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

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Delaying hefsek after miscarriage

20 December, 2006

Question:

I had a miscarriage one week ago. Most of the bleeding has stopped and now there is just spotting. Am I obligated to try to do a hefsek tahara as soon as possible or can I wait until I am sure that it will turn out "good"? I don't know if emotionally at this point I would be able to deal with the stress and upset that having to start again repeatedly would cause (ie if I got a good day or two and then had a questionable or not good bedika).
Does the fact that my husband would probably not agree with my approach change the answer?
Thank you.


Answer:

We are sorry to hear of your miscarriage.

You are not obligated to attempt a hefsek taharah until you are confident that all bleeding has stopped. 

Please note, however, that spotting may continue for a while and you may decide to attempt a hefsek taharah earlier.  Also, not all spotting renders a woman niddah or invalidates her clean days.  Please see our article on stains for more information.  Do not hesitate to bring questionable cloths to a rav for evaluation.

While it is important to take your husband's point of view into account, this halacha is independent of his position.


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