D&C or natural miscarriage?

[Anonymous]

Should I pick a d&c or let my body do its thing? Just found out today that the baby is gone - stopped growing around 6 wks. Had seen a hb at that scan, but now 2 weeks later it's the same size and no hb anymore. My body still doesn't seem to know anything's wrong - full pregnancy symptoms and all. No spotting, cramping, etc. What would you do? I was all for the d&c until OB mentioned risks which include things that could affect future pregnancies. At the same time, I don't want to wait weeks and weeks for my body to figure it out. I've had a natural miscarriage before and it was PAINFUL, like being in labor (which I've also done once), and then I bled for 2+ weeks. That pregnancy was 2 weeks further along than this one is though.

[Anonymous]

I went the natural route - and then needed a D&C b/c I did not fully miscarry. If I was in the situation again, I would pick a D&C. I know there are risks - but for me the not knowing when it might naturally occur was overwhelming.

I walked around for a month waiting for it to happen. When it did I had significant bleeding - it was not particularly painful - just scary the amount of blood.

Take your time to make the decision that is right for you.

Huggs

[Anonymous]

I was in the same situation 2 months ago. RE recommended a D&C and I opted to go that route. I did not want to wait it out and end up m/c at Xmas. And, I also didn't want to run the risk that I might need a D&C afterall. There are risks with a D&C, but they are minimal. You can always have a follow-up procedure done (saline sono or HSG) to determine if there is any scarring afterwards. Agree with PP to take your time and figure out what is best for you. Big hugs to you...

[Anonymous]

Had the same issue last summer-- I too was afraid of the risks (what if they puncture my uterus? what if I get an infection?) and really just wanted to naturally miscarry. But then, after talking to my doctor, I realized (i) just as one of the PP said, you could naturally miscarry and still end up needing a D&C and (ii) it would delay me getting pregnant again. My doctor also told me I would need to collect the remains if I miscarried (so they could tell whether it all came out or if I still needed a D&C). That was enough for me. Had the D&C (painless), got my period 5 weeks later and got pregnant again 3 months later. Hang in there whatever you decide--- it's an awful situation to be and there are no easy choices.

[Anonymous]

So sorry for your loss.
I miscarried in October and chose misoprostol over natural and d&c. My levels went below 10 5 weeks later, and I thought it was over. Now 4 months later I find out I need a d&c because I still have clots and my endometrium lining is too thick.

If I had to do it all over again I would do the d&c.

[Anonymous]

So sorry for your loss. I had 2 miscarriages last year, both around 8 weeks. After the first I had a D&C, the second was natural. I would definitely choose the D&C. As others have mentioned, you could still need a D&C after natural. The natural was painful and scary. The worst part about the D&C was not knowing what to expect and recovering from the anesthesia. But once it was done, it was done and since I was out for the procedure, didn't feel or remember anything.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Anonymous]

PP - any chance you are pregnant again? I'm also really worried about what this means in terms of future pregnancies, now having had 2 m/c's in a row.

[Anonymous]

I took misoprostol (is that how its spelled) and it took nearly 8 weeks to get my beta down to normal - I bled on and off during that time, one time so heavily that I almost had to go to the ER. I hadn't wanted to do a D&C, and there are risks, but I would consider it if I had to make that decision again.

No easy answers, just thought I'd give you another prospective. I'm sorry for your loss.

[Anonymous]

I just wanted to say I am sorry. i went through your exact situation last July. I had a D&C, mostly b/c I wanted to get it over with and try to get my body back on schedule ASAP.

Best wishes.

[Anonymous]

OP: I am so sorry for your loss.

I was in this same position last May and opted for the D&C. I didn't want to take the chance that after the natural miscarriage I might need a D&C anyway.

The procedure itself and recovery immediately afterward went very smoothly and were easier than I expected. However, it took my body a while to get back to "normal". I had to have some f/u sonograms and had a few very heavy periods in the months afterward, but from other posters I have seen on this and the expectant mothers board, I don't know that that was necessarily a typical experience (I think I may have taken longer than usual to get back to normal cycles). Eventually things came back online and now I am pregnant again and crossing my fingers.

Good luck with your decision.

[Anonymous]

OP - I am very sorry for your loss as well. I must be in the minority, but I preferred a natural miscarriage. It didn't really hurt at all (like painful cramps) and I didn't need a D&C after it. I just trusted my body and it worked out. Though not sure I would want to wait and see for long...

[Anonymous]

It can be important to do lab tests on the embryo, so having it done as a D & C allows this to happen easily. Consult your doc about whether you would need to save the embryo if you go natural. That may influence your decision.

[Anonymous]

OP, sorry for your loss. I just went through the same thing myself and had a D&C on Monday. For me, I just wanted it over with. I also have a very high-stress, long-hours job and wanted to have this done in more controlled circumstances rather than starting to miscarry at work.