DILATION AND CURETTAGE
HOW IT WORKS
This type of procedure will be performed by your doctor at either a surgery center or a hospital under anesthesia, and an IV will be placed. The procedure is typically short (less than an hour) but requires a few hours of preparation before and after surgery. During this procedure, your doctor will dilate your cervix and use a small instrument called a curette to remove the baby. There are minimal risks associated with your cervix with a D&C, so discuss these with your doctor before proceeding.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
– Pads (unless you’d like to use the standard-issue pads they will offer)
– Comfortable underwear
– Contact case or glasses
– Warm, comfortable clothes for recovery
– Insurance card(s) and ID
– Something to stay busy while you wait to go back to the operating room
– Heating pad for recovery
– A driver to take you home
– A driver to pick up medication
RECOVERY
You are likely to have some cramping, bleeding (and possibly small clots) for about two weeks and will need to follow up with your doctor a few weeks after the surgery. Your throat may be sore from the tube used for your anesthesia. In rare cases the procedure may be incomplete and you would require a repeat surgery. Most women can perform light activity after the surgery and will be released to full activities at their follow up appointment. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medications for you, as well as encourage over the counter medications.
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BABY’S REMAINS
You have the right to your child’s remains after he or she is removed from your womb. Some hospitals and surgical centers have a policy for cremation and burial of miscarried children. There are different requirements for release of remains by state, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor and the surgical staff before your surgery.
MEDICATION ASSISTED HOME MISCARRIAGE
HOW IT WORKS
Typically, your doctor will prescribe a medicine that will be placed in the vagina to induce cramping and contractions to assist with the delivery of your baby. In most cases, cramping starts within about 2-6 hours after placement of the medication, and you typically will have miscarried within 3-5 hours after your cramping begins. You can expect pain that mimics childbirth (often to a lesser intensity). The blood flow will likely be heavier than a period, which is an expected finding. Some women experience nausea or diarrhea after the medication has been placed, which typically passes within a few hours.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
-Pads
-Comfortable underwear
-Dedicated time
-Heating pad
-Over the counter pain medications
RECOVERY
You are likely to have some cramping, bleeding (and possibly small clots) for about two weeks. Your doctor will probably want to see you in the clinic in about 1-2 weeks after your miscarriage. In rare cases the miscarriage may be incomplete and the doctor may need to perform surgery. You can typically resume light activity after the surgery and will be released to full activities at your follow up appointment. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medications for you, as well as encourage over the counter medications.
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BABY’S REMAINS
When miscarrying at home, you will push your child out of your vagina as you would during vaginal childbirth. It can be difficult at times to differentiate your child within the blood and clots that accompany him or her. Some women are able to catch their child on a pad or are able to visualize their child has passed while on the toilet. In these events, you may either flush the toilet or retrieve your child as desired and proceed with your wishes for closure.
HOME MISCARRIAGE
HOW IT WORKS
This is a ‘watch and wait’ approach to miscarriage. Cramping and bleeding can start at any time. You can expect pain that mimics childbirth (often to a lesser intensity). You can expect your bleeding to be heavier than a menstrual period. Your heaviest bleeding will typically last about 4-6 hours, and the amount of time it takes for the miscarriage to complete varies.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
-Pads
-Comfortable underwear
-Dedicated time
-Heating pad
-Over the counter pain medications
RECOVERY
You are likely to have some cramping, bleeding (and possibly small clots) for about two weeks. Your doctor will probably want to see you in the clinic in about 1-2 weeks after your miscarriage. In rare cases the miscarriage may be incomplete and the doctor may need to perform surgery. You can typically resume light activity after the surgery and will be released to full activities at your follow up appointment. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medications for you, as well as encourage over the counter medications.
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BABY’S REMAINS
When miscarrying at home, you will push your child out of your vagina as you would during vaginal childbirth. It can be difficult at times to differentiate your child within the blood and clots that accompany him or her. Some women are able to catch their child on a pad or are able to visualize their child has passed while on the toilet. In these events, you may either flush the toilet or retrieve your child as desired and proceed with your wishes for closure.