D&c - Myrtle Beach,SC

Updated on March 21, 2008
G.T. asks from Myrtle Beach, SC
37 answers

Hi again! I just found out today that I need a d&c. I have to be there at 9:30 in the morning. I cannot tell you how scared I am right now. If anyone has ever gone through this some advice or anything would be greatly appreciated. I just want to know everything like from the very beginning until hours later. I have a 2 year old. Will I be able to take care of her. Will I be able to drive or cook and do housework. I'm really upset over this. It's been a long hard road since I found out I was going to miscarry.

Thank you all so much!!!

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M.K.

answers from Savannah on

You will be asleep or sleepy, someone should pick you up after, and you should take it easy for a day. After that you will be fine. Nothing to worry about.
Wishing you all the best.

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi G.,

I'm confused. Have you miscarried or not? I had a DNC after I miscarried and wish I had had more information prior to it. A DNC is not always necessary and some believe never. Some do believe that a DNC can prevent a lot of issues IF you have miscarried. I probably wouldn't have had it done at all or as soon had I known everything.

It is the same procedure as an abortion so you have the same issues after it is over. There will be pain and bleeding. Google DNC and abortion and you should get your answers.

God bless you!

M.

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

G.-

I am so sorry for your loss.....by the time you read this, you may have already had your D&C. I went through the same thing several years ago - please email me if you need to talk, or have any questions when you get home at ____@____.com I now have 3 kids- 4 1/2, 2 1/2, and 8 months, and these all came after the D&C..

I will look forward to hearing from you.
M.

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M.T.

answers from Charleston on

Hi,

my name is M. t. Many years ago (i am older than dirt) when they did not have the knowlage that they do know i had the same thing happen to me. My husband was out to sea and i had two little ones to look after. The most important thing is the first 24 hours. Sit down with your feet up. You can make a game of it with your little one. Maybe some snacks, pillows, toys, coloring and reading books, plus movies. They will think that this is great and they will feel very special. With in fifteen months later we had a beautiful baby girl (who now has a baby girl of her own. I wish you the best and my prayers are with you.

M.

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M.W.

answers from Sumter on

Dearest G., you will be fine. Just some mild cramping and spotting may occurr, simular to your monthly cramps.so just relax for the first few days 2 or 3. But this wont get you out of housework or our 9 millon other jobs, ha beause we're super moms and can do it all. So they say. So take your pain meds, and relax, as long as they will let you (smile), and call your doctor should your pain increases,too much or fever.... Take care....

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M.W.

answers from Sumter on

I had a d&c 6 1/2 yrs ago. Hurts for a little while, like really bad cramps. You should be fine in a day or two. Good Luck hope you feel better.

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N.W.

answers from Columbia on

I had two miscarriages and two D&Cs. At the time of my first, my youngest child was about 15 months. It really wasn't that bad at all physically, nothing compared to childbirth or a laparoscopy or hysterectomy, but I think you may need someone to stay with you two days to help out. Also, because under the circumstances and because of the anesthesia and because of the area involved, don't be surprised if you become sad at some point afterwards. Good luck to you.

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K.R.

answers from Atlanta on

Relax G.. The procedure is as simple as a pap smear, that is in the case where one is needed, not due to miscarriage. It will only take a few minutes with mild discomfort. It isn't painful, just uncomfortable. They say you may experience mild cramping, I didn't so if there is any in your case I am sure and Ibuprofen will help. I resumed all normal activities, as soon as I arrived home. It isnt complicated at all. In my situation I actually felt(if that's a word) better.

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M.J.

answers from Charleston on

So sorry for your loss. I too had a d&c when I miscarried at 10 weeks with my first pregnancy. The procedure itself was short. I was under general anesthesia and do not remember any of it. My recovery period was easy and fast as far as physical recovery. Emotionally I was very upset for a long while. You shouldnt have a problem caring for your 2 year old after a day or so. Ask your dr. to be sure. I was driving and back to work 2 days later. Bless you and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

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B.D.

answers from Columbus on

G.,
A D & C is not as bad as it seems. after the actual D&C you might have some cramping but depending on your periods it might not be as bad as a normal period. Yes you need to take it easy as best as you can but you will be able to do things like The emotional part is gonna be much harder than the physical part. I am sorry for your loss. Big hugs
B.

