Mikveh after miscarriage
Today I underwent a D&C for a pregnancy that never developed. In the ultrasounds the embryonic sac was developed but nothing was seen inside the sac. According to when I had my last period the pregnancy would be in the 8th week as of now.
Assuming the bleeding does not last for longer, how many days do I wait before doing a hefsek taharah?
They told me not to insert tampons until I go to the doctor after at least two weeks. Does this mean that it also isn't safe to insert bedikot cloths? Do I have to wait to start doing bedikot until after I go back to the doctor? Is it safe to do bedikot or is there a possibility of doing damage?
Thank you in advance.
Dear questioner,
Thank you for your question.
We're sorry to hear of your miscarriage.
You may perform a hefsek taharah and begin counting your seven clean days after a minimum of five days, starting from and including the day you became niddah or the day of the D&C (whichever was first).
A woman who miscarries at least forty days after conception is halachically equivalent to a yoledet, a woman who gives birth. Where the gender of the fetus is unknown, she needs to observe the more stringent rules following the birth of a girl and may not immerse until fourteen days from the miscarriage. Therefore, if you miscarried at least forty days after conception (presumably the first relations after mikveh two cycles ago), you may not actually immerse in the mikveh until fourteen days have elapsed from the day of the D&C.
If, when you refer to "eight weeks," you are counting medically from your prior menstruation, then you should recalculate based on the probable date of conception. If you miscarried less than forty days from conception, then you follow the usual rules of niddah (five-day minimum plus seven clean days) and you could theoretically go to mikveh after only twelve days.
It is safe to insert bedikah cloths because they are removed immediately. You should perform the exam gently as the area may be irritated. You should omit your moch dachuk as it is left in for longer and your physicians have indicated they do not want items left in the vagina. You may also wet your bedikah cloths, so that they are less abrasive, and perform only one bedikah per day. If the bedikot cause you discomfort, contact us for further options.
This internet service does not preclude, override or replace the psak of any rabbinical authority. It is the responsibility of the questioner to inform us of any previous consultation or ruling. As even slight variation in circumstances may have Halachic consequences, views expressed concerning one case may not be applied to other, seemingly similar cases.
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