Surgical management of miscarriage: post procedure care

What to expect immediately after an MVA or SMM procedure

It is important that you eat, drink, and mobilise soon after your procedure.

Before your procedure, you will have had a blood test to determine your blood group. If you are rhesus positive you won’t require any further treatment. If you are rhesus negative, you will require one single injection of a medication called ‘anti-D’. This medication will prevent your body from developing antibodies that could possibly affect future pregnancies.

You will be able to go home when:

• Your blood pressure and pulse are stable
• Vaginal bleeding is within normal limits
• You have passed urine
• You feel well enough.

If you have had an SMM under general anaesthetic:

• Someone should collect you from the hospital after your procedure and stay with you overnight.
• You will not be able to drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours.
• You should also not sign any legally binding documents for 24 hours.

How will I feel after the MVA or SMM procedure?

You may experience some cramping abdominal pain, like period pain. You can take over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief. If this does not relieve the pain, please contact the early pregnancy and acute gynaecology unit (EPAGU) at the hospital where you had the procedure or your GP.

Our contact details can be found below.

What can I expect after the procedure and is there anything I should avoid doing?

You may bleed for up to two weeks after the procedure. This will lessen over time and may become brown in colour – this is normal. During this period, do not use tampons and only use sanitary pads.

During the time that you are bleeding, we recommend that you do not go swimming or have a bath (showers are fine), as this will help reduce the risk of infection. We also recommend that you avoid sexual intercourse during this time.

When will I get my next period?

It will usually take four to six weeks for your next menstrual period to arrive, and it may take longer for your period to settle into a regular cycle.

Your first period after the procedure may be heavier or lighter than you usually experience, however it should return to normal within two to three cycles.

When can I try to get pregnant again?

There are no firm guidelines about when you can try to become pregnant again, although it is recommended that you wait for at least one regular period cycle. This will be important for the accurate dating of a subsequent pregnancy. It will also give you time to process any physical or emotional feelings due to the loss of your pregnancy.

It is important to be sure that you are emotionally ready to try for another pregnancy after a miscarriage. Grief, feelings of loss, relief and depression are all natural responses, and it is important to give yourself and your partner time to recover both physically and emotionally.

Please speak to one of the nurses if you would like to be referred to our women’s health counselling service.  

Support and information can also be found on the miscarriage association website.

General information and follow-up advice

If you were registered for antenatal care at the Royal Free Hospital or Barnet Hospital, we will cancel any planned appointments for you. If you are registered with another hospital, you will need to contact your midwife to cancel any further appointments.

You will need to do a urine pregnancy test at home, three weeks after your procedure and we will organise a telephone follow-up appointment at that time. We will discuss then the results of any tissue samples collected.

After an MVA or SMM procedure, most women do not need to return for a follow-up appointment.

You can return to work when you feel fit and well. We can provide you with a sickness certificate if you require time off work; please speak to the nurse or doctor if you wish to discuss this further.