D&C - What to expect?

[Carly1306]

So I just wanted to ask the ladies who, like me, have been unfortunate enough to suffer and miscarriage and had a D&C what can I actually expect from the experience?

I really didn't want to have to go down this route but my body just doesn't seem to want to get rid of this poor baby so I'm going to have to.

I know the doctor briefly explains what's going to happen but they don't really go into detail and help with what I'll feel afterwards - physically and mentally. Any advice and experience anyone could give me would be so greatly appreciate. And please, feel free to be as frank and honest as possible - I need that right now.

[amn702]

Also, after waking up and going to the bathroom and seeing the blood, I had almost a panic attack, I was very upset and I  did feel "empty" but it was better to me personally (again, this is just me personally) than knowing I was carrying my baby and he or she was dead. Unfortunately, you may have mixed emotions when the procedure is over. You may feel angry, empty, sad, relieved, etc. Again, I am so sorry you have to deal with this :( Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help your healing process along.

[amn702]

I had to have 2 d&c procedures with my miscarriage and was put under general anesthesia both times. They started an IV in pre-op and gave me some medication to help me relax (Versed). They are quick procedures so you are not "asleep" for very long. The first time I had very light cramping and bleeding less than a period. The second time (5 days later) was a little worse, but I think it's because I didn't have time to heal from the first one. I had moderate (worse than my AF) cramping and bled about like my normal period. In my personal opinion (and this may not be true for everyone) it was better emotionally for me to have the d&c rather than trying to miscarry on my own. I had a missed m/c also, so my body still thought I was pregnant. I still had all my symptoms and it was so heartbreaking. I was ready to get it done so that I could start to try to move on sooner. It took about 2-3 weeks to completely stop bleeding. I was allowed then to have intercourse again, but have been advised to wait a couple of cycles to try to conceive again. I am not sure if I will try then or wait longer, I think it will depend on my emotional status. I wish you the best of luck with your procedure - I hope you have very little pain and bleeding. I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I don't know exactly how you feel, as we all grieve differently, but please don't hesitate to message me if you need to talk. I will do my best to find the words to help comfort you, and if I can't find the right words, I can at least listen. Praying for you. xoxo

[Carly1306]

Thank you so much. I'm starting to feel more confident that I am making the right decision. I have miscarried naturally before, but it was an early chemical so even though the pain was bad and the bleeding was VERY heavy it's still nothing compared to what it would be this time around so think the d&c is the right way to go. Going through enough pain right now, that I should at least be spared of the pain of a natural miscarriage at 12 weeks.

[xLauraGx]

I had one in november 2011, i would definately choose tht option if i ever have to again. I was nervous with the gettin put to sleep thing but it happens so quick and u wake up 20mins later with it all over. I only had one day of heavy bleedin then was bak to normal and pwriod came on time 3weeks later. It is hard but ul get there. A natural miscarriage can be traumatic with all the pain and heavy bleedin. A d&c is defo the easiest option. good luck

[Carly1306]

Thank you. To be honest I think it's the 'being put to sleep' that is scaring me the most. I've already waited 3 weeks to miscarry naturally and they're wanting me to wait another 2 before taking the next step but I just can't wait that long. It just gets worse each day waiting for it to be over so I'm going to schedule one asap so that I can move on. I'm glad it seems to be the least painful option (physically anyway) and hopefully help in the moving forward too.

[lilbit_17]

I had one last March and it went very well! I was never in any pain cause they put me to sleep and had very little bleeding afterwards. I had the choice of passing natural or the surgery and would definately choose the surgery if I was ever put in the situation again. It made it easier on me physically and emotionally. They had me wait two weeks afterwards before I could have sex and start trying again. I waited on the "trying" part till I was up for it again and conceived in August.

[missstephyanne]

I didn't expierence any pain and hardly any bleeding. They gave me an IV medicine during the procedure that made me relax and so i felt ok during the whole thing. Honestly, before the procedure i still felt pregnant due to the hormones so I believe that the d&c helped the grieving process. I heard that a natural mc is much more painful than a d&c too.