MVA procedure for MMC

[Yeasayer]

Hello ladies,

Firstly sorry for your losses . Just wondered if any of you had any experience of MVA (manual vacuum aspiration)? I went for a private early reassurance scan on Saturday, unfortunately the scan showed the embryo did not develop past 8+5. Two more scans today have confirmed this and the lovely nurse spoke through my options. I've opted for an MVA as I have an 18mth old, and having experienced early miscarriage before, I didn't feel expectant management (the stress of waiting would take it's toll) or Erpc (recovering from anaesthetic) were the right options for me this time.

Just wondered if anyone else had opted for this procedure and what your experiences were (in terms of the set-up of the procedure, post-op bleeding, discomfort, etc.)?

Thanks in advance x

[Yeasayer]

Anyone? I'm new to mumsnet - I only joined when I found out I was pregnant but I have posted on a few threads (Nov 15 mums to be) x

[Stoatystoat]

I'm afraid can't help with the advice re the procedure though I did have a MMC this year. I think if you find the general MMC thread there should be some posters that can help, I had the medical management and came across a poster who had what you had. Is your one the op but you stay awake?

So sorry for what you are going through x

[workadurka]

From what I understand the procedure is quite similar to ERPC. I'm guessing it may be more painful as you are not so anaesthetised?

I found the physical recovery has been OK since ERPC but the GA really knocked me out - if my local hospital had offered MVA I would have gone for it.

[Yeasayer]

Thanks for your replies ladies. Really sorry that you have found yourselves on this board too. It is the one where you stay awake. I have found an old thread for MVA, from what I read I think it may be uncomfortable but only for the duration of the procedure (around 10mins or so). There's a local anaesthetic so I'm hoping it will be minimal.
I'm the same as you wordurka ga really knocks me for 6. To be honest I'd have gone for the medical management too stoatystoat but we are on holiday next week and I didn't want the stress of not knowing to take over.

The procedure is booked for tomorrow - I'm well stocked with wine & chocolate! Probably sounds very heartless but I just want it over with now so I can move on.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply xx

[Yeasayer]

warning descriptive content*

Just in case someone stumbles across this post looking for help in the future, I thought I'd update it with what happened today.

I went to St. Mary's (Mcr), and attended the outpatients clinic. I'd already had 3 scans to confirm the MMC and completed the consent form before the appt. I was booked in by a nurse & given 2 paracetamol, 1 ibuprofen, 4 anti-biotic tablets and 2 pessaries (vaginally, to soften the cervix (although in some hospitals these are offered orally)). I then had to wait an hour for pessaries to work. I was allowed to leave and come back after an hour.

When it was time, the Dr went through the procedure and explained what would happen. They would use a speculum to locate and numb the cervix, and inject a local anaesthetic into the cervix (it's not comfortable but it's no worse than a smear test). After a few minutes she dilated the cervix and inserted a tube through the cervix which was attached to a large syringe. The Dr said she would pump the syringe around 3 - 4 times, and when the procedure was ending I would experience cramping. She advised that there was entinox (Gas & air), available if it became uncomfortable (I didn't need it). I was also given a heat pad to place on my tummy which was really effective. I felt a mild pulling sensation but my experience was not uncomfortable or painful. When she had finished they took my blood pressure & temp, and after 10 minutes I could get dressed. I had to sit in the recovery room for half an hour and they gave me tea & a biscuit before I could go home (after checking I could pass urine, and that I was not experiencing heavy bleeding). There were 3 people present (Dr, nurse & assistant), my husband was allowed to be there too but he chose not to (we had discussed this, and I tend to cope better on my own).

The procedure wasn't too uncomfortable and I only experienced very minor discomfort (I have gone through childbirth though, so it may be more uncomfortable for those that have not (in terms of dilating the cervix)) . The nurse was talking to me the whole time & I did not realise they had started the process. It sounds silly but my main worry as that I would hear the pump & the contents sloshing around in a bucket. This was not the case at all, the procedure is silent and there's a small container (not a bucket!). I'm fortunate to have a high pain threshold & my expectations were for intense pain, so perhaps this made my experience more comfortable than anticipated.

It goes without saying that the staff were amazing, compassionate & caring.

So far, the after cramps have been manageable. I have kept the ibuprofen topped up & have a heat pad across my tummy which has eased any discomfort. I have experienced some bleeding (similar to a medium flow) but the Dr said this should ease off within a couple of days and to expect some light bleeding / spotting for a couple of weeks.

It's sad that anyone has to go through this but I hope this may be of some use to someone who finds themself in the unfortunate position of having to chose how they want to manage their miscarriage. xx

[Yeasayer]

I should add, I was given a gown to wear for the procedure. I did feel quite cold after so I'd advise taking an extra layer to throw on (i had a light cardi & it was 20c today but I still felt chilly when I got out). I also took some large knickers (the big attractive bucket type ones!) and my own pads (the hospital do have some but they're obviously on a budget so you may not have the best quality). I'd also recommend a bottle of water or a drink - I was surprisingly thirsty afterwards. x

[Silverr]

Thank you ever so much for your post. First of all I am really very sorry for your loss. I lost my baby boy at 17 weeks of pregnancy. I will be having this procedure done next week and didn't know what to expect. Your post has been a hugh help. Thank you so much for taking the time and helping others at this very difficult time. All the best, thanks again.

[Red7777]

Thank you for your post. I’ve found it incredibly helpful. I’m hoping to have the same procedure.