Questions About My Miscarriage Experience
Firstly, I appreciate your understanding; please don't feel pity for me as I had originally intended to terminate the pregnancy. My heartfelt condolences go out to anyone who experiences the loss of a wanted child. As for my situation, I reside in South Africa where abortion services are legally available. Here's a bit of background leading up to my current state. I had sexual intercourse on February 16, which was the 23rd day of my menstrual cycle. Five days later, on February 21, I got my period. Then on March 6, I visited my doctor to obtain a Copper IUD. They administered a quick urine pregnancy test, which I expected to return negative. However, it came back positive—just a faint line, but it was definitely not negative. Fast forward to three days ago when I began to bleed. At first, I thought it was likely just my period. I knew that some women continue to bleed even during pregnancy, or perhaps the urine test had resulted in a false positive. The pain I experienced was similar to normal menstrual cramps, so I wasn’t overly concerned prior to my ultrasound appointment scheduled for today, to determine the gestational age for the purpose of termination. If it were just a regular period, it would indicate my last cycle was 32 days long. Today, March 26, during my ultrasound appointment, I informed the physician about the bleeding. After scanning, he noted that my uterus appeared empty and requested a urine sample. The test showed bloody urine with a few small clots, yet it tested positive for pregnancy. A second test was conducted to confirm the result; it too was positive. The doctor informed me that I was actively experiencing a miscarriage, clarifying that this was not simply a menstrual period. With my uterus seemingly clear of complications, he felt confident and advised me to return in six weeks for a follow-up to ensure I was recovering well. However, in a whirlwind of anxiety over the prospect of still being pregnant in six weeks, and my ADHD impacting my thought process, I forgot to ask some important questions. 1. Is there any chance I could still be pregnant in six weeks despite him indicating no fetus was present? I was told I had a relatively full bladder—could that have obstructed the view of my uterus during the scan? 2. After a complete miscarriage, how long does it typically take for a woman to stop bleeding? I realize experiences can vary, but I’m curious whether I should anticipate a few days, weeks, or potentially longer? 3. When should I seek medical assistance? How long should I continue bleeding before I start to worry? Are there specific symptoms I need to be vigilant about? Since I’ve been discharged, I imagine everything should be fine, but I’d like to be informed. 4. When using my app to track my cycle, does the onset of the miscarriage (the bleeding that began three days ago) count as the start of my new cycle? Or would the first day of my next period after the miscarriage bleeding concludes be considered day one? These are the queries swirling in my mind; I feel mentally exhausted at this point! For context, I’ve had a single false positive pregnancy test back in 2010, which was later confirmed negative through blood work. However, between 2017 and 2019, I experienced numerous negative urine tests that were altogether accurate. Here are some additional details that may or may not be relevant to my situation: **Medical Diagnoses:** - Type 2 Diabetes - Hypertension - Fibromyalgia - Major Depression - ADHD - GERD - Urinary Stress Incontinence **Medications (Chronic):** - Oxybutynin 5mg, three times daily - Enalapril Maleate 20mg, once in the morning - Amlodipine 10mg, once in the morning - Metformin 1000mg, once in the morning and night - Pantoprazole 20mg, twice daily - Simvastatin 10mg, once at night - Atenolol 25mg, twice daily - Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg, once in the morning - Carbamazepine 100mg, twice daily - Citalopram 40mg, once in the morning **Occasional Medications:** - Ibuprofen - Paracetamol - Rennie/Eno (Antacids) - Dymista Nasal Spray 137/50mcg **Medical History:** - Medical abortion in 2007, which was not fully completed; required a D&C approximately eight weeks later. - Emergency C-Section in 2008 due to Pre-eclampsia. - A family history of Hypertension and Intracranial Aneurysm Hemorrhage. I quit smoking in 2018. There are no illegal drugs in my history and I consume minimal alcohol on occasion. My goal is to lose 30 kg, a plan I have been working on for the past year and a half. I am a 37-year-old female, weighing 120 kg. Thank you for your attention!
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 11:01:18 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about your experience, and I respect your feelings and goals regarding your situation. It’s understandable to have many questions and concerns during this time. Here are clear answers to your queries, structured to provide the guidance you need:
Main Points:
- Possibility of Remaining Pregnant: Despite your ultrasound indicating an empty uterus, further monitoring is recommended to confirm there's no remaining tissue.
- Bleeding Duration After Miscarriage: Bleeding after a miscarriage can last a few days to several weeks, with variability among individuals.
- When to Seek Medical Help: Be vigilant for heavy bleeding or severe symptoms that warrant immediate attention.
- Cycle Tracking Post-Miscarriage: The start of your new cycle will typically be counted once your bleeding from the miscarriage has concluded.
Detailed Explanation:
-
Chance of Remaining Pregnant:
- The ultrasound study and evaluation by your doctor suggest a miscarriage, indicating that the pregnancy hasn’t progressed. However, it’s still important to follow up after six weeks to ensure that the uterus has cleared completely. A full bladder may obscure visibility slightly but should not prevent a clear indication of pregnancy; however, a follow-up is crucial for peace of mind.
-
Bleeding Duration:
- After a complete miscarriage, most women will experience bleeding that can last anywhere from a few days up to two weeks. In some cases, light spotting may occur for longer. Monitor the flow; if it changes to a heavier flow (soaking through a pad every hour consistently), this may require medical assessment.
-
When to Seek Help:
- Look out for the following signs that would necessitate seeking medical attention:
- Heavy Bleeding: Soaking through pads quickly.
- Severe Pain: Significant increases in abdominal pain not relieved with over-the-counter pain medications.
- Fever: A temperature above 38°C (100.4°F) or chills.
- Foul-smelling discharge: This may indicate infection.
- Look out for the following signs that would necessitate seeking medical attention:
-
Cycle Tracking:
- For tracking purposes, the start of your new cycle is generally counted from the first day your bleeding from the miscarriage ends. However, it’s essential to track any irregularities in your cycles following the miscarriage as hormonal changes can occur.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a record of your bleeding intensity and any other symptoms you may experience.
- Follow-Up Appointment: Attend your follow-up appointment in six weeks to confirm recovery.
- Stay Informed: Write down any further questions or concerns you have for your next medical visit to ensure clarity on your treatment and recovery process.
It's perfectly normal to feel a mix of emotions during this time, and it's crucial to seek support when needed. You're taking proactive steps for your health, which is commendable. Please take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions.
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