Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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From when to count 14 days?

13 May, 2008

Question:

Dear Yoetzet,

I was 10.5 weeks pregnant when I started to bleed on Sunday, May 4th. I had an ultrasound on Tuesday, May 6th that confirmed the fetus had no heartbeat. The ultrasound technician said the fetus had stopped growing 10 days earlier. And because of a family emergency I had to travel out of town that day and was unable to have the "products of conception" removed surgically by D&C/D&E. I had contractions Friday night and Saturday and passed the fetus, placenta, etc. on Saturday May 11th around 4 pm. I continue to bleed a bit now, and it is Tuesday, May 13th.

At what point do "two weeks from the miscarriage" begin? When the fetus stopped growing? When the bleeding started? When the ultrasound confirmed a miscarriage? Or when I passed the baby?

Thank you.


Answer:

We are so sorry to hear of your miscarriage. May Hashem give you comfort at this difficult time.

The two weeks begin with the day on which you passed the fetus, Saturday 11 May.  As soon as your bleeding ends, you may perform a hefsek taharah and begin counting clean days, but you may not immerse prior to Friday night, 24 May. 

If there is a gap between the completion of the seven clean days and the permitted time for immersion, you are not required to perform bedikot during that gap and can wear colored underwear to avoid staining questions.


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