Need help deciding about d&c

HopeFloats721 · 06-29-2009, 10:56 AM

Hello ladies,

I have also posted this question on another board. I really need some advice and fast. My baby had stopped growing now for over 2 weeks. The results of my u/s this morning shows that my body still hasnt' begun to miscarry. I am scheduled for a d&c tomorrow. Last week, my RE told me he prefers not to instrument my uterus but left the choice up to me. He was hoping I would miscarry between my u/s appointments which I did not. I haven't spoken to him yet today, but I wanted some input. This would be my second d&c within a year and I am nervous about scarring. Does anyone have any experiences both positive and negative to share? Any advice to offer? I have a history of depression which is the reason I opted for the d&c. Also, because this is my second, I wanted the tissue tested for genetic abnormalities. Is that selfish of me? Honesty please!

RachelAS23 · 06-29-2009, 11:36 AM

I personally would not do a D&C. I have heard horror stories to include women who are never able to get pregnant afterward. I also have a friend who went in for an ultrasound at 8 weeks, they said there wasn't a heart beat so they had her come back in two days later.... still no heart beat... so they scheduled her for a D&C and when she went in for the procedure, the doctor, for some odd reason, wanted to do one last ultrasound... and there was a heart beat, and she has a healthy baby today! My personal belief is that our bodies know what to do. If the baby has, in fact, stopped growing, your body should do what it needs to in time. Obviously there is a time limit due to risk of infection, etc. etc., but I am just so against D&C's. It is still your decision though.

Good luck to you.

Linda27 · 06-29-2009, 07:48 PM

Here's my story. Today it's been 1 week from my D&C. I had an ultrasound at 7.5 weeks and all looked good. Baby measured on time and HB was 156. Three weeks later I went in for my Ob appt and there was no HB and baby still measured at 7.5 weeks but I was 10. At first I opted to miscarry naturally. Right after I made the decision, I started second guessing. I talked to a couple of people including friends who are nurses and most everyone suggested I should do the D&C. The best point that everyone had was if anything, it ensures that everything comes out which reduces the risk of infection. Plus, if it's incomplete, then you end up needing the D&C regardless. The more I thought about it, the more I started to change my mind. With my DD and my job who was being very flexible, I just didn't want to be waiting around. Also, I'm a strong person, but I don't know how well I could have handled it mentally doing it on my own. I scheduled the D&C. The night before I started cramping and bleeding. I only passed clots, not the tissue but it was bad enough for me. I was thankful in the morning that I wouldn't have to go through that. My D&C went well and I felt fine afterwards. Most importantly, it gave me closure and has allowed me to move on. I can't imagine still sitting here a week later waiting for everything to happen. It was a decision that was right for me. Now granted, that was my only one (knock on wood). Have you talked about the "2 in 1 year" concern with your doctor?

I know it's a horrible decision to have to make and there is no "right" answer. I give anyone who has gone through multiple m/c the utmost respect. You have to do what's right for you. If you have concerns about the depression aspect, I would do the D&C. I don't have depression issues and I don't think I could have handled it well. I hope you find your answer and find peace in your time of sadness.

dstaiger · 06-29-2009, 09:35 PM

i did the d&c with my first. i tried to m/c naturally after the baby stopped growing, but it was too much emotionally. i had the d&c and don't regret it one bit.
my second was in the 2nd trimester and i went into PTL. i bled for week after i delivered and it was so hard. i would never want to deal with all that blood again.
i'm sorry for your loss. this is a tough decision. just do what feels right in your heart. if you want the testing - demand it - don't take no for an answer.
good luck
dianna

jessi2424 · 06-29-2009, 09:37 PM

I would choose the d and c. of course you are not beign selfish by wanting to test the tissue. that could help not only you but your next baby. i just went through a similar thing and opted to have the d & c instaed of miscarrying nauturally. i could not handle carrying a dying baby inside me that i loved more than anything for another week. it was too emotionally painful for me. you need to do what is good for your emotional and physical health. i know lots of women who have d & c's and all have gone on to have normal pregnancies.

s~tyro · 06-30-2009, 05:28 PM

I would choose to have the D&C done. My body had no idea the pregnancy was over, so the thought of waiting for the baby to leave me was something I couldn't deal with emotionally. Plus, my doctor truly felt I would end up needing the D&C in the end...even if I miscarried on my own. Going through the D&C was hard, but miscarrying on my own would've been harder for me.

p.s. Don't feel selfish about having the testing done. We wish we would've had it done...and we wish we would've had an autopsy done on our later pregnancy loss. We just couldn't deal at the time. To do it over again, I would definitely have the testing done to bring me closure.

mrsmighell · 07-01-2009, 01:40 AM

I had a d&c in april, missed miscarriage at 10 weeks, My doc adv to have a D&C ... it went really well and I think for me it is alot less traumatic then having a natural miscarriage, I imagine that is even harder, so in my experience d&c was ok for me. Up to each person though, i only had bleeding for a week or so after and no cramping or pain really. Hope this helps, Im so sorry you are having to go thru this :-(