Pain relief - does anyone know whether it can affect MC progress?

[LadyBee]

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.

Ladybee I've seen this via the other thread. I am sorry to hear that you are in the middle of things now, but in a way it's good that it has started. You are going through exactly what happened to me. After the scan which showed my baby had died I came home to see what happened and was very unprepared for the pain. I called my ind MW who asked what was in the first aid box and my DH takes Diclofenac for his back pain so she told me to take that as it was pretty strong. TBH, when I got to the contractions point (in the middle of the night) nothing helped as it was pretty awful. I had 1 occasion of extreme pain with contractions which lasted an hour and then I passed something large and 2 further times the next day when I passed largish tissue but no way near as much pain. My MW advised hot water bottles and the hottest baths I could stand - this really, really helped. I'm pretty sure I took Paramol as well - pretty much anything we had. She didn't advise me that painkillers and hot baths would stop the contractions and tbh I was so desperate to avoid going to hospital as I just wanted to be at home that I tried anything to keep the pain under control.

It may be that this is the worst bit for you and if so, fairly short lived. Are you with someone or alone?

Thinking of you.

Thanks WestYorkshireGirl, that's very reassuring, especially to know that a MW recommended Diclofenac and to have those timeframes - I won't worry if it takes a bit longer now.

I've got DH and DS at home, DS is napping and DH is playing a computer game in the next room while I'm resting in bed. He'll take care of DS when he wakes up which is exactly what I need right now, just to be left alone to rest or cope and to know that DS is being cared for.

don't have any informed answers on the painkillers - just wanted to post a big squeeze for you, and so glad DH close and DS all looked after. Makes such a difference. Lots of love to you x

Diclofenac and paracetomol should have no impact on the the "process" apart from helping with the physical pain. I'm afraid they won't help with the emotional pain - here's a big hug to help with that (sorry very non-MN I know)

I am so sorry to read about your mc. I had one in January, although am now pg again. I just wanted to say that I had Diclofenac last year for gall bladder attacks. However, it was only after a couple of months of ttc that I read that taking Diclofenac can make it "harder to conceive". There is not much detail beyond this on the information that comes with it, and I didn't investigate it further, just stopped taking it, but I just thought I would point it out incase you are thinking of ttc straight after your mc (which we did incidentally and I got pg before I even had a period).

How are you Ladybee?

Hi Ladybee, sorry to hear you are going through this. Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory and helps pain by reducing inflammation and swelling so I wouldn't expect it would slow anything down, just help with the symptoms.

hope you are OK today.