D And C Surgery

A D&C isn't that bad. The worst thing about it is climbing up on the cold table, and being scared. A little tube is inserted and with suction, the contents of the uterus is removed. It feels crampy. They should give you a seditive...It takes less than a min.

The alturnative is to wait, until you body expells it on it's own. With this, comes a slew of concerns about your body turning on itself and you becoming very sick. Although I've personally never seen this happen, this is the concern. If you chose to wait, it can take 48 hours to weeks. You will begin spotting, then bleeding then cramping and out everything comes. Then the bleeding slows to like a heavy period. If the bleeding doesn't slow, it's an emergency, and you have to go to the ER.

I've seem mons choose to wait, and others choose the D & C. MOm's that choose the D&C feel better because the "ordeal" gets overwith quickly and they can begin to heal.

The moms that choose to wait, and have it naturally also felt very empowered that they did it this way, and this became part of their healing.

I'm sorry you have to go through this. Losing a baby is very sad.

S. Wolcott, LM CPM, RN
homebirthwaterbirth.com

I have had to have 2 d&c's. The hardest part, for me, was the emotional recovery. The actual surgery was quick- and the whole day after was a blur due to the medication/pain killers they give you. The surgery is not completely painless, but it's not too bad- more than anything it's uncomfortable. The recovery was quick. Like having a heavy period for a little over a week.
It's a very personal decision, whether you want to do the surgery or let everything happen naturally. I wanted to make sure everything was done and taken care of- it helped me mentally and emotionally.
After my first miscarriage and d/c I had a very healthy pregnancy and daughter. Then, this past summer I went in for my 12 week check up and found no more heartbeat, and it hadn't grown since about 8 weeks. It was really devastating. I didn't want a second d/c, so I waited another week, but showed no signs of bleeding or cramping or anything! I decided I didn't want this to go on for weeks or months, so I had another d/c. In the end, I'm glad I did it to get things back on track again.
I'm sorry for your loss. After the second miscarriage, I put my focus on my daughter and how happy and grateful I was to have her. When I stay active and busy, I find I heal emotionally much more quickly. Good luck in the decision you make.

I lost a pregnancy at 11 1/2 weeks and opted not to have a D & C. I didn't want the surgical procedure. It seemed so invasive and unpleasant. I had a painful weekend of bleeding and cramping and passing fetal tissue and what not. It was unpleasant, but I'm so glad I didn't get a D & C. It depends on how far along you were. I had a friend who was 16 weeks along and lost a baby. She didn't have a D & C, but should have. Anyway, I'm so sorry for your loss. God bless you in whatever you decide.

The process of the D and C is not bad. They have all types of meds available to help with pain, they will even give you some valium to calm your nerves. I was young when I had one and I was totally fine and had no problem getting pregnant later when I was ready to have a child. There are reasons for everything. What is your other option have the birth of a dead baby, my sisters bff chose that option which I think is crazy, why would you put yourself through that. Dont be scared about the prcedure, but you may want to seek help on dealing with your loss. I myself was to young to be having a baby in the first place and it was a relief for me and now I have a beautiful 3 year old daughter that I would not have had if I did not have to have a D and C.
Everything happens for a reason whether you know that reason or not.

Hi S.!
Sorry to hear about your loss. I went through the same thing they try to find a heart beat at 12 weeks and with no avail. My doctor and I discussed my options and we decided to wait it out...the first week was ok the second was miserable I finally called my doctor and told him I felt like a walking tomb(sorry to sound so crass...)he scheduled the D&C the next day...I was knocked out for mine heard and felt nothing till after wards. You will have a bit of cramping and some bleeding that will subside in about 1-3 days. I did feel empty and sad but in my mind I decided that it was for the best..the baby just wasn't ready yet...I am happy to say 3 months after my D&C i was pregnant again and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl...my angel! The fear is in actually having to let go of the baby no the surgery..we are mommies we can do anything!! ;) Chin up and make the right decision for you!

I had this happen to me at 6-weeks... and had a D & C.
It's not that bad... for me, it was a quick process... and you feel like what is slight cramping.
To me, this is the most thorough way to ensure that all remaining tissue is removed and lessens complications later or infections. Versus, just waiting it out. Because, sometimes, the body does not always expel everything completely and you will need to follow up on it and make sure. And/or still have a D&C afterward.

after the procedure, I did feel 'empty' and my body as well... which is normal. I felt 'sad' for a couple of months... and this is normal. What helped me was just having time to myself, and talking about it with my Hubby and friends who went through the same thing. Just to commiserate.

My Doctor said to wait at least 6 months before trying to conceive again. We did, and I got pregnant after that, with my son who is now 2 years old.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. Just give yourself time... and pamper yourself. Still take your prenatal vitamins, if you will be trying to conceive after that.

It will be okay. But I do feel, the D&C is the most thorough. I had mine done right there in my Doctor's office, because my body was miscarrying right then. And I was alone at my appointment. Everything happened so quickly. But, I was fine. I just got home after, and rested. Laid down and just took it easy. For you, if you can, have someone go with you to the appointment....and then perhaps drive you home afterward. So that you can just take it easy mentally and emotionally and for moral support.

Don't let your sister scare you, about it. That is NOT what you need. It's not something 'horrible.'

Take care, and I wish you all the best,
Susan

Hi S.,

I would suggest the D&C. I miscarried twins at 7 weeks and opted for the D&C to get it over with and not drag out the miscarriage. If you bleed it out, there is also the possibility to bleed to death (probably rare, but can happen). I felt fine after the D&C, cramping didn't start until the next day but once the bleeding began it didn't stop for several weeks. If, heaven forbid, I ever had another miscarriage, I would do the D&C again.

Good luck to you whatever you decide and if you need to chat, please let me know.

-Char