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First, let me say that I am so sorry that you are here and needing to read up on this topic. That can only mean you or someone dear to you will go in for a d & c, or maybe you are still deciding on whether to have a natural miscarriage or a d & c.

I know all too well those feelings you may be having, I have gone through both a natural miscarriage and a d&c.

I am not a medical professional, so please discuss with your doctor all your questions and concerns. I will be writing about my experience with a d&c and things I wish I would have known before the surgical procedure.

For my second miscarriage I opted for a d&c. You can read my second miscarriage story HERE. 

WHAT IS IT?

Dilation and curettage is a surgical procedure to remove tissue from the inside of the uterus. This surgical procedure is used also on non- pregnant women to stop severe bleeding (if her period is extremely heavy). 

For short, I refer to it as “D and C” or “D&C.” 

During a D&C, an OBGYN will first open (dilate) the cervix. Then he will put a surgical tool called a “curette” through the vagina and cervix, and up into the uterus. The OBGYN will use the curette to scrape and remove baby from the uterus.

I will be discussing my experience from a D&C  performed in a hospital setting. I believe some places will do it in a clinic and use local anesthetic. But I don’t have a lot of info on that, definitely discuss where your procedure will take place with your doctor.

 A  D &C is considered  “minor” surgery, which really sucks since this is a MAJOR -life-altering situation, BUT, nonetheless, it is still surgery.

 In a d&c your doctor will usually put you under general anesthesia . The procedure in itself is very short, but from my experience the pre-op time and the time spent in recovery takes awhile. Expect to be at the hospital anywhere between 2-4 hours for your procedure, this includes pre-op care- during the procedure,- and post- op care.

IS A D&C PAINFUL?

Personally my d&c was not painful, I was given strong medication to take home with me after my procedure and I took it once, but didn’t take it again, and felt just fine. BUT, if you feel pain, take your medicine. You’re already under a lot of emotional pain, don’t let physical pain weigh you down too.

How long is recovery?

Let me preface this and say that, you should ask your doctor, I am simply sharing my personal experience with you.

Recovery time varies from woman to woman. I rested for 2-3 days after my surgery and then felt fine afterwards. But you might also be instructed to take off a full week if pain and discomfort is still present.

Emotionally.

Like I said earlier, the d&c wasn’t physically painful for me, but emotionally, I was in the WORST pain of my life! My heart felt empty and like it was breaking all at once. Like I couldn’t feel anything, but could feel everything all at the same time, if that makes any sense

Something that snuck up on me when I had my d&c, and something i didn’t even think would affect me was my period, you can read about that HERE. But, After your d&c you will be having your periods again, just know when this happens, that first period after a miscarriage, it will be another emotional hurdle you will have to push through.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR if you are experiencing any of these symptoms!

 Some things to look out for after your procedure that could indicate issues like an infection:

*Fever

*Heavy bleeding

*Severe pain

*Chills

*Stinky vaginal discharge

I pray that you weigh all your options, talk to your doctor, research, ask other women who had to make that tough decision as well and make the right choice for you.

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