How much bleeding is normal?

[cr2009]

I posted about a month ago about spotting. I figured out it was a mentral cycle. That was my second one since my miscarriage. I am now in my third menstral cycle. Timing and everything seems normal. What I am concerned about it the amount of blood. This time and last time I have not had much clotting. Just bleeding. This time though I had pretty bad cramps two days in a row and the past two days been going through a pad every two to three houes. The pad is not really absorbing and if I turn it over the back is almost filled. It is also bright red. Is this normal? Is my body just trying to regulate itself? Thank you in advanced.

[cr2009]

Thank you for replying back. I know that is what happens, but it just reminded me too much of when I had the miscarriage (the amount) that it made me a bit nervous since it lasted 3 days.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
The amount of bleeding you are describing would fall within the range of normal.  Very often after a miscarriage the first several periods are "different".  Clots and heavier bleeding are fairly common.  IF you bleed through a large maxi pad within an hour for more than 1-2 hours in a row, that is too much and you need to call your doctor or go to the emergency room.  
One good bit of news -- heavier, crampier periods suggest that you are ovulating again.
Good luck!
Dr B