Infection After Miscarriage: Warning Signs and When to Go
The main signs of infection after miscarriage are fever or shivering, vaginal discharge that smells bad, tummy pain that gets worse instead of better or is not eased by painkillers, bleeding that becomes heavier or goes on longer than expected, and feeling generally unwell or sick. Any of these means calling your doctor or hospital today. Heavy bleeding, severe pain or feeling faint means going to emergency now.
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You are soaking through a pad within an hour, especially for two hours in a row; you have severe tummy pain or pain in the shoulder tip; you feel faint, dizzy, very weak or your heart is racing; or you feel very unwell with a high temperature. Do not wait to see whether a home remedy works, and do not wait until morning. If you cannot get there safely, call an ambulance.
Losing a pregnancy is hard enough without worrying over every cramp. This page is about the days and weeks afterwards: what is expected, what is not, and how to keep track so that you can tell the difference calmly. For the miscarriage itself and why it happens, see miscarriage signs, and why it is not your fault.
What is normal after a miscarriage?
Bleeding usually lasts one to two weeks. The first day or so can feel like a heavy period, then it should gradually lighten and may turn brown. Cramping tummy pain like period pain is common for the first few days. Tiredness, tender breasts and waves of sadness are all part of it too.
The key word is direction. Normal recovery moves one way: less bleeding, less pain, more energy, day by day. Infection or tissue left behind in the womb tends to move the other way.
Normal recovery or warning sign?
| What you notice | Usually expected | Needs a doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Bleeding | Like a period, lessening over 1 to 2 weeks | Getting heavier, soaking a pad an hour, large clots, or still bright and heavy after 2 weeks |
| Pain | Period type cramps easing over a few days | Worsening pain, pain not eased by your usual painkillers, shoulder tip pain |
| Discharge | Brownish, no strong smell | Foul smelling, green or yellow discharge |
| Temperature | Normal | 38 C or above, or shivering and chills |
| How you feel | Tired, low, gradually better | Sick, vomiting, faint, fast heartbeat, generally very unwell |
| Pregnancy test | Turning negative within about three weeks | Still positive three weeks after the miscarriage |
How do I know if I have an infection after a miscarriage?
An infection of the lining of the womb is uncommon but does happen, and it responds well to treatment when it is caught early. The clues are a fever, smelly discharge, tummy pain that is not settling, bleeding that is heavy or long lasting, and nausea or a general feeling of being unwell. You may have one sign or several. Only a doctor can confirm it, usually with an examination and tests, and decide on treatment.
Is fever normal after a miscarriage? No. A temperature of 38 C or more is never something to sit out at home in this situation. For general advice on taking a temperature properly, see fever care at home and its red flags, but after a miscarriage, a fever is a reason to call.
What are the symptoms of retained tissue?
Sometimes a little pregnancy tissue stays in the womb. The signs overlap with infection: bleeding that does not settle or suddenly gets heavier, ongoing cramps, and a pregnancy test that stays positive. Retained tissue can also become infected. Whether you need a scan, medicine or a small procedure is the doctor’s decision after examining you; there is nothing to try at home first.
Keep a simple record on your phone
Each time you change a pad, note the time in your phone notes, and take your temperature morning and evening for the first week. If you need help, you can say “I soaked a pad every hour for two hours” and “38.4 this morning” instead of “quite a lot”. That is exactly what the emergency doctor will ask, and it gets you the right care faster.
How to lower the risk of infection while you heal
- Use pads, not tampons or a menstrual cup, until your next period.
- Wait to have sex until the bleeding and pain have largely settled and you feel ready, physically and emotionally.
- Do not douche, wash inside the vagina, or insert anything, including herbal pastes, oils or pessaries from a pansar. They can carry germs upward and hide warning signs.
- Wash the outside area with plain water once or twice a day and change pads often.
- Rest, drink well and eat ordinary meals. If you are short of iron after heavy bleeding, read heavy bleeding and anaemia warning signs.
Can I bathe after a miscarriage? Yes, a shower or a bucket bath is fine. Ask your doctor before swimming or a long soak in a tub while you are still bleeding.
When will periods return?
If your cycle was regular, the next period usually comes four to six weeks after the miscarriage. You can ovulate before it arrives, so pregnancy is possible in the first month; plan contraception if you do not want that yet. If no period comes and you are unsure what a test means, late period with a negative test may help, but tell your doctor about the recent miscarriage.
Looking after your mind
Grief after a miscarriage is real at any stage of pregnancy, and partners feel it too. In many families the loss is not talked about, which can make it lonelier. Sleeplessness, crying, guilt or anger are common. If low mood lasts weeks, stops you eating or sleeping, or you have thoughts of harming yourself, speak to your doctor or call a local helpline today.
Infection after miscarriage: your questions
What are the signs of infection after a miscarriage?
Fever or chills, smelly discharge, tummy pain that is getting worse, heavy or prolonged bleeding, and feeling sick or generally unwell.
When should I go to hospital after a miscarriage?
Right away if you soak a pad within an hour, have severe pain, feel faint or have a racing heart. Call your doctor the same day for fever or smelly discharge.
Is smelly discharge after a miscarriage normal?
No. A bad smell can mean infection, so contact your doctor or hospital the same day.
How long does bleeding last after a miscarriage?
Usually one to two weeks, heaviest at first and then lighter and browner. Bleeding that gets heavier again needs checking.
Can an infection after a miscarriage go away on its own?
Do not count on it. Infection of the womb needs a doctor’s assessment and treatment, and waiting can make it more serious.
Can I use home remedies for infection after a miscarriage?
No. Rest and fluids help recovery, but a suspected infection needs medical care, and nothing should be put inside the vagina.
How long should I wait to have sex after a miscarriage?
Until the bleeding and pain have largely gone and you feel ready. Ask your doctor if you had a procedure or an infection.
When will my pregnancy test turn negative?
Usually within about three weeks. A test that is still positive after that should be reported to your doctor.
Should I have a follow up after a miscarriage?
Your doctor decides whether you need a scan, blood test or visit. Ask before you leave hospital what follow up is planned and whom to call.
More practical health guides are in Desi Remedies.