C.H.

answers from Atlanta on

G.,
I am so sorry for your loss....
I had to have a D&C. I did not have any cramping or bleeding after. I believe that it is a person by person thing..... like morning sickness.

It is emotional and that can really make you tired as well as the anesthsia. Be gentle with yourself, if you can, ask someone to watch your two year old for an hour or two so you can rest. Pick up a pre cooked chicken or get carry out.... FORGET the house work for a day!

You should feel better the following day. Do you have some one to take you and drive you back. I believe they will not let you drive back as you will be under anesthsia.

Be gentle with yourself is my best advice.

Feel free to call me if you have any specific questions... ###-###-####

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

You will be fine with some mild cramping and perhaps some bleeding that afternoon. The procedure is relatively uncomplicated and doesn't physically impact you very much. However, I'm very sorry you're having a miscarriage. The emotional impact of it all will probably make you feel worse than the procedure. I hope you feel well soon, and if you want, get to have another baby soon.

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C.T.

answers from Sumter on

A D&C is a fairly simple surgery in comparison to many - it is outpatient. I had one done in order to become pregnant with my son. I would have help for 24-48hrs after the surgery then you will be back to being able to move around and be active. Any surgery you have is going to take a lot out of you so you have to prepare for that.

C.
www.purelybalanced.com

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T.A.

answers from Atlanta on

G., I am truly sorry for your loss, I have experienced this myself so I know how it is. Basically, you are asleep during the procedure---at least I was. I was not able to drive for a few days and then I was okay. You may have slight cramping, each person is different in that respect, but it is really a simple procedure. The one thing that I would advise is to remain calm and not stress, I know that it may seem hard to do, but you don't want to go into surgery stressed. But you will get thru it and know that everything happens for a reason and GOD will bless you beyond your wildest dreams if you focus on HIM. Be Blessed you will make it.

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E.B.

answers from Charleston on

Hi G. -
So sorry to hear about your situation. My sister in law went through this. She said it is like an uncomfortable pelvic exam. They did provide her with a pain med RX when she left. Her husband drove her home and she rested for the entire day and night. I don't think she felt like doing much that day or the day after, but she didn't complain of much pain. Hope this helps and again - sorry to hear of your terrible loss.

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C.S.

answers from Atlanta on

I have been there and everything will be fine. I have had 2 d&c's, 7 total miscarriages and 4 healthy children. You will arrive and be prepped for surgery. The procedure does not last long and you will be home a few hours later depending on how you come out of the anesthesia. I don't recall much pain, nothing worse than menstral cramps and they will give you pain meds. There is a time that you can't pick up your baby or do heavy housework. You will feel tired and probably want to sleep most of the first day and feel pretty good the next. You will probably feel better before you are allowed to do heavy activities, but follow the discharge orders and you should be back to normal in no time. I remember just sitting and letting my little ons crawl on my lap. No one feels the same way about these things but I will pray for a speedy recovery for you.

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H.S.

answers from Savannah on

I have been there and it's not a fun situation, but it is painless. They will sedate you and when you wake up from sedation it will be all over. They will keep you for observation for a little while and then release you to go home. As far as driving home, I am sure they will want someone to do that for you. I was kinda tired the rest of the day. I think half was from the sedation and the other half from sadness. I don't think you will want to be super active, but you should not need anyone to take care of you from a physical stand point. As far as taking care of your 2 year old. I would think that you would be able to provide her with all her basic needs with little trouble. I felt fine physically the next day. Hang in there. God would not give you more than you could handle.

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V.M.

answers from Athens on

Hi G.,

my prayers are with you today. I know this is a really rough time for you. I lost one of my babies in an ectopic pregnancy, and it's a loss that most people around you won't know about, and even those who do may not understand. For me, the hardest part was reminding myself that to those who felt a miscarriage was "nature's way" of saying that it wasn't meant to be weren't intentionally callous. You have a lot more of a connection with your unborn baby than those "outside".

