D&C Vs. "Natural" Miscarriage? Your Advice Needed...

M.,
I went through both. Even though both were devestating, the first time it happened, it was a home and it seemed worse, waiting and bleeding so much, but the psycholocgical aspect of it, knowing that my baby was coming out (sorry) really affected me, depression hit hard and I would have a D&C if, God forbid, I ever do have annother miscarriage. I don't like to say the second miscarriage was easier, but I didn't even know there was something wrong, I went in, they couldn't find the heartbeat, they scheduled a D&C, no bleeding, no cramping, nothing, the worst was, I still felt pregnant, so it was a total surprise that it was happening again. I pray your baby is growing stronger everyday, and the docs miscalculated, which does happen, it happened with my angel baby, he is now a healthy, very active, one year old!

I'm so very sorry you're going through this.

In 2000, I was 4 months pregnant when I miscarried. The baby would not come out on its own and the doctor recommended a D&C. I was able to conceive about 6 months after the procedure and carried the baby to term (healthy girl - 9 lbs 1oz).

M.,

My first m/c was very early on and the doctors wanted to let it happen naturally. After about 7-10 days, my hcg levels weren't dropping so they opted for a D&C. The procedure was quick and pretty painless. The second time I m/c'd, I was almost 12 weeks and there wasn't much discussion. The doctor had me get a D&C the next day. But, that's what I would have wanted anyway.

There are a few factors that you can consider before you make your choice. Personally, if the pregnancy was over - I wanted it totally over. I didn't want to wait and wait. I was angry at my body (I was angry at the whole world, actually) and I didn't like not knowing that the baby was still (possibly) in me. But, that was me.

Another thing is that I wasn't on fertility and my age wasn't as much of a factor (I was 31-32). After the D&C, I bled for about a week (?) and was cramping pretty bad. We were told to wait for two cycles and then we could start again. We were blessed because I get pregnant VERY easy. I've been pregnant four times and 3 happened the first cycle and the 4th was the second cycle of trying.

As for the D&C and future fertility... I do seem to remember that there was some increased risks for the future and pre-term labor or something. I'm not sure though. Please check with your doctor or WebMD or some other reliable website.

Finally, I should warn you that IF this ends up being the route you need to take (I'm hoping not), you may have the word "abortion" or "spontaneous abortion" on paperwork or used by medical professionals. This really threw me for a curve as I was sad to hear/see those words with regard to my situation. I'm pro-choice, but it was upsetting to me. One of the nurses at my doctor's office was kind enough to apologize for the fact that the paperwork even had it on there. ALSO, when I was at the hospital for the procedure, I had to sign a release that would let them take "the products of conception" and that I didn't want "it" for any religous purposes. THAT really hurt for some reason and made the whole thing just so real. I started to cry when I had to sign the paperwork. So, just be prepared.

I hope that all turns out ok for you and your baby. I'll keep you in my thoughts. Please let us know.

T.

I had a D&C after a miscarriage and was able to conceive later. My very wise, conservative doctor prescribed the D&C. If there had been a better alternative, I'm sure he would have taken it instead. Our hearts all go out to you in this difficult 'waiting and hoping' stage.

M.,
I know myresponse is later than others, just read your posting. Having done both, the D&C is faster, shorter recovery due to the fact that there is less bleeding. Neither affects future fertility unless you have other issues compromising your fertility. Our child now is five years old. I pray for all the best for you and your little person.

I only have experience with a "natural miscarriage." I was 10 weeks along. I personally experienced a significant amount of pain and it took several days. The entire experience is emotional but it was really hard not knowing what was going to happen and when. I had two successful pregnancies that followed. The first one was within 6 months. My prayers are with you.

Hey M. -
Your story really touched me. I had my FIRST D & C on Nov. 16, 2007 with twins. I have 2 children previous to that! I am now 11 weeks pregnant & I am a nervous wreck! Everything happens for a reason babe - your prayers are with me!

-N.

I am so sorry about your situation BUT never give up, we didn't. I actually have had both, a D & C and a natural miscarriage. I wouldn't want either one again, but if it were to happen I would take the D &C over the natural. While the D & C is a major procedure and you have to be put out which can be scary, the natural one was extremely extremely painful and you don't know when it's going to happen. The situation is painful enough, noone needs the physical pain on top of it. It does not affect fertility and I seem to remember that it's actually better, they can make sure everything is taken care of to try again. Feel free to ask me ANY questions. I hope this helps and I feel for you.