If you’ve had a miscarriage, you may still see faint positive lines on pregnancy tests for weeks afterward. This is due to HCG — the “pregnancy hormone” — still lingering in your system. Waiting for it to fade can feel like an agonizing reminder of your loss.
Here’s what you need to know about HCG after miscarriage.
What Is hCG?
hCG is a hormone made by the placenta during pregnancy. After a miscarriage, its levels slowly fall as your body clears pregnancy tissue.
The presence of this hormone makes a pregnancy test positive.
After a miscarriage, hCG levels slowly fall as your body clears the remaining hormone, this process can take days to several weeks.
How Long Does It Take to Return to Zero?
Early miscarriage: hCG may clear in 1–3 weeks.
Later miscarriage: It can take 4–6 weeks or more.
D&C: Levels usually drop faster since tissue is removed.
Misoprostol/natural: The decline may be slower if tissue passes gradually.
Why Does It Matter?
Ovulation is unlikely until hCG levels fall close to baseline, as high levels suppress ovarian function.
Persistently positive tests may indicate retained tissue and should be checked by a doctor.
The Emotional Impact
“Seeing faint positives weeks later was heartbreaking. It felt like my body didn’t realize what my heart already knew.”
It’s normal to feel stuck while you wait for your hormones to reset.
When to Call a Doctor
If hCG levels plateau or rise instead of falling
If you’re still testing positive after 6 weeks
If you have ongoing heavy bleeding, fever, or severe pain.
If hCG remains detectable or rises, clinicians may investigate for ectopic pregnancy or gestational trophoblastic disease.
Key Takeaways
HCG typically clears within 1–6 weeks, depending on how far along you were and how the miscarriage was managed.
Faint positives for several weeks can be normal, but levels should steadily decline.
If your body seems “stuck,” talk to your provider about follow-up care.
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