As for the D&C - physically, it isn't that bad. I had a D&C when I had a procedure called uterine ablation (great procedure for women who have finished their childbearing and have overly heavy periods). I was given a lot of pain medication that I didn't use. I was a mildly crampy and that was it. I had the procedure in the morning & slept a lot during that afternoon. A day or two later I was mowing the lawn (much to my hubby's dismay, as he had taken off from work to take care of me).

You may feel a little more tender or run down than I did after your D&C, because you will also be coming off pregnancy hormones and because you are grieving - which can alter your perception of the post-op experience. But I think you will be able to take care of your two year old without difficulty.

Take care and God bless you.

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L.S.

answers from Atlanta on

G.,
I just had a d&c in January. It is painless and easy (physically, that is). the only thing that hurt was when the nurse kept blowing my veins trying to get the IV inserted. It was quick and the recovery was fast too. You will probably sleep most of the rest of the day after you get home b/c of all the sedation and meds they will give you. You might have some cramping (like a period) afterwards, but the doc should give you something for that. I took motrin and it took care of any cramping or residual pain I might have had. Didn't have to take anything the following day. I was pretty much back to my old self by the next day just a little cramping, but not bad. Don't worry. You shouldn't have any problems. It's not bad at all. You will be fine.
I'm very sorry about your miscarriage. That is tough. I've been there.
Good luck.

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C.D.

answers from Spartanburg on

G.--had to have a d&c when my six year old was about six months old...I don't think they got all of the placenta out at his birth. I was terrified as well. Not to worry. I really had a great experience. I was able to go on with life right after leaving the hospital (it was an outpatient procedure). It was not a bad experience for me, but it sounds like you just might need time to process what has happened--did you lose a pregnancy? Don't discount your need to grieve and take care of yourself and make sure your family does the same. best thoughts, C.

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M.M.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi G.,
I just had to tell you how sorry I am! I don't have advice but I do want to wish you well.
God Bless,
Melissa

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M.S.

answers from Atlanta on

First and foremost sorry for your loss. I have never had to experience a d&c. However my first child was stillborn at 28 weeks. I have found a lot of help through a support group called Share Atlanta. Share is a national organization for pregnancy and early infant loss. There you can get in touch with Moms who have walked in your shoes. This network of angel moms is very resourceful. They host monthly meetings as well as several yahoo groups. You can find out more at www.shareatlanta.org Be kind to yourself, you can get through this.

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S.W.

answers from Atlanta on

Oh, G., I am so sorry about your pregnancy. I have endourd this 2 times in the past with D&C and altogether 4 Miscarries. I also, have a beautiful and bright son of 5 years old. I too, am a stepmom of a 10 year old boy with "issues". I can only tell you that Physically, your D&C should go with no problems. They put me to sleep and I knew nothing and the procedure was performed as an outpaient. When we left the hospital on one of them, we went and had dinner to just relax and reflect. You should experience a "Period" after the procedure that will complete the cleansing of the uterus. I had some "period" like discomfort for a couple of days after, but nothing that I couldn't deal with. Everyone is different and heals different, but, I am sure that you should experience a similar thing. However, Mentally, I was devastated. It took some time for me to recover from the first time and I had to come to terms with all that had happened. I grieved so bad the first time. I needed validation that I had a living baby in there and that I had a loss. Allow yourself to grieve, however, please try to remember a few things. A D&C actually helps prepare the uterus for a healthy pregnancy. I became pregnant and was able to carry till he was 8 months gestation. I don't know your religeous stance...But, remember, no matter how hard it is for us to understand, ALL Things happen for a reason. It doesn't make it any easier at first, but with time, and confirmation, you will recover both physically and emotionally, and will be ready to try again. If you need to talk, please feel free to contact me. With love and understanding of another mom, S. White.

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M.P.

answers from Spartanburg on

I am so sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I too miscarried 5 years ago. I was very nervous about the procedure as you are. I went into the hospital the day of the procedure. First they gave me an IV and administered numbing medication. Once the medicataion took affect (I am not sure the amount of time) they took me down to perform the procedure. Afterwards I waited in recovery for several hours. I was very sleepy from the medication. I went home that afternoon to rest. The worst part was cramping. It was not horrible, just very uncomfortable. I too had the procedure on a Friday morning and was able to return to work on Monday. Just take it very easy over the weekend. I will say a prayer for you as you prepare for this.

