From the Research
Miscarriage bleeding typically lasts about 1-2 weeks, though it can vary significantly from person to person. The heaviest bleeding usually occurs in the first few days and gradually tapers off, similar to a heavy period. The duration depends on how far along the pregnancy was, with earlier miscarriages generally having shorter bleeding periods. You might experience spotting for up to a month afterward.
Key Points to Consider
- The bleeding occurs as the body expels the pregnancy tissue and the uterine lining 1.
- If you soak through more than two pads per hour for two consecutive hours, experience severe pain, develop a fever over 100.4°F, notice foul-smelling discharge, or continue bleeding heavily beyond two weeks, seek immediate medical attention as these could indicate complications such as infection or retained tissue.
- Most healthcare providers recommend avoiding tampons, sexual intercourse, and douching during this time to reduce infection risk.
- The physical recovery typically takes a few weeks, but emotional healing may take longer.
Management and Care
According to a study published in the Lancet in 2021 1, miscarriage is a significant public health issue, with an estimated 23 million miscarriages occurring every year worldwide. The study highlights the importance of providing adequate care and support to women who have experienced a miscarriage, including counseling and follow-up appointments to monitor their physical and emotional recovery.
Duration of Bleeding
A randomized controlled study published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics in 2014 2 compared the efficacy and safety of expectant management with surgical management of first-trimester miscarriage. The study found that the duration of bleeding was significantly longer in the expectant management group (mean 11 days) compared to the surgical management group (mean 7 days). However, the study also found that expectant management was safe and effective in about 81.4% of cases, and had a lower rate of pelvic infection compared to surgical management.
Recent Evidence
The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is the 2021 study published in the Lancet 1, which provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, physical, psychological, and economic costs of early pregnancy loss. The study highlights the importance of providing adequate care and support to women who have experienced a miscarriage, and recommends that miscarriage data be gathered and reported to facilitate comparison of rates among countries and to improve patient care and policy development.