After a Miscarriage: What’s Next?
This is a deeply personal topic for me. I've experienced pregnancy loss myself, and I know how overwhelming it can feel when you're searching for answers.
This blog exists to help you better understand your body. If you find it helpful, please share it with others, so we can continue spreading this message of education and empowerment.
You Are Not Alone
First and foremost: big hugs. Miscarriage is common. In fact, one in four pregnancies ends in loss. That risk increases with age due to the natural changes that happen to our eggs over time.
Still, pregnancy loss can happen at any age. If you've had two or more miscarriages back to back and have not had a live birth, you should ask your doctor about evaluation and testing.
Why Do Miscarriages Happen?
The most common cause is a random genetic abnormality—something that increases with egg age. Think of your ovaries like a vault: your eggs are stored there for life, and over time they absorb environmental stress, increasing the chance of genetic mistakes during cell division.
Other possible causes include:
Blood clotting disorders
Autoimmune disease
Chronic illness
Uterine abnormalities
Chromosomal translocations
Types of Pregnancy Loss
Understanding the type of loss can guide your next steps.
Biochemical (Chemical) Pregnancy: A positive test followed by bleeding before anything is seen on ultrasound.
Spontaneous Miscarriage: Confirmed pregnancy that ends naturally with bleeding.
Missed Miscarriage: The pregnancy stops growing without symptoms. Detected on ultrasound.
Incomplete Miscarriage: Some, but not all, pregnancy tissue has passed.
Pregnancy of Unknown Location: A positive test with no visible pregnancy on ultrasound—could be ectopic or very early.
Ectopic pregnancies, especially, are medical emergencies and need prompt treatment.
Do You Have to Wait Before Trying Again?
This is a common question, and the short answer is: not necessarily.
One study showed that women who began trying to conceive within 0–3 months after a spontaneous miscarriage had higher live birth rates and got pregnant faster than those who waited longer. So, unless your doctor has a specific reason for you to delay, you don’t have to wait.
That said, recovery time can vary:
Early losses (before 10 weeks) often allow for quicker recovery.
Later losses may take longer physically and emotionally.
What Happens to Your Hormones?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) must drop to zero before ovulation resumes. This is the hormone detected by pregnancy tests and is produced by the placenta.
Why does this matter?
HCG prevents ovulation and stimulates progesterone.
Residual tissue keeps HCG levels up, delays ovulation, and can cause scarring in the uterus.
A fading line on a pregnancy test is a sign it's dropping—but any visible line still indicates HCG is present.
How Long Does HCG Take to Drop?
It depends on how the miscarriage occurred:
After D&C (surgical evacuation): HCG typically drops quickly. Most people will have a negative urine test by 2–4 weeks.
After misoprostol or natural miscarriage: It may take up to 4–6 weeks.
If you're still seeing a faint line or experiencing symptoms (bleeding, pain, sore breasts, nausea) past 4–6 weeks, contact your doctor. You may need follow-up testing or an ultrasound.
When Will Your Period Return?
Your first period post-miscarriage is often delayed—this is normal. Expect it 6–8 weeks after the loss, though it may take up to 10 weeks.
If:
10 weeks pass with no period, or
6 weeks pass and you still test positive for pregnancy,
…it’s time to check in with your doctor.
Can You Get Pregnant Before Your Period Returns?
Yes! Once HCG is down, ovulation resumes. So if you’re not trying to conceive, use contraception—even if your cycles are unpredictable. If you're trying again, know that the first ovulation may occur without a period beforehand.
When Should You Wait?
Some special cases do require waiting:
Ectopic pregnancy (especially treated with methotrexate)
Molar pregnancy
Severe complications
Pending genetic or surgical testing
Always talk to your doctor to understand the reason behind any recommendation to wait.
Final Thoughts
Miscarriage is emotionally and physically draining. Knowing what to expect and how your body recovers can bring a sense of clarity and empowerment.
You are not alone. Advocate for yourself. Ask questions. And when you’re ready—emotionally and physically—know that trying again is not just possible, it’s often encouraged when your body is ready.
