I'm going to miscarry, but I don't know what to expect

BelleMere · 07-24-2003, 02:56 PM

I went for my first u/s yesterday (at about 8w) and the doc couldn't find anything other than the placenta - so she says I am most likely going to miscarry. We are doing some bloodwork to be sure, but it didn't look good yesterday. So then the question is - d&c or miscarry naturally? I just don't know what to expect or what choices to make. I am in shock - this is our first pg after trying for over a year - and DH is very supportive but he knows that the choice is ultimately mine as he doesn't have to go through it, physically. Any insights?

kcal · 07-24-2003, 04:41 PM

I am sorry that you are going through this. I had a similar thing happen to me. We went in for our 8 wk u/s and there was no heartbeat. The baby measured 7wks 6day, so it had just died a few days before. I had not signs or symtoms that the baby had died. For me, I could not of handled waiting to miscarry. I opted for a D&C. It is a personal decision. I do not regret having the D&C. You will be in my prayers.

Kim

BelleMere · 07-24-2003, 05:24 PM

if it's too uncomfortable to talk about it, please don't - but the whole idea of a d&c really freaks me out (altho, like you, I don't want to spend weeks waiting for the inevitable - just get on with the emotional closure). Is it a difficult procedure?

shar · 07-24-2003, 05:33 PM

Hi Bellemere...

I had the same thing happen to me at 7W3D earlier this year. I feel for you, it's not easy to deal with. My choice was the D&C and it was done the next day. If done right away instead of waiting, there is less chance of infection, on the other side of that, there is also a risk of scraping the inside of your uterus with the procedure too, which may cause scarring.. Though, it depends on how your doc does it... The worst of my procedure was my mental state. I opted to be put under during it and not think about the whole thing. I did have a little spotting after and some minor cramping, but nothing extreme, and 7 weeks later AF came around again...

Hope that helps you some.. *hugs*

shar

sparrow · 07-24-2003, 06:26 PM

BelleMere, my D&C was a simple procedure. I was only out for about 20 minutes. I had some bleeding afterward and almost no pain. I was glad to get the physical part over with; it helped me find closure. I wish you peace in your decision, whatever it may be.

MaLee · 07-25-2003, 05:10 AM

My situation was similiar - no heartbeat at 8 weeks. I was in total shock and dr. suggested a D&C. I am glad I did it. I don't think I could have handled a natural one. The D&C was done in no time. I spotted for only three days had no cramps. The choice is up to you - but I am glad I had the D&C.

newjoy · 07-25-2003, 04:54 PM

This is my first time posting here - I'm mostly a lurker! When I read your post, I just knew I had to reply.

First, I'm so sorry to hear of your impending m/c. I have had several and know the agony of deciding natural vs D&C.

My first m/c I was just seeing my family Dr (didn't know anything was wrong with me at that point) and I just m/c naturally. It took at least a week of bleeding and it wasn't pretty. The next time around I opted for the D&C cuz my OBGYN said how much quicker it would be, less bleeding, etc. but I WISH I HADN"T!!

First of all, the device they use is just a big stainless steel vacuum looking thing and when they turn it on that's exactly what it sounds like! The mental anxiety I went through while they are literally sucking your baby out of you in pieces and and into a bucket was something I would never go through again! I had intense cramping and ended up on Vicadin for a week! The bleeding lasted the same as when I went natural, it just wasn't (sorry this sounds really crude!) "clumpy"

I've gone natural the third time here as well and it's so much better than the nightmare I had with a D&C!

Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth

MaLee · 07-25-2003, 04:57 PM

newjoy - they didn't put you under general anathesia for the D&C?

newjoy · 07-25-2003, 05:32 PM

Nope. No one I know who has had a D&C was either. The first I'd heard of that was on this site.

MaLee · 07-26-2003, 01:55 AM

You poor darling! That should be outlawed to be awake for that. I am so sorry. All D&C's here are done with the patient out. I was put under and about an hour later woke up and it was all over. I had no physical pain and only very light spotting for three days. I am so sorry you had to be awake for that. How awful. (((HUGS)))

MicKen · 07-26-2003, 04:50 AM

My experience with the D&C I had to have was very positive. There was no choice for me, I was supposedly 14 weeks along, and my baby was only 9 weeks. So my body didn't miscarry on its own (ironically, didn't the second time either). My body just doesn't want to give up the baby!

My experience, I feel, was very positive because ....the anasthesialogist massaged my temples while I waited for the procedure. The nurse consoled me and related she gave birth to two beautiful children after her miscarriage, and yes, they gave me some valium. I was so scared.

I went home and slept for a day. The procedure was not bad, and the wonderful, caring people made it all bearable. That and hubby doting over me.

Bless your heart, I am so sorry for your loss.

MicKen · 07-26-2003, 04:56 AM

Oh my gosh, Newjoy, I was given Valium simply for my anxiety before the procedure. I was under anasthetic the entire time!

I can't believe they had you AWAKE for your d&c, that is terrible!

misstheoldme · 07-28-2003, 01:03 AM

I don't know if your doc would help you out this way, but I know that there is a drug that you can take that will make you go into "labor", I guess that is what you would call it. Anyway, it will make your body pass the baby and placenta, rather than letting nature take it course. Maybe an option instead of a D and C. I am very sorry about your loss and wish you and DH the best.

MaLee · 07-28-2003, 03:21 AM

Hello,

I was just wondering how you and DH were doing? Let us know - if you feel up to it.

raggedy4 · 07-28-2003, 11:38 AM

I am so sorry about your situation. About a year and I half ago, I went for my first u/s at 5 weeks with a blighted ovum. I decided to try and go naturally. Each time I had my b/w done, my numbers kept getting higher, so we did more u/s. Nothing. I had all the symptoms and everything. My numbers were still going up at 11 weeks, so my body wasn't going to do this naturally. I ended up having a D&C. I was under. I now wish I had made this choice in the beginning instead of going through hell for 6 weeks. Good luck to you.