Miscarriage is a challenging time, often accompanied by physical symptoms like bleeding. Many individuals have questions about safely managing this aspect of the process.
Why Tampons Are Not Recommended
Healthcare professionals advise against using tampons during a miscarriage. This recommendation stems from an increased risk of infection. During a miscarriage, the cervix opens to allow the passage of tissue and blood. This creates a pathway where bacteria from the vagina could enter the uterus. Inserting a tampon might introduce bacteria or provide a place for existing bacteria to multiply, raising the risk of uterine infection.
Another reason for avoiding tampons is the need to accurately monitor the amount and nature of the bleeding. Miscarriage involves the body expelling pregnancy tissue. Observing the volume of blood, presence of clots, and passage of tissue is important for medical assessment. Tampons absorb this internally, making it difficult to gauge the extent of bleeding or see if tissue has passed. This monitoring helps healthcare providers understand the miscarriage’s progress and determine if further intervention is necessary.
Recommended Alternatives for Managing Bleeding
Instead of tampons, external sanitary products like maxi pads are recommended for managing bleeding during a miscarriage. These products allow for clear observation of blood loss. Using pads helps individuals and their healthcare providers monitor the volume, color, and passage of any tissue or clots. This visual information signals whether the miscarriage is progressing as expected or if complications might arise.
Regularly changing pads is important for hygiene. This practice helps reduce the accumulation of blood and tissue, minimizing infection risk. While bleeding may continue for a period, using pads ensures expelled material is collected externally without interfering with the body’s natural process. Choosing absorbent pads designed for heavy flow or maternity use provides greater comfort and protection.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Knowing when to seek medical attention during a miscarriage is important. One sign to watch for is excessively heavy bleeding, which can indicate a hemorrhage. This might be characterized by soaking through more than two maxi pads in an hour for two or more consecutive hours. Passing large blood clots, especially those larger than a golf ball, also warrants medical evaluation.
Severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication is another symptom requiring medical attention. Signs of infection, such as a fever exceeding 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, chills, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, or increasing abdominal tenderness, should prompt immediate contact with a healthcare provider. Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint can indicate significant blood loss and requires prompt medical assessment.