? For Those Who've Had Miscarriages; D & C or Wait It Out?

I had a miscarriage and did not know I was pregnant. This was about 2 years ago. The only reason I realized it was a miscarriage was that the sac came out also. I was told that with the sac gone, no need for D&C. But it depends on how long you bleed and discharge everything. My doc said that since the sac itself came out and the bleeding stopped, then unless I had pain (not even cramping) we could wait and see.

B., I'm so sorry for you loss. I had a "missed" miscarriage earlier this year at 12 weeks. I had no signs of miscarriage, but my OB told me that since I was so far along, waiting it out to pass it would have been dangerous, and a D&C would be safer and easier for me. I did opt for the D&C for that reason, and because I wanted to have it done and over with. It was kind of a shock feeling a flat stomach all of a sudden when I woke up, but I'm so glad I had the D&C. There are a lot of emotions that come along with losing a baby, and I don't think I could have waited it out. To try to put it in simple terms, it was kind of like ripping off a bandaid versus trying to pull it off bit by bit. Once it's over with the healing can begin. I'm so sorry, and I wish you peace, whatever you decide.

I miscarried at about 8 weeks. I elected to wait it out. I did bleed for a while, then had to have the D&C. It's an emotional time and a tough decision. I can tell you that the D&C was not a big deal at all, and I believe it really helped my body. I would have done it sooner, knowing what I do now. Shortly after I was pregant... she will be 5 in two weeks! Best of luck.

I miscarried last week at 7 weeks. I highly recommend waiting it out. The baby passed quickly own, once the cramping started. I had started bleeding on Saturday, the baby passed on Tuesday. I was so blessed in that the baby landed on a fresh and clean tissue with no other blood or anything. I was able to see my perfectly formed baby, the hand buds, the black spots that would have become the eyes, ears, and organs. I am so thankful for that. We were able to bury the baby in our backyard under the 'crooked tree" that we all love so much. I understand that D&Cs can cause scarring, which can make it difficult to conceive again. Not always, but it is possible. I would go as naturally as possible. I think it gives us a quiet time to deal with the emotional and physical aspects of miscarriage. Also, once the baby passes, all the pain of the cramping stops immediately. I am so very sorry for your loss. I know all too well what you are going through.

I'm sorry you are going through this...my experience was a bit different with my 2nd baby I had a still born. My water bag broke at 19 weeks and there was nothing that could save the baby. The DR gave me the option of delivering or having a D & C I refused to have a D&C so I went through the whole process of delivering a beautiful baby girl.
With my 3rd pregnancy I was a nervous wreck always thinking of what I went through with my 2nd pregnancy...of course that was not healthy at all. At 12 weeks I started to bleed extremely heavily...went to the ER and DR said I for sure was having a miscarriage...she then asked me if I wanted to have a D&C done or if I wanted to let my body do it on its own so I decided to do it on its own. DR sent me for an US and turn out to be that the baby was totally fine. I bleed (heavily, clots none stop) through out my 38 weeks of pregnancy and I ended up having a healthy little boy. Yes I was a nervous wreck through out the 38 weeks but my DR reasurred me that If the baby had not aborted then it wouldn't happen further along.
My opinion is do what your heart desires...only your heart can tell you how much you can handle.
GOOD LUCK!!

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Please look up Asherman's Syndrome (http://www.ashermans.org/) before you decide a D & C is the way to go. There's also risk for perforation (surgical instrument goes right through the uterus) and infection to consider. This disorder occurs in a few cases after D & C and makes it hard to carry a baby later because of damage to the lining of the uterus. Hopefully, your lab tests/ultrasound will indicate you have already completed the miscarriage and you won't have to make these hard decisions. Nurse Midwife Mom

Sorry your little peanut couldn't hang on, but it happens:( When I had mine my doc always does the "wait and see" approach since it's easier. She doesn't even like to approach a D&C unless absolutely necessary so after the weekend I went in on a Monday, they checked me out and still saw some bits left but my doc still had me wait. Within another day, I passed the rest of the bits on my own. So, from the day I miscarried till the day I passed the last few bits it was roughly 4 days if I remember right. I guess how I looked at it, was that these things happen all the time and it wasn't my fault so I didn't feel a huge amount of need to grieve. Several months later I was pregnant again so it wasn't something I felt I should wallow in pity about. But that is just me, I can't speak for anyone else.

