What is Normal for the First Period After Miscarriage?

A normal first period after miscarriage normally occurs within seven weeks of a pregnancy loss, but it is difficult to say what constitutes "normal." This is due to the fact that different women may have different experiences that are all within the range of normal. For example, some women may have a heavy first period while others may have lighter ones. Likewise, some may have painful cramps while others may not experience cramping at all. Additionally, some women will have spotting that eventually gives way to moderate-to-heavy vaginal bleeding while others may start off with heavy bleeding and gradually taper off to spotting.

In many cases, a woman will have her first period about four to seven weeks after a miscarriage. If a woman experiences vaginal bleeding after only a week or two, it is unlikely to be the result of menstruation. Likewise, if a woman has not passed at least 20 consecutive days without spotting or bleeding from the vagina, the vaginal bleeding she notes is probably not menstruation.

As far as the amount of bleeding that is considered normal for a first period after miscarriage is concerned, this is harder to gauge. There is a wide range of bleeding that may be considered normal. Some women may experience heavy bleeding while others may notice a lighter flow. It is normal for some women to start a first period with spotting that gradually becomes a heavier flow. On the other hand, it is also normal for some women to start off with heavier bleeding that eventually tapers off to spotting.

Often, women experience some cramping, and this is usually normal. It is also normal for a woman to have a first period that does not include any cramping at all. Extreme pain beyond what a woman might experience during a typical period may not be normal, however, and may mean the woman is in need of medical attention.

It may be easier to judge what is not normal for a first period after miscarriage. For example, spotting that lasts for an extended period of days is usually not a normal first period. Likewise, spotting that occurs off and on is probably not a period at all. Additionally, heavy bleeding that lasts for longer than a week may indicate a condition that requires medical attention.