleeding slows to the rate of a normal period.
-
Don’t have sex, use tampons, or cleanse with a douche until your healthcare provider says it’s OK.
-
Reach out to those closest to you for understanding, comfort, and support. Give yourself the time you need to grieve your loss. Ask your healthcare provider about support groups in your area. It may be helpful to talk with others who have had a miscarriage.
Follow-up
Make a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider as advised.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider or seek medical care right away if you have any of the following:
-
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher or as advised by your provider
-
Chills
-
Bright red vaginal bleeding or a smelly discharge
-
Vaginal bleeding that soaks more than one menstrual pad per hour
-
Belly pain that's severe or getting worse
