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872220 tn?1240752482

What should I expect after having a D&C?

I'm going back to the doctor Monday to make sure this pregnancy isn't going to last.  I'm supposed to be 12 weeks pregnant, they couldn't find the heartbeat last Monday with a trans-vaginal ultrasound.  My hCG level was 498 on Monday.  So things aren't looking too good.  The doctor said if the levels were still going down we should schedule a D&C.
I've read some about it, but I'd like to hear from people that have had this procedure.  What is it like, how long was recovery and any kind of advice you could give me would be great.  I'd like to know as much as possible.  Thank you so much
9 Responses
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1477979 tn?1288010294
hello i had a d&c yesterday also and although im getting a few period pains cramping im not really bleeding and feel ok just been told to take it easy and not to do to much x
Helpful - 0
1483220 tn?1288807713
I had my Dand C yesterday...I feel a little bit cramping and more if i walking or doing something at home, so I decided to have more rest, but I not bleeding at all.. My doctor said to take easy and rest for one week + didnt do any excercise.
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Avatar universal
i had a d&c last friday due to fibroids and mioma rite after the d&c the doc put in mirena for me..i feel fine so far a little heavy  in the tummy area..is it sa\afe to excercise i miss my work outs and really want to start,,i have no bleeding or cramping anymore,..how long should i wait ...help..
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Avatar universal
Hi, by now I am sure you have had the D&C and you are in the recovery stage.  It is REALLY hard after that procedure emotionally, but the physical aspects were not bad (for me atleast).  The reality of a really wanted pregnancy ending is so disheartening.

I had a miscarriage followed by a D&C about three weeks ago (4/9/09).  Emotionally it was SO difficult.  I've been talking to lots of friends who have had miscarriages and so I wanted to share a success story with you (cause it has helped me).

My friend had a miscarriage (no D&C) and waited three months and then got pregnant again.  She lost that pregnancy too (found out the issue and had a D&C done).  She then got pregnant two weeks after the D&C and her baby just turned two yesterday.  There is hope of getting pregnant fairly quickly after, even though most likely it may not be right away.  My docter said there is evidence that a women is slightly more fertile after a miscarriage.  But he also said that some women do not ovulate before their first period or if they do the body isn't able to get pregnant so quick.  Every women is different.  Always check with your own docter.  Hang in there and know there are lots of other women (like me) going through the exact same thing!  Good luck when you start tying again and just keep your head up!  
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872220 tn?1240752482
Well, I went to the doctor and my hCG level is still dropping.  I'm scheduled for Friday afternoon.  So of course I'll be taking Friday off from work.  Should I plan on taking Monday off too?  Or should I pretty much be back to normal by then?  I know it's probably hard to say, everyone is different.
Helpful - 0
872220 tn?1240752482
Thank so much everyone.  I'm going back to the doctor today to see what my blood work looks like.  I'm pretty sure I'll be scheduling the D&C.  I'm really nervous, more just sad that I know I have to go through this.  You all are right, I already can tell it is definitely going to be emotionally harder than anything.  Hopefully after the procedure I'll be able to move on quicker.  I'm trying to stay as positive as possible, but of course it's hard.  I keep thinking I'll be able to lose some weight and get a cute bikini for the summer lol
Thanks again everyone
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342988 tn?1299782356
first off sorry for your loss.  i had to have 2 d and c's myself.  like bmarie said, they are fairly quick.  my doctor gave me some pain meds, i think percocet and motrin.  you will probably experience some bleeding and cramping for a few days.  with my first one, i was very crampy when trying to walk etc and i did not feel good but with my second, i was ok, no cramps at all.  the biggest thing is the emotional piece.  that was hoenstly the worst part.  we are all here if you need us and know what you are going through.  feel free to private message me if you need to talk.
Helpful - 0
623156 tn?1322865851
I'm so sorry for your loss. I had a d and c after having a d and e at 19 wks. For me it was not as easy as it should be. I have clotting issues with my blood and that is what I'm finding out now after 4 yrs. I'm seeing a hematologist. Most women I have known or talked to say it's a pretty simple recovery. It sometimes helps with your periods to not be as heavy etc. The recovery time is the same as having a natural m/c. Like Dmarie said it's a simple day procedure and they will send you home with pain medication and explanaitions of what to do and not to. When to call your dr and what to look for. The heartache is what hurts the most. You know why you are going there and what you are having done there is no mental preperation. I would talk with your dr prior to going and ask questions and make sure you feel alittle comfortable before you go. Best wishes to you .....Let me know what happens and how you are doing. I'm here if you need to talk.

AP
Helpful - 0
773214 tn?1295135069
I had a d&c on February 19th.  I was 8 weeks along when we went to the dr. and had an u/s and found no heartbeat.  I went another week with no m/c symptoms and I knew I couldn't go on any longer with the torture of knowing that the baby had died and wondering when the m/c was going to happen and how long it would take, etc.  The procedure itself is an outpatient procedure but you are put under general anesthesia.  They will give you oxytocin by IV to help dilate the cervix and then they go in and basically scrape the lining of the uterus, thus also expelling the fetal tissue.  The procedure only takes about a half an hour and then after an hour or two in the recovery room you can go home.  You can expect some cramping and bleeding and the dr. may give you a prescription for motrin but you can also take OTC.  I did not have much pain, only for about two days I would notice that when I did a lot (like going up and down my stairs a lot) I would get some pressure and pain like gas pain in my lower abdomen.  I did not have much bleeding past five days, but had more like spotting on and off for about 2 weeks.  They will do a follow up appointment a week after the procedure.  
It took me about 6 weeks to get my first period afterward, which was disappointing but they say it can take 6 to 8 weeks.  You have to wait two weeks past the d&c before having sex again... and they told me to wait two cycles before trying to conceive again.  
I am sorry you are going through this.  Good luck.  it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and it helped me to get some closure to the process.  You will not be over it emotionally for awhile I'm sure but at least you can feel like you are beginning to move on.  Feel free to ask any other questions you have.  I've found many girls on here have not had d&c's for whatever numerous reasons or different situations but I will tell you what I know.....take care.  
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