Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Miscarriage/pregnancy loss

Find support and share your experiences on our Miscarriage forum. See also legal rights and support after baby loss.

Original poster

MMC medical management only option

16 replies

Floslittlebean · 22/12/2021 19:23

Hi everyone,
I've just had my MMC confirmed and was hoping to have the surgical option. Unfortunately with Covid, the hospital isn't offering me this option and so I can either wait it out or have medical management. Everything I have read so far hasn't filled me with hope of having a nice Christmas, birