First Period After Miscarriage: What To Expect

After a miscarriage, it’s natural for nothing to feel normal.

It’s a hard loss, and one that is only just starting to get the support it deserves (in some countries, like the UK). [1]

Side note: before we begin, we recognize this is a sensitive topic, so if you are struggling with pregnancy loss, these are charities and support networks that can help.

But, we’re here today to help you understand what you should expect after a miscarriage.

“What will my first period be like, and when will it come?”

“And can your period change after a miscarriage?”

That’s why we’re here — to help you understand your periods, your cycle, and yourself again. ❤️

In this article: 📝

When should I expect my period after a miscarriage?

In most cases, your period will likely return between 4 - 6 weeks after a miscarriage. [2]

But that also depends on how far along in the pregnancy you were.

The further along the pregnancy, the more atypical the first period will likely be afterward.

For example, if you’ve had a chemical pregnancy, or a miscarriage very early into your pregnancy, your first period will likely appear between 4 - 6 weeks.

But, if you were further along in your pregnancy, your period may take a little longer to show up.

Your hormones will be rebalancing after your loss, so it can sometimes take a while for your periods to return to normal. [3]

You also might experience tissue fragments remaining in the uterus for days, or even weeks, after your miscarriage.

If you still have any remaining tissue left, your miscarriage is not yet complete, which means your periods and menstrual cycle won’t restart until it is complete. [4]

In most cases, this process will happen naturally but, sometimes, a D&C procedure might be required to remove the remaining tissue from the uterus.

🔍 Read More: What is a Chemical Pregnancy?

What is the first period after a miscarriage like?

As with anything, there is no set answer - each period will differ between women.

It may be heavier, or lighter, than normal. [5]

It also might be more painful, too.

Some say they also notice a strong odor from the period blood. [6]

The reason why your period may be heavier could be because your body hasn’t ovulated this month, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Without ovulation happening, your endometrial lining becomes thicker — this can cause not only a heavier flow, but potentially a longer period, too. [7]

What does your first period look like after a miscarriage?

So, as well as it potentially being heavier, more painful, and longer, you might notice some differences in your period blood itself, too. 🩸

It’s not uncommon for the first period after a miscarriage to have more blood clots than usual. [5]

Blood clots can be concerning to see during your period — especially if you’re usual period doesn’t tend to have any clots.

But, these are considered normal after a miscarriage and, over time, your periods will return to look similar to how they did before your pregnancy loss.

You might also spot some brown discharge, too, which, again, is totally normal after a miscarriage, as brown discharge is old blood leaving the body.

Can your period change after a miscarriage?

Initially, your periods will probably be a bit different after a miscarriage, as mentioned above.

They could be heavier, more painful, longer, and have blood clots.

But, you’re not likely to experience any permanent changes to your period after a miscarriage.

After a few cycles, your periods should return to normal. 🔄

Do you ovulate in your first period after miscarriage?

You could do, yes!

It’s possible that you could ovulate as soon as a couple of weeks after your miscarriage. [8]

But, not all women ovulate during this first cycle after a pregnancy loss, and it can sometimes take a while for your periods to regulate.

It all depends on you, and your specific cycle. 🥚

🔍 Get Clued Up: Spot Signs You’re Ovulating 🥚

Does a miscarriage count as a period?

Your next period after your miscarriage is often thought of as your ‘first’ period.

This can vary in cycle length, duration, and heaviness of your flow.

So, yes - your first period is the first period after the fetal tissue is passed, and spotting has stopped.

How long does it take for hormones to settle after a miscarriage?

Like you, your hormones have been through a lot.

Once you get pregnant, these hormones start preparing your body for a baby.

So, once that baby is no longer there, the hormones may take a little while to sync back to normal.

For some, hormone levels may take six weeks or more to return to normal. [6]

But for others, it may be shorter — or, it may be longer.

These hormone levels can also affect your hCG levels.

After a miscarriage, your hCG levels in your body may still be high, or higher than normal, for a while after your pregnancy loss.

After 2 days, hCG levels decrease 35-50% and at 7 days, 66-86%. [9]

High hCG levels are associated with being pregnant but, after a miscarriage, these higher levels of hCG could affect working out when you’re ovulating, and they may even give you a false positive on a pregnancy test.

So, this is something to bear in mind if you’re looking to try for a baby again pretty soon after a miscarriage.

Can you get pregnant after a miscarriage before your first period?

Technically, it is possible — yep.

You may ovulate right away after your miscarriage (around 2 weeks later), meaning that you could get pregnant again fairly rapidly.

But, as we mentioned above, some women’s cycles don’t return back to normal straight away, so it’s all dependent on the person.

In terms of getting pregnant soon after a pregnancy loss, the research on the effects of this is quite mixed…

For example, some studies support the idea of getting pregnant within the first 1 - 3 months after a pregnancy loss. [10]

But, the World Health Organization advises waiting at least six months to reduce the risk of premature birth, maternal anemia, and low birth weight. [11]

Also, it’s worth noting that you should have had a negative pregnancy test after your miscarriage before you start trying to conceive again. [5]

This is to make sure there is no remaining tissue in your uterus, and that your hCG levels have dropped back down to non-pregnancy levels.

You should also no longer be bleeding/spotting from the miscarriage.

So, it’s best to talk through the decision with your doctor, so they can advise you on the best next steps for you and your medical history. 🩺

🔍 Read More: Sex After a Miscarriage: All You Need To Know

Remember, choosing when to try for a baby again is a personal decision.

It may be that you’ll need some time to grieve, and process what’s happened to you.

Or, you may want to start trying to conceive straight away.

And neither is the wrong choice — it’s completely personal to you, and your partner. 🤍

In the meantime, there’s a whole Community of women who’ve been through it all waiting to support you. 🥜