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What Causes Prolonged Abdominal Pain Post Miscarriage?

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Posted on Wed, 16 Dec 2015
Question: I have recently (in the last month) had a miscarriage, I have been back and forth to my gp who keeps telling me the pain will start easing soon, however it doesn't seem to be. as this was a month ago, I am very worried . Would it be possible that I have miscarried twins?
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Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Even if you miscarry twins, it is normal to feel cramping until your next menstrual period arrives

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.

Unfortunately, if you did not have an ultrasound before your pregnancy loss, it is impossible to know whether you had a single or multiple gestation when you had your miscarriage. However, I can assure you that the physical experience is the same and does not have anything to do with how long you feel pain afterwards.

Having a miscarriage is like a small version of giving birth, so it is normal and understandable to have pain. Your bleeding usually it is the worst while the miscarriage is occurring, but depending upon how far along you were in your pregnancy, the bleeding and cramping may continue on and off for even up to six weeks after a pregnancy loss. In the first 48 hours, you may require narcotics for pain relief, but over the counter medication like Advil is usually enough to get through the remaining time.

I know you mentioned that you've seen your GP, but if you have not seen a gynecologist since your miscarriage I encourage you to do so. There are complications of miscarriages like infection, retained products of conception, or other conditions of the uterus can sometimes cause persistent bleeding and pain. In addition, the gynecologist can do an ultrasound and check your hormone levels just to make sure that all the tissue from pregnancy has come out.

So in summary, it can be normal to have pain for even 4 to 6 weeks after having a miscarriage. Your bleeding usually stops within two weeks, it may just be irregular spotting beyond that until your next menstrual cycle. For pain, you can take up to 4 Advil at once, but only take that much at least 8 hours in between doses. I strongly recommend that you see a GYN doctor for a physical examination if you haven't done so yet since your miscarriage and to make sure that there were no complications.

I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today, and that my advice was helpful.

Best wishes,

Dr. Brown
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Jacqueline Brown

OBGYN

Practicing since :1996

Answered : 1425 Questions

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What Causes Prolonged Abdominal Pain Post Miscarriage?

Brief Answer: Even if you miscarry twins, it is normal to feel cramping until your next menstrual period arrives Detailed Answer: Hello, and I hope I can help you today. Unfortunately, if you did not have an ultrasound before your pregnancy loss, it is impossible to know whether you had a single or multiple gestation when you had your miscarriage. However, I can assure you that the physical experience is the same and does not have anything to do with how long you feel pain afterwards. Having a miscarriage is like a small version of giving birth, so it is normal and understandable to have pain. Your bleeding usually it is the worst while the miscarriage is occurring, but depending upon how far along you were in your pregnancy, the bleeding and cramping may continue on and off for even up to six weeks after a pregnancy loss. In the first 48 hours, you may require narcotics for pain relief, but over the counter medication like Advil is usually enough to get through the remaining time. I know you mentioned that you've seen your GP, but if you have not seen a gynecologist since your miscarriage I encourage you to do so. There are complications of miscarriages like infection, retained products of conception, or other conditions of the uterus can sometimes cause persistent bleeding and pain. In addition, the gynecologist can do an ultrasound and check your hormone levels just to make sure that all the tissue from pregnancy has come out. So in summary, it can be normal to have pain for even 4 to 6 weeks after having a miscarriage. Your bleeding usually stops within two weeks, it may just be irregular spotting beyond that until your next menstrual cycle. For pain, you can take up to 4 Advil at once, but only take that much at least 8 hours in between doses. I strongly recommend that you see a GYN doctor for a physical examination if you haven't done so yet since your miscarriage and to make sure that there were no complications. I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today, and that my advice was helpful. Best wishes, Dr. Brown