For me I feel passing it naturally really helped me embrace my grief and in turn, let my grief go when the bleeding was over. (baby measured 8 weeks, but carried to 11 weeks before we detected it had died). If you had detected through ultrasound that the baby had died and you still had no signs of bleeding, I would recommend a D&C because it can take a long time for the process of natural abortion to take place. But since you are already bleeding, you are likely going to pass it soon. I was really glad that I went through it because the physical aspect mirrored my emotions and I feel the whole process allowed me to grieve the right amount of time. For days I bleed and passed tissue and clots. And after 5 days I bleed very heavily with cramping and in a final climax passed the yolk sac and all remaining tissue. The pain was nothing to fear, but there was an urge to push. And frankly, it was like a miniature child birth. I continued to bleed for weeks much like you do after you deliver a baby. The bleeding was a constant reminder of the loss. And when it was all over, I felt I had properly grieved and went on with peace. A D&C will limit your bleeding, but your heart will still ache. So many woman who have miscarriages have a hard time moving on and I wonder if the D&C didn't play a role. If you are supper anxious about your age and getting going on trying again though, a D&C may be the best way to get your cycle back and your womb ready for another pregnancy faster. Again, I just really think that the whole process of allowing it to pass naturally and bleeding and cramping helped me embrace my grief, and when I stopped bleeding I let my grief go. I got pregnant my next try three months latter.

I found out I had a blighted ovum pregnancy at about 7 or eight weeks. I was having light bleeding. My doctor left it completely up to me whether to wait and see if my body expelled it or not. I waited almost three months. The hormone changes gave me bad acne and the light bleeding came and went. I just didn't feel great. I finally had a D&C. It was no fun, but then it was over. My body went back to normal and I was pregnant again in about two months.

The second pregnancy miscarried after 9 weeks. This time, the bleeding came a little heavier, and within a few days, it was obvious that the embryo had been expelled. I felt right back to normal very quickly.

I got prenant again after about 3-4 months and had a completely normal pregnancy with my daughter.

My stepdaughter also recently miscarried an early pregnancy. Her doctor also let her decide. She waited, and within a week or so, her body had expelled the pregnancy and she was back to normal.

Unless your doctor can tell you valid reasons why you need to have the D&C so quickly, you should be able to wait and see how your body handles this miscarriage before you need to decide to take medical action. If you can avoid it, I would.

My natural miscarriage was no more painful than period cramps, with just slightly heavior bleeding, with a few clots added. My D&C was done with mild painkillers, I was not put under, and it was painful but not terrible. Afterwards I had a scare with dropping blood pressure, and ugly nausea.

I agree with Cheryl O. - it really depends on how far along you are. In my experience, having had four miscarriages from 6 weeks to 12 weeks, the further along you are the more it will mimic full on labor pains.
My six week losses I did at home with a motrin and a day spent between the bed and the bathroom. My 12 week ones, one I started at home then ended up going to the hospital after almost passing out in the bathroom in the middle of the night and they did a D&C to complete it. My second 12 week loss I opted for the D&C after having ultrasounds that clearly showed there was no longer a heartbeat.
So sorry for your loss, this is one of those things in my life that I can't seem to make sense of, and I miss my four angel babies everyday but feel forever greatful for the two healthy kids I do have!

B.:

I'm VERY sorry for your loss.

it all depends upon how far along you were.

I've lost 3 babies - all at varying times - 12 and 22 weeks. The 22 weeks was the hardest. In all of my miscarriages, we had D&Cs done. Especially after losing Alexis at 22 weeks.

Again - I am truly sorry for your loss.

I'm very sorry for your loss. I was 14 weeks along and I thought everything was fine. I went in one day for a normal appt and my world came crashing down. I was given the choice of having a D&C or delivering it. I opted for a D&C because I didn't think I was strong enough to to handle delivering a still born and I wanted it done and over with as quickly as possible. I did go on and have two normal healthy pregnancies and deliveries after this.
Sending hugs your way!!

