The Community for Catholic Moms

NFP after miscarriage.

I have never miscarried before and am a little concerned about getting back into the NFP swing until my body has healed enough to actively TTC again. Is there anything different I can expect or is it a lot like after giving birth? Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Reitemeyer on August 18, 2009 at 7:17am

I am going through this right now. My doctor suspected an ectopic pregnancy, so I took a drug that ended up causing me to spot for several weeks. Basically the entire month of July was some form of bleeding, and just when I thought it was over, I started again - with my cycle. It was much lighter than a normal period, began approximately one month after the onset of my miscarriage, and lasted for about a week. I have had my normal mucus patch and expect to start my period at about the usual cycle length. I have not been taking temperatures, because my husband is not home, so pregnancy has not been a concern. I probably should have, so I would have more info, and I would be of more help to you.

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Permalink Reply by Kristin Detloff on August 18, 2009 at 11:14am

If I can ask, how far along were you when you miscarried? Depending on the hormone levels at the time of miscarriage you could get normal ovulation and normal cycle signs back after your next period, or it could take several months for that to happen. Some women go back to their "normal" cycle rather quickly and for some their cycle is very different then it has been in the past. Unfortunately only time will tell. I would certainly get in touch with an instructor in your area in whatever method of NFP you are used to using. Otherwise you are right about treating it the same as after a birth. When you know there are hormonal shifts happening and your body will be trying to get back to it's normal cycle it can be dealt with, with the same precautions and rules as your method of NFP would normally recommend after having a baby. But i would certainly contact an instructor in your method to work with you as you make this transition. The stress of grieving this kind of loss can cause different fertility signs just as stress does in everyday life. An NFP teacher may be able to bring some clarity to what you are seeing and why if there are any charting issues.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Reitemeyer on August 18, 2009 at 11:28am

Thank you for mentioning this, Kristin. I had meant to include in my response that I was only 6 weeks along, which is very early.

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Permalink Reply by Marie V. on August 18, 2009 at 4:12pm

I was only about six and a half weeks as well. Part of me is happy that if it had to happen, that it happened early.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Reitemeyer on August 18, 2009 at 4:17pm

Marie, I am very sorry for your loss. It hurts. I agree, that it is probably less painful when it is so early, but it doesn't mean it is less significant. You are in my prayers today.