After Care at Home
Tiredness​
You may experience symptoms of fatigue and exhaustion during and after a miscarriage. Sometimes taking time off work or normal activities to recover physically and mentally is beneficial. If you need a certificate for work, the hospital will be able to provide you with one.
It is advisable to rest for a couple of days following a miscarriage. Normal physical activities can be resumed once you feel you are ready. It is not unusual to feel tired and emotional for the next few weeks. Returning to work is an individual decision and is dependent on how you are feeling. If your tiredness persists and does not improve, please consult your GP.
When your period should return
It is normal to experience light bleeding for 7 to 10 days following a miscarriage. During this time, you should avoid sex, baths, swimming, and the use of tampons, to prevent infection.
Your period should return 3 to 6 weeks after the bleeding has stopped; however, this may vary from person to person. If you have any concerns – for example, if your period does not return within 3 months – please contact your GP.
Possible complications following a miscarriage
Women usually do not need any routine follow up with CUMH (main hospital or EPU at the Kinsale Road Clinic) following a miscarriage.
However, if you experience any of the following, please contact your GP, South Doc, or the Emergency Room or EPU at CUMH:
​
-
Positive pregnancy test three weeks after you have stopped bleeding
-
Bleeding for more than two weeks following miscarriage
-
Heaving bleeding i.e. need to change a sanitary towel (pad) with blood clots every 15 minutes for more than an hour
-
Severe abdominal pain
-
Offensive discharge from your vagina that is green or yellow and with a bad smell.