I am so sorry for your loss. I have lost 3 babies. I waitied it out on one, had the methotrexate shot on one and had a D&C for the other. Personally, for me - The D&C was quicker and the recovery was better for me. It also helped me to heal from the loss and press on - knowing that it was done at a certain time and I didn't have to wait and feel the loss all over again.

So sorry for your loss.
How far along are you? I miscarried at 7 1/2 weeks so a D& C was not necessary although I think I bled for over a week.
I would avoid surgery if at all possible.

I am so sorry for your loss and having to make this crappy decision. I chose the D & C because I didn't want to be "present" for the loss. It might make me a coward, but I wanted to go to sleep and wake up when it was all over. I didn't feel it would help me find closure in any way to experience the process.

In the end, you should do what makes it easier for you to get through. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

L.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

When I endured my pregnancy loss, I decided it would be "best" to let things pass naturally. What ended up happening was a natural miscarriage that lasted at least two weeks with very heavy bleeding, cramping, nausea, vomiting, headaches, passing clots and tissue... it was a nightmare for me. But it was "natural" and therefore I thought it was "best." But these things aren't over quickly. They don't take a day or even just three days. The time drags on. It can last for weeks.

If I had to do it over again, or if I had another pregnancy loss, I would have the D&C.

I am sorry for your loss. I was 13 weeks pregnant, but the baby only made it to 11 weeks. I chose to go the natural route. I really wish I hadn't. I did pass everything, but the entire process was pretty traumatic for both me and my husband. For me, it was nothing like a "heavy period" like others have described (which is what I expected). I was a hellish night and very scary. It's hell either route you go. I just wish I picked the D&C, I think it would have been gentler on my body. I hope you and your family find peace and comfort during this trying time.

im sorry for your loss B.. I too was in that situation and I opted for the d&c. I was told it could take weeks for all of it to come out and the cramping and seeing all the tissue was not something I could of handled. I went in, was sedated and felt nothing. I cramped a little afterwards but nothing like it could of been. I send you hugs and best wishes love.

So sorry to hear. Sending hugs.

My vote is for the D&C. This is what I did. Crying all the way. This way you know its resolved, you also have a clean date to mark from for moving forward. I have a friend that didn't have one, thought it was done and it wasn't. She waited too long to get it checked out and now she has other medical issues due to not getting it checked.

I was able to get pregnant again 4m later.

DM my little girl will be 5 in two weeks too! Oct. 27.

B.,
I'm so very sorry.
I've had 3 miscarriages--O. was so early that I hadn't even realized I was pregnant yet and it happened naturally.
The other two, I had D&C's right after they diagnosed m/c with no heartbeat found.
My feeling was that I just wanted it over as soon as it could be.
You need to do what feels right for you.
God bless.

I'm so sorry for your loss. When it happened to me I chose to let my body handle it on it's own. I really wanted to avoid a D&C. Since you're not too far along it may not be so bad. My first happened at around 6 weeks and it was pretty much like period. My second was a missed miscarriage (no heartbeat at 10 week checkup, baby passed around 8 weeks) but I naturally miscarried at close to 12 weeks. I took the brunt of it one night and then it was a week of bleeding like a heavy period. I think my hcg was down to 0 after a couple weeks. My last was a presumed ectopic and I got the methotrexate shot to dissolve the cells. My hcg on that didn't go down to 0 for a couple months and it was such a hassle getting my blood drawn every week but my OB said any residual hcg could be cancer causing and it was important for it to be down to 0. Take care.

I had a miscarriage a few years ago and did not get the D & C. I figured since I had bled heavily I didn't need one. I would suggest getting it done, in my situation there was part of the placenta left behind.

I am so sorry for your loss and I'm also sorry that I have no suggestions. I hope it works out for you whatever your choice may be.

I opted for a D&C when the sac was still visible on ultrasound. I had two D&Cs, three that passed naturally, and one where I wanted a D&C, but didn't have insurance to pay for it...so I waited that one out and it was so super hard, when I just wanted it over.

Having done it both ways...personally I felt the D&C was easier on me.

