Discharge Information After the Surgical Management of Miscarriage

This factsheet provides important information regarding your care after undergoing surgical management of a miscarriage. Understanding what to expect during your recovery process is essential for your physical and emotional well-being. 

We will outline signs to watch for, self-care tips, and follow-up instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. 

It's important to feel supported and informed as you navigate this experience, and we are here to assist you every step of the way. 

Important information about your anaesthetic: 

As you will have had a general anaesthetic, there are some things to keep in mind: 

• You must not drive a motor vehicle for 24 hours
• Someone will need to pick you up from the hospital and care for you for the next day
• You cannot sign any legal documents for the next 24 hours
• It is recommended that you do not drink any alcohol for 24 hours
• It is recommended you avoid heavy work or strenuous exercise, sport or dancing for a week after your surgery

What can I expect to happen to my body after miscarriage? 

It is usual to have some bleeding from your vagina similar to a period. You might also have some crampy abdominal pains. You can use hot packs, as well as paracetamol to try and settle these pains. 

What should I avoid after a miscarriage? 

• It is best not to put anything into your vagina while you are bleeding after your miscarriage. Avoid using tampons and instead use sanitary pads until the bleeding stops
• Avoid vaginal intercourse until the bleeding stops and you feel comfortable and ready. This should be a minimum of two weeks
• Avoid swimming, and take showers instead of baths for the next two weeks
• Consider waiting for at least one normal period before trying to get pregnant. as some research suggests a higher chance of miscarriage if you get pregnant straight away. It is possible to get pregnant straight away, so you will need to use some form of contraception

What does miscarriage mean for future pregnancies? 

After a miscarriage, you might have mixed feelings about becoming pregnant again. It is important to know that there is no "right" way to think and act. Some couples decide that they want to try for a pregnancy straight away, while others need time to adjust to their loss. 

If you are worried or anxious about loss in future pregnancies, you might find it helpful to talk to someone about this. Your doctor, a counsellor, or a support group can provide information and assistance. 

If you do try for another pregnancy, make sure that you avoid any of the lifestyle factors that are known to increase the risk of miscarriage such as smoking, alcohol and excess caffeine. It is recommended that all women take 400mg of folic acid daily while trying to conceive and continue until three months of pregnancy. 

Feelings and reactions 

There is no 'right' way to feel following a miscarriage. You may experience a range of physical or emotional reactions, or you may feel very little at all. Some degree of grief is very common, even if the pregnancy was not planned. Your partner may have a different reaction to you, as people deal with feelings of grief and loss in their own way. Try to take it a day at a time and to acknowledge your feelings and reactions as they arise. 

Most people find it helpful to talk about their feelings. This might be with your partner, family or close friends. Sometimes it's difficult to talk to family and friends, especially if you have chosen 
not to share the news of the pregnancy. You may find that people do not acknowledge that you have suffered a loss and may even dismiss or minimise your loss. 

Know that it is OK to grieve the loss of your pregnancy in the way that feels right to you. There is support available for bereaved parents for all types and gestations of pregnancy loss, and you may prefer to talk to a GP/ obstetrician / gynaecologist. midwife or counsellor. 

Anti-D injection after a miscarriage 

It is important to have your blood group checked. If you're RhD negative and the fetus is RhD positive this can cause problems for future pregnancies. This is because the fetus's blood cells have RhD antigen attached to them, whereas yours do not. 

If small amounts of the fetus's blood mixes with your blood, your immune system may perceive this difference in blood cells as a threat and produce antibodies to fight against the fetus's blood. 

Once your body has made these antibodies they can't be removed. This is unlikely to have caused your miscarriage and is more likely to affect future pregnancies. 

Women with a negative blood type usually need an Anti-D injection, which will stop the antibodies forming. 

When to seek medical advice: 

If you develop any of the following symptoms it is possible that you have an infection or that some pregnancy tissue has been left behind. 

Please contact your obstetrician or your GP if: