Medical miscarriage pain?

[Khanga27]

Hi there. I had a medical miscarriage in hospital on Friday and this seems to have passed what was needed (pending a negative pregnancy test in a few weeks) - the sac came out whole and to be honest it was so painful until it passed, after which the pain went away.

I was told period pain was normal but I'm really freaking out and stressing. The bleeding hasn't been really heavy or anything, but it feels like cramps for a heavy period, and I've had brief pain almost like ligament pain - is this things going back to how they were? I've even had a little brief pain in my vagina - is that from stretching to pass the sac whole? I've also been really tired, and I know my body had been through a lot physically but I had hoped that maybe after resting over the weekend I'd start to feel more myself energy wise at least if nothing else?

I'm sorry if these are stupid questions. I've rang the ward I was on and they aren't concerned but said if I was then to pop to a&e. I just don't want to waste anyone's time. I do struggle with anxiety, but I'm so worried about risk of infection and if this might lead to infertility or worse.

I just wondered if anyone who has gone through a medical miscarriage that could advise whether what I'm experiencing is normal?

So sorry for your loss, I had a miscarriage back in May and and the medical management was an awful experience. I had retained products when I left hospital and they told me to give it a couple of weeks at home as they had given me the full dose of medication already. The cramps were absolutely awful but after a week, I passed a small lump of tissue and then the pain went away straight after.

I think some pain is normal at this stage for you. If the pain is still bad a week after the medical management I would go back and get a scan incase you have retained anything.

Hello Khanga27,

I am sorry for your loss. I had a medical miscarriage just over a month ago and I agree the pain afterwards was quite intense for me too. No one mentions this but it might be because the womb is reducing in size, and it took about 1 week of strong cramping before it felt a little better.

I hope you are feeling better. It is a very difficult time, so take care.

Yes, mine was quite painful but manageable with a Codeine, paracetemol, ibuprofen combination. Weirdly I had cramps every afternoon for about 2 weeks afterwards and would take painkillers then it just went away. I think there’s quite a big range of normal.

@Khanga27 so sorry for you loss.

I know from my experience that this time can be scary and confusing because they just don't tell you what is going to happen.

Your body sounds like it is adjusting and returning to a pre-pregnancy state. It is normal for cramps and sharp, shooting pain that is brief and not ongoing or for prolonged periods of time.

If you experience a heavier bleed or regular, contraction like pains or pain that is outwith what is usual for you on a period, consult NHS 24/GP.

You should have been given an scan to check that all of the material has left your body? If not, check on that. Any retained material can lead to infections.

Thanks all, your replies have really helped put my mind at ease. Hospital has been really good as well so far when I've called to ask questions.

They said I don't get a scan as standard, but I need to take a pregnancy test 3 weeks from when I was in hospital for the medical miscarriage (so 2 weeks today) and as long as that's negative they would be happy. If it was positive still then they would want at that point.

The sac did come out whole though (bloody painful) so they said they're reasonably confident all the pregnancy tissue is out and that the clots are more the uterus wall lining (hadn't developed enough for a placenta yet).

Started strong iron tablets after chatting to pharmacist and they should help my energy levels