How Long Do Incomplete Miscarriages Last?

Very sorry to hear you are experiencing a miscarriage. This is a deeply emotional and physical period, and I understand that discussing it might be uncomfortable. Please take your time and be gentle with yourself.

Understanding Incomplete Miscarriages

An incomplete miscarriage occurs when some of the products of conception (embryo, amniotic sac, and fetal tissue) remain in the uterus after a miscarriage has begun. This can lead to continued bleeding and infection risk. It’s essential to seek medical attention if you suspect you might be experiencing an incomplete miscarriage.

First Experience with Incomplete Miscarriage

My first miscarriage was discovered during the first ultrasound at 12 weeks. However, the embryo had only developed up to 4-5 weeks, and my body had retained it.

After the scan, I was sent home and advised to return the next day for a medical management. When I returned, I experienced heavy bleeding, and vaginal tablets were inserted to trigger contractions and expel the remaining products of conception. I then bled heavily for a couple of days. A regular period returned approximately a month later, and I fell pregnant again within 8 weeks, leading to a healthy pregnancy.

Second Experience with Incomplete Miscarriage

Years later, I experienced a second miscarriage when I started bleeding at around 10 weeks. Another ultrasound confirmed the pregnancy had failed. I had the option of medical management (vaginal tablets) or surgical management (prosuction). I opted for the vaginal tablets, but they proved ineffective, leading to heavy bleeding.

The bleeding was so extreme that I nearly went to the emergency room. It lasted around 12 hours before becoming lighter, and the bleeding stopped a week later. By this point, it had been about 5.5 weeks since the initial bleeding began. Another scan confirmed there were remnants in the uterus, and I was advised to undergo surgical management to prevent infection and allow ovulation to resume.

Recovery and Future Pregnancies

Following the surgical management, I recovered and fell pregnant again naturally a few months later. Now, I have a healthy one-year-old, which brought immense joy.

Understanding the Duration

The length of an incomplete miscarriage can vary widely. It can take as little as a week or up to several weeks depending on the individual's body and the nature of the remaining tissue.

Seeking Medical Attention

If you are currently going through an incomplete miscarriage, it is crucial to seek medical help promptly. Regular monitoring and management can help prevent complications such as infection and ensure a smooth recovery.

Please stay strong, care for yourself, and remember that there is a chance for a happy ending.

Key Points:

Incomplete miscarriage: where some products of conception remain in the uterus after a miscarriage. Medical management: including vaginal tablets to trigger expulsion. Surgical management: prosuction to remove the contents of the uterus. Recovery time: can range from a week to several weeks.