What happens after a miscarriage?

Whether you’ve been through one, seven or more, the aftermath of miscarriage is an intense time, both on your body and emotions. And for me, on all the aspects of life in-between. Many of my relationships became a little more complicated, for example, after my miscarriages. And my career goals and interests did a 180. 

For the vast majority of people, this is a challenging time. After a miscarriage, your body will go through a set of vital changes, as it returns to its pre-pregnancy state. Physically, you might experience bleeding and cramping similar to a heavy menstrual period. And, your hormones will gradually normalize, which can take several weeks. From my own experience, a miscarriage at five weeks was, in many ways, like having a particularly heavy period – but with a more radiating backache. 

Rewind to my first miscarriage, however – this one was at about six or seven weeks – and the bleeding was significantly heavier – as was the pain. Every experience is completely unique, of course.

And in the hours, days and weeks (and for me, months and years) after, your emotional range may take you from shock, confusion and denial, across to grief and sadness, from there to guilt and anger, and possibly back around again, before settling in a place of healing. 

It’s crucial to give yourself time to process, and seek support from a trusted support network, as well as counseling services, if you feel called to it.

What can cause a miscarriage?

Miscarriages can occur for a variety of reasons, almost always beyond anyone’s control. 

Chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus are the most common cause, accounting for about 50 per cent of all miscarriages. These abnormalities are usually random and not inherited. 

Other factors include hormonal imbalances, problems with the uterus or cervix, chronic health conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders, infections, lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive caffeine or alcohol intake, and severe physical trauma. 

It’s important to remember that in most cases, there is nothing that could have been done to prevent a miscarriage. I remember one friend recommending I cut my morning cup of coffee after my second miscarriage. 

Please know, if this resonates, it’s not your morning cup of coffee.

How long does bleeding usually last?

The duration of bleeding after a miscarriage can vary significantly, depending on how far along your pregnancy was, and your health in general. 

In the majority of cases, bleeding lasts from a few days to a few weeks. In early miscarriages, the bleeding might resemble a heavy period and taper off in the same way, within a week. For later miscarriages, it might be more prolonged and intense. 

If you’re experiencing a miscarriage – and I’m so sorry, if you are – monitor the bleeding and consult with your healthcare provider if you think it’s too heavy (soaking through one or more pads in an hour), have severe pain, or signs of infection such as fever or chills.

Complete vs. incomplete

A complete miscarriage occurs when your uterus has expelled all pregnancy tissue, meaning there’s no remaining tissue that could lead to complications. This typically happens in the first trimester but can occur later as well.

After a complete miscarriage, physical recovery tends to happen relatively quickly, with bleeding that resembles a heavy period, usually lasting from a few days to two weeks. And, your hormone levels and uterus will begin a steady healing process. 

An incomplete miscarriage happens when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after the miscarriage. This can lead to continued bleeding and may require medical intervention to ensure that the uterus is clear.

In this situation, women often experience prolonged bleeding and cramping. Medical evaluation can be essential, to determine whether a surgical procedure, such as a dilation and curettage (D&C), is necessary to remove the remaining tissue and prevent complications like infection or heavy bleeding.

Any miscarriage is extremely difficult. But it’s worth noting that the uncertainty of having an incomplete miscarriage can lead to increased anxiety and distress. You may feel a mix of grief and frustration, layering up the importance of support from your trusted circle, at this time. My go-to is a really specific counseling session – touch base with Marie Prince for the best of the best.

How soon can I fall pregnant after a miscarriage?

This is a super-common question, and the first thing I wanted to know after my first miscarriage. That’s just me though – I have many friends who were keen to take a real break after losing a pregnancy. 

Physically, it’s possible to ovulate and become pregnant as soon as two weeks after a miscarriage. However, most healthcare providers recommend waiting until after you’ve had at least one normal menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again. 

This waiting period allows your body to recover and provides a clear timeline for dating the next pregnancy. And emotionally, it’s important to ensure you – and your partner, if you have one – feel ready.

What happens to the fetus?

This is a difficult topic, but one that so many women experiencing miscarriage seek an answer to – in my case, for closure.

The answer really depends on the stage of pregnancy and the circumstances surrounding your miscarriage. In very early miscarriages – often called chemical pregnancies – the fetus is typically reabsorbed by the body or expelled with the pregnancy tissue. 

For miscarriages that occur later in the first trimester or beyond, the fetus is usually expelled from the body through bleeding and cramping. This process can be physically and emotionally painful, and it’s important to seek medical care to ensure that all tissue has been passed to prevent infection or complications. 

When you’re ready, many hospitals and clinics offer options for handling the remains, providing an opportunity for closure and remembrance if you’d find this helpful. Compassionate care and emotional support are crucial for healing – surround yourself with a trusted circle and talk or ask them to hold space – whatever you need – while you’re navigating.

What happens if you get pregnant right after a miscarriage?

Getting pregnant again straight away can be a complex emotional and physical experience. 

Physically, it’s possible to conceive as soon as two weeks after a miscarriage because ovulation can occur even before your next menstrual period. Some women may find comfort in quickly becoming pregnant again, as it can provide a sense of hope and continuation. However, your body might still be recovering, and it’s essential to ensure that you’re physically ready for another pregnancy. 

Healthcare providers typically recommend waiting until you’ve had at least one normal menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again. I filled this waiting time with specific acupuncture, focusing on miscarriage recovery, and steadily bringing my hormones back into balance. Having a path and goal really helped – I also really recommend Cambria Joy’s videos on prepping for future pregnancy, after miscarriage.

What about a five month pregnancy?

After a miscarriage at five months, the experience can be particularly intense both physically and emotionally. Medically referred to as a late miscarriage, women will almost always need medical support to ensure that the body goes through the process fully, and to prevent complications. 

This may involve labor and delivery, and you might need to stay in the hospital for monitoring and care. Physically, you’ll experience bleeding and cramping, which can last for several weeks as your body recovers. Emotionally, a late miscarriage can be profoundly distressing, and again that support circle will be critical at this time. Ask a trusted person to give updates on your behalf, and organize any practical help you need. They’ll surprise you with what they can do.

When you’re ready

These resources might be helpful, as you step forward. 

• Read up – our recent miscarriage law in California guide might be helpful to pull from, as well as my D&C (dilation & curettage) recovery plan, if you’re preparing for this procedure.
• Watch this video with Marie prince – The Fertility Psychologist – for lots of tips on navigating difficult milestones (the focus here being Mother’s Day) after miscarriage.
• Use my go-to guide from Natural Fertility Info, centering in on getting your period back after a gap in your cycle.