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

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D&C for miscarriage at 12 weeks

5 January, 2021
Question:

Hi. I unfortunately had a miscarriage at 12 weeks. I’m scheduled for a D&C tomorrow. I have read the guidelines regarding Niddah in this situation, but I just want to make sure for my specific situation:
1. When do I start being Niddah? Immediately after the D&C?
2. How long am I Niddah? Minimum 14 days? (The fetus is estimated at 10–week size, I found out at 12+4.)
Thank you.


Answer:

We are sorry to hear of your miscarriage.

If you had bleeding prior to the procedure, then that could have already made you niddah, based on the usual criteria for becoming niddah. If you did not previously have bleeding, then the D&C procedure will make you niddah.

In either case, you may perform a hefsek taharah as early as day five (with day one being the day on which you became niddah), but you may not immerse until fourteen days have passed from the D&C, with the day of the procedure counted as the first day.

The exception would be if it was determined that the fetus was male, in which case you could immerse as soon as you complete your clean days.

Please get back to us with any further questions. We wish you a refuah sheleimah, refuat hanefesh and refuat haguf.

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