Midwives - advice on pain relief effects, needed now-ish please *Warning: about Miscarriage*

[LadyBee]

Sorry to post on here, but I'm hoping that some of the resident MWs are about. Feel free to chime in if you know about these things though.

I'm currently in the middle of a miscarriage at about 9 1/2 weeks, embryo appears to have lost heartbeat at about 7 1/2 weeks. This is my 4th pg, the 1st was MC at 5weeks, then I had a DS in 2008, 2nd MC was in April this year - I had an ERPC.

About 1 1/2 hrs ago I started getting very intense contractions and lots of blood loss. The pain was very difficult to stand, contractions every minute or so. After about 30 minutes I decided to take some Diclofenac, which I had left over from my previous ERPC (I didn't need it). I also found a position that seemed to be a bit more comfortable.

Things have eased off, and I've passed a reasonably large something, but I suspect there might be more to come.

I'm pleased the Diclofenac seems to be helping with the pain, but I don't want anything to interfere with the contractions etc. Basically, I want this to be over and be effective. Do you know if the effects of the painkiller could also stop the contractions?

Also, I was planning to take some high-strength paracetamol in between the Diclofenac -- would this be ok? The Diclofenac is allowed 3 x day and I'm worried if the effects wear off and the pain gets bad again I'd need to take something before the time gap elapses.

I'm posting this is in the miscarriages section as well...

I'm sorry you're going through this. I hope someone can come and advise soon.

sorry to hear this too, is there no way you could give your local hospital a quick bell or NHS direct? I know the last thing you would feel like doing would be to talk to labour ward but they may have some very quick advice?
Hope this is over for you as fast as possible, you have my deepest sympathies

Hi,

I'm a m/w. The painkillers won't stop the contractions so don't worry about that. You can take paracetamol inbetween diclofenac to cover the times when the diclofenac may be wearing off.

Should you ring the Early Pregnancy unit for advice? Where I work we only get involved with women ffrom 20 weeks so I truely have no idea how miscarriages at this stage are managed. I'm just suprised you're at home going through this on your own, but maybe that is usual or even preferable for you. But please if you're concerned about blood loss ring someone.

Sorry this is happening.

Am sorry to hear this- have just had a mc and
Hospital advised that could use both. Also how much blood are using? I was told
If filling more than a pad an hour to
Go in but that in this intense
Stage it is possible
That you could seem to lose a lot when jad intense mini labour phase i was told
If
Contractions like this carried on for
More than a couple of hours. I would ring epu as they have specialist nurses there and are
Much more knowledgeable.

I haven't got the guidance leaflet here but was told that pain , a fair bit of blood loss and mini labour is normal. This was my third mc too and remember being scared at this and going into a and e (who should see you quickly if you explain) the first time so I do sympathise massively about having to endure this again.

Hi - thanks for your responses, and thanks stripey I really appreciate having your advice.
I'm not by myself - DH is here, but he's looking after our DS, I prefer to know that DS is being cared for as that means I can just get on with things. He's here if I need help though.

I think our EPU isn't open on weekends, but I do think this is normal to be at home for 'natural' miscarriage.

I'll keep an eye on the blood loss - when the pain was very bad I did get some dizziness/nausea but I think that was from pain rather than blood loss and now that the pain is more bearable I don't feel ill in the same way.

Thanks for you thoughts.

Sorry for odd typos - on my mobile

I really hope its all over for you soon.

Sorry to read this is happening.

Paracetamol works best if taken 4 times a day and won't do anything to the contractions.

If the EPU isn't open, there will normally be an early pregnancy ward that looks after women needing in-patient treatment for miscarriages or early pregnancy problems. Do call them to ask for advice if things don't settle down.