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K.H.

answers from Charleston on

I hope I'm not too late on this. I had a D&C 4 years ago after a miscarriage. It is not bad at all - a little pressure and suction. It goes really fast. If I recall correctly I was instructed to stay home from work a couple days, but was able to get around. By the way, I was pregnanat again within two months and had a healthy baby girl.

I just saw the other responses. I had mine in the Doctor's office and was awake through the procedure - perhaps the use of anaestesia is a matter of how far along the pregnancy is.

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L.W.

answers from Atlanta on

I had a D&C after my first (and only--thank God) miscarriage. I had never been in the hospital before (except when I was born which I of course don't remember) so I was terrified. But, I can assure you--it is usually a very simple procedure. If you are afraid of the surgery, tell your doctor to give you something when you get there that will help keep you calm (I think they gave me sodium penathol and after that, I could have cared less about what they were going to do). After the D&C, I cramped a little for part of that day but after the day of the surgery, I was up and about doing everything I normally do. Will pray for God to guide the doctor's hand and to give you peace.

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G.W.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi G.,

I had one 7 years ago and happy to report that I have a six year old boy who is one of the loves of my life (I also have an 11 year old son). So, I got through it and I wouldn't have my youngest and last child if that pregnancy hadn't failed. God works in mysterious ways.

This is what happened in my case: I went to Northside in the morning, they put me under general anesthesia and did the procedure. After sleeping off the surgery, I got up, got dressed and went home. There was some bleeding like a heavy period for a few days. I don't remember a whole lot of pain, but I remember laying on the couch for awhile. You need to have someone drive you home (obviously!) and help with your younger child for at least the first day.

Good luck and I hope all goes well for you. Sorry you lost the pregnancy!

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A.S.

answers from Columbia on

Whatever you do, don't let them tell you that you don't need to be knocked out during the procedure. I fell for that line and let the dr. do the D&C in her office as outpatient surgery. It was very emotionally hard and physically hurt because they use a vacuum cleaner type of machine to suck the baby and the lining of the uterus out. You will be able to get up and go within a few days time, but you may want someone to watch your daughter for you while you recuperate, both physically and emotionally.

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K.M.

answers from Sumter on

Dear G.:
First of all I want to tell you how sorry I am for your lose. Going thru a miscarriage is one of the hardest burdens a woman has to go thru. I have had 4 miscarriages and two still births so I know your pain first hand. The D & C is a simple procedure. You will be able to care for your children and and drive by the next day. You must give yourself time to heal so I would recommend taking it easy for the next few weeks. You didn't say how far along you are, so that depends on how you will be feeling too. It is quite common to fell depressed. Go ahead and cry and mourn the lose of your baby. You both deserve it and take all the time you need. Don't let anyone tell you that you should be over it by a certain time. Every woman is different in how they react to this lose. Find someone to be your support system as you will need someone to help you thru this devastating time. My heart goes out to you and if you have any further questions, please feel free to email me at: ____@____.com.
Sincerely yours,
K.

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R.B.

answers from Spartanburg on

I am so sorry you're having to go through this. I had a miscarriage when my son was less than a year old. My sister was in the hospital and I was with my child and her three daughters (all under the age of 6). I had a d&c that day, was obviously distraught mentally, but physically I did just fine. Actually, I think I was so upset, I really wouldn't have noticed if I were feeling bad otherwise. I will say a prayer for you. Just try and focus on your little one and those stepsons of yours. Lean on your husband. Mine (at the time) wouldn't even take me to the doctor!! Everything happens for a reason. Wish I knew more to say. Good luck and take care of yourself first!!

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T.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I do not remember the details, as it has been too long ago for me--maybe 5 years. I just want to tell you that emotionally, it is very hard. But physically, you will recover quickly. I don't remember it taking me out more than the one day. You'll probably sleep a lot the first day. The anesthesia & meds do that to me anyway. I imagine that they will tell you to take it easy after that. Just take one day at a time. Only time will heal your emotional pain. Things will get better. It was not long before I was pregnant again (if that was your thought).