First, I'm sorry for your loss, truly. I miscarried at 10 weeks. My doctor gave me 3 options: D&C, wait it out, or take some medication to to prompt the tissue to come out. I was a mess emotionally and the most expedient option, the D&C, seemed like the best fit for me to begin the healing process. Waiting for it to resolve itself on its own was not an option because I didn't want it happening at work. The D&C was simple and physically easy. I'm very glad I chose this option. My SIL, on the other hand, chose the medication and she went through holy hell physically and recounted a night of severe cramping, lying on the cold tile floor of the bathroom. It was extremely traumatic for her. So that is my experience, and my SIL's. Good luck with your decision and again, I'm very sorry ...

B. - I am very sorry to hear of your loss at this time. I have had 3 D&Cs. The first time the MD recommended it so that all tissues would be cleaned out, less risk of infection, and an easier time getting my cycles straight so that we could consider conceiving again when ready. The second time it was a bit delayed due to a holiday weekend - when I was waiting for my OR slot I had such horrible cramping that I couldn't imagine ever passing things solo. The third time, I had a different MD b/c we had moved - I don't think she was a very skilled surgeon - I continued to bleed for 3 months afterwards - (vs. a few days post with my first MD). Again, it was tough carrying on that long. I finally traveled home and saw my original MD who gave me meds to help stop the bleeding. Looking back, I know it was the best decision to have the procedure and help to heal a bit qicker - the procedure itself was easy - I just ended up having a crappy MD the last time. I wish good luck with your decision and hugs to you to help you cope at this difficult time.

First I bled heavy for a couple of days and carried a baby to term. I assume
there is no heartbeat. Also have you had blood drawn to check your levels.
That will tell you for sure. If you are indeed having a miscarriage it is pretty
early so you may just pass everything. For me, I would wait a few days.
However, that is just me. Good luck. Hope everything goes ok.

i had the d and c at 13 weeks after waiting a week it didn't happen on it's own.

I choose the D&C. I knew I wanted to get pregnant again s soon as possible, so I didn't want to wait.

I am so sorry..I have had 2 miscarriages..after having 2 healty pregnancies...both of them my doctor did not really give me a choice but to wait it out and if I did not pass everything then I would need a D&C. I did not experience too much physical pain with either of them and they made me come back for numerous blood tests to make sure everything passed. After the first one I always thought a D&C would have been better ..just seeing the bleeding and clots everytime I went to the bathroom was horrible. But hearing from people I know about the D&C it wasnt that much better so Im not really sure if I was given the option if I would have chosen that route! Best Wishes in whatever you decide and again im sooo sorry!

I am so sorry about the loss of your little one. Hugs.

I have had two miscarriages, and I have opted for both choices.

With the first one, I felt strongly that I wanted to do it "naturally." I wasn't certain I would have a successful pregnancy, and felt that this could be my only chance to "give birth." The bleeding was profuse and the pain difficult. I fainted from loss of blood and my cat licked me awake.

Then I called the doc. She nearly fainted when she found out I was home alone!

I ended up having a D&C after passing it anyway to get rid of the extra tissue.

For the second, I went and got the D&C right away. I was in love with the baby just as much, but to fit it in with my work schedule, it just was more practical. (How cold that sounds--but perhaps less dangerous overall.)

Pick which ever will bring you better comfort and closure. And have a ceremony for the little one with its father. It's the best closure you can have.

My doc didn't give me an option. He said that the risk of an infection, heavy bleeding, and the emotional component made a D&C the way to go. It was hard that day but I knew it was done, everything was out, and they could do a path report to see if there was a chromosomal reason for it. There was very little bleeding or cramps afterward. I conceived again a month later and had a healthy baby.

I miscarried in June. I found out about the miscarriage because I started spotting heavy and went in for an ultrasound. I was about 10 weeks. The ultrasound measured the baby at almost 9, so it had been dead for about a week. My doc said the bleeding was my body taking care of it. I was debating a D&C or letting my body do it. Mostly for the same reasons you are. I was lucky in my body passed everything that day. (well, mostly all the bigger clumps) I didn't have to make the decision in the end.
I say let it pass, Good luck to you. Sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I just wanted for you to know that you really need to be completely comfortable with your decision to have a d&c, make sure you have no doubts...I have miscarried three times, the last time my doc recommended a d&c. The surgery is minor, but I had complications and lost a lot of blood. I had to have a blood transfusion as a result. So, they are not always a safe option. Good luck with your decision...also I wanted to tell you that two months after my d&c I got pregnant with my now 14-month-old daughter. :) God bless!

