Miscarriage is a distressing experience, often accompanied by physical symptoms that can cause anxiety. Understanding the body’s physical changes, particularly regarding blood clots, can help individuals navigate this difficult time. This article provides clear information about what is normal concerning blood clots during and after a miscarriage.
Normal Appearance of Blood Clots During Miscarriage
During a miscarriage, the body expels uterine tissue and blood, which appear as blood clots. These clots vary in size, from small, jelly-like pieces to larger masses comparable to a golf ball or even a lemon. They can appear dark red or purplish, sometimes with a stringy or fibrous consistency as tissue is passed.
The passage of tissue, which might look greyish or pinkish, is common alongside blood clots. This tissue represents the products of conception and uterine lining. The amount and characteristics of blood clots are individualized, depending on gestational age and miscarriage type.
Clotting is a natural process to control bleeding, expected as the uterus contracts to expel its contents. The consistency of these clots can be soft and jelly-like or firmer, indicating older, more coagulated blood. These variations are considered normal.
Bleeding and clotting can be unsettling, but it is a typical response as the uterus empties. The process can involve several hours of heavy bleeding and clot passage, particularly if the miscarriage occurs later in the first or early second trimester. Recognizing these presentations helps manage expectations.
Warning Signs and When to Seek Medical Attention
While some bleeding and clotting are expected during a miscarriage, certain signs require immediate medical attention. Passing blood clots larger than a golf ball or lemon consistently is a concerning symptom. This suggests very heavy bleeding that may require medical intervention to prevent significant blood loss.
Soaking through more than one sanitary pad or tampon an hour for several consecutive hours is a serious warning sign. This level of bleeding, known as hemorrhage, can lead to dangerously low blood pressure and shock. Persistent, heavy bleeding beyond a typical menstrual period warrants urgent evaluation.
A foul-smelling vaginal discharge indicates a uterine infection. This often accompanies fever or chills, which are also red flags. Untreated uterine infections can lead to serious complications, potentially affecting future fertility.
Severe abdominal pain or cramping that does not subside with over-the-counter pain medication or worsens significantly is a reason to seek medical help. This could signal an incomplete miscarriage, where some tissue remains in the uterus, or other complications. A fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C) accompanying bleeding and pain also suggests infection or other complications requiring prompt medical assessment.
What to Expect in the Days Following Miscarriage
After the main phase of passing blood clots and tissue, bleeding and lighter clotting continue for days to weeks. This post-miscarriage bleeding gradually subsides, becoming lighter in color, shifting from bright red to pinkish or brownish, and decreasing in volume. Its duration varies, often lasting one to two weeks, though some may spot for up to four weeks.
Small blood clots, often no larger than a grape, may continue intermittently during this period. These clots are normal as the uterus sheds its lining and returns to its pre-pregnancy state. The bleeding should progressively become lighter and less frequent, similar to the end stages of a menstrual period.
It is important to monitor the characteristics of this ongoing bleeding. While light to moderate bleeding and small clots are expected, any re-emergence of very heavy bleeding, the passage of large clots, or an increase in pain after an initial improvement should prompt medical review. These changes could indicate an incomplete miscarriage or other complications.
The body’s recovery process takes time, and bleeding and spotting are part of the uterus healing and clearing itself. Healthcare providers advise avoiding tampons and sexual intercourse during this time to minimize infection risk. Understanding this progression helps individuals manage recovery and recognize when further medical consultation is necessary.