T.
(Mom to 9 yo daughter & 4 yo twin boys)

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J.V.

answers from Atlanta on

Just wanted to say sorry for your loss. I have been here 3 times in the last year and the emotional I think is always harder than the physical. My first miscarriage ended in a D&C. Although most people have an easy time physically afterwards, I had a very difficult time. Pretty much like it was after giving birth to my son. My doctor said this was due to the HIGH HCG levels that I still had. I had actually carried the fetus for 4 weeks once it's heartbeat stopped and my body wouldn't recognize the loss, so my hormone levels continued to increase instead of decrease. Therefore, if your hormone levels have decreased like normal, then your D&C should be easy and you might want someone there for a day or two to help with your 2 year old. I think that you will be fine physically (as most women are) and even if you are in the small percentage like I was, have someone there for you daughter so that you can take a few days to sleep and rest and you should be fine after 3 days or so. I wish you the best of luck physically but more importantly mentally. God bless you and your family!

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V.A.

answers from Atlanta on

I had a d /c when my oldest, now 5 was 2. I did have to lie around for the first day, but was pretty much back the next. I didn't even have any bleeding afterwards. It was more of an emotional thing ( I was 11 weeks and it had been a complete shock finding out the day before, no hb). Driving should be fine, as long as you're not taking any narcotics. Motrin 600-800 mg three times a day , should be enough. As far as before the procedure, mine was done at a hospital as an outpatient surgical procedure. The worst part was having to repeat over and over what I was there for to all the healthcare workers. But that is necessary to ensure there are no errors in mixing up procedures or patients. You should not be awake and will not remember the procedure.
When you get pregnant again, there is a great book that helped me, even after an earlier loss that was further along, it is Pregnancy after a Loss, (miscarriage or infant death) by Carol Lanham. My thoughts are with you.

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J.W.

answers from Tulsa on

I had one, and it wasnt so bad, but I had someone drive me home and stay with me for a few days, and I didnt have any children then. So I think u might need someone come and stay with you and help with the kids. When I came back home after the hospital, I slept that whole day! The next day I was on pain killers,so my mom cooked for me and took care of me. I was really thursty too, so she would bring me water and stuff like that. So if there is anyone you know who can help you for a couple of days, I would ask them! God bless!

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K.S.

answers from Atlanta on

I had a D&C in December of 2007. I was back to normal within just a couple of days. Although everyone is different, I think you will be alright. I had never had a surgery or been put to sleep so I was a nervous wreck. Everything turned out great and I was pregnant again two month later. I now have a happy, healthy baby girl!

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T.L.

answers from Savannah on

Hi, I just had a D&C on Feb 6th. It was my second one. I had a friend of mine drop me off and watch my 3 year old while I was there. It took several hours. You have to be there 2 hours early, then it takes about an hour to do. After that they let you rest for about 30 minutes to fully wake up. After that they take you back to your room and you have to stay there until your readings are ok and you are ok to walk. They give you medicine to take, mostly percocet to help with any pain you might be having. I had a little pain when I used the rest room and the first time I pooed it hurt kinda bad but not everyone has these feelings. I was able to take care of my son, cook, clean, laundry and all but no driving while on medicine. This helps since I am a SAHM. You just need to take it easy. I didn't have the blood clots come out right away. They came out about a week after the surgery. I bled for about 2 weeks. Some days it was heavy but most days it was really light. This to is different from person to person. Some can't do the things I did but I took my medicine and was able to do all of it although percocet makes me a little drousy. That's were nick jr comes in handy. Hope this helps. Hope you have a great recovery.

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M.G.

answers from Charleston on

G., I am so sorry about your loss.

By the time you get this message you will be home from your D&C. I agree with what most women have said, the procedure itself is scary but not painful. You can care for your daughter immediately although you wont have much energy, physically or emotionally for a few days/weeks. It is the emotional recovery that is the hardest. I have had 2 miscarraiges and now volunteer with a group called Caleb Ministries. We are a nonprofit Christian organization that provides support, one on one counseling, materials and prayer for families experiencings infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth and early infant death. www.calebministries.org. Our local office in Charleston is ###-###-####

May God carry you during this time of pain.

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