I had a miscarriage at about 4+ months and I chose not to do a D&C. My main reason was that my little person that I lost had been through enough. I know it sounds silly but I just wanted the rest of the process to pan out without a machine like that. I wanted my body to do what it was supposed to do The doctor did however give me a pill to induce contractions to help the process along. He also had to dislodge the baby with the wand from the ultrasound. Sorry to be so graphic but I wasn't sure how your doctor had handled it so far.

The one thing my doctor did tell me was what to expect when it passed and if it hadn't happened within the next 2 days that I needed to go in. He also requested that I go in to follow up after I thought I had passed it anyways for a safety precaution.

My point is, I would give it a couple days, and when you think you have passed it, then go to the doc to check so you aren't reliving everything in a month from now.

So sorry for your loss, I truly know how you feel.

I had two miscarriages and I had a D & C both times. I wanted to just get it over with and not have to live day to day waiting for it to all happen.
My neighbor just had a miscarriage a month ago and was told to wait to have it happen naturally, it didn't, they gave her meds to progress it along, it didn't work just made her sick. And she ended up having a D & C anyway.
So sorry you are having to go through this, they are sad and emotional experiences.

I've been through two m/c's one at 6 weeks and one at 8 weeks... for me I waited it out, but my body did what it set out to do pretty quickly, and it was fairly obvious when it was over. If you want to give it a few more days feel free, a D&C can be pretty invasive (my friend had one), and it can prolong the healing time after the m/c and it will be longer before you can concieve again (it thats your plan).

I am so sorry that you have to go through this, and you are obviously not alone!!

I am so sorry. It has touch my heart directly because I went through it at almost 7th week. Found out I was pregnant the following week started bleeding and painful cramps. Went to the doctor, they couldn't find the sac. The doctor has tested my blood for HC levels to determine pregnancy. The nurse suggested it could of been possibly a false positive home pregnancy test. the blood results showed almost six weeks, very early pregnancy and the body just rejected chromosome abnormalities. I was heart broken, but i had to be strong for my older child. I knew there was a soul waiting for
me out there. I was advised to wait three cycles, got pregnant within the third month. I have a 11m old GQ sweetest little boy.

Sorry you have to go through this. Miscarriage sucks! I had three myself and opted to let my body take care of everything naturally. I did go back in for quantitative hCg tests, though, to make sure that everything was passing. Once your numbers get at (or near) zero, you know that your uterus has emptied. My friend had to have a D&C because she was bleeding so heavily her life was in danger. I wouldn't have a D&C unless it was absolutely necessary because of the risks involved. I hope you heal quickly, whatever route you choose.

Hi--
My condolences. When I went through it I went and had acupuncture which worked for me to help my body miscarry naturally. I knew a D&C could hurt my chances of conceiving again and I prefer to take the natural route in all things anyway. I miscarried naturally. It took my body about 5 days to get all the tissue out---your body will continue to bleed until it gets everything out, and then the bleeding will taper off. However, I did bleed for a few weeks (I was about 12 weeks along when it happened). It took a few months for my hormones to re-balance themselves---I took the herb chaste tree berry (also known as vitex) to help that process.
I hope you feel better, both mentally and physically, soon.
J.

Hi B.,

Did they do an ultrasound? Are they absolutely sure? It could be that it is a threatened miscarriage and that is why you are bleeding. If I were you (*I have been there before) is to wait it out. Schedule a d and c for a month from now and then you can be sure that you made the right decision. Unless you know 100% that you are and you have the symptoms etc of not feeling pregnant anymore etc. I would wait. Let your body do what it needs to and do d and c as a last resort. I wish you peace in your decision. I know how incredibly hard it is.

M

Hi B., I'm sorry you're having to go through this. Giod news sometimes people bleed & the baby is fine. But if it is miscarrying you can wait it out. Keep a close eye on yourself though. I miscarried at around 5 mo. It's was over a July 4th weekend so we decided to wait it out. See what my body would do naturally as a D & C isn't a nice thing. I did but I continued to bleed. I went in to my obgyn & she was surprised that I had done everything on my own except one little bit (which kept me bleeding) . You're a strong woman. Take care of yourself & you will be in my thoughts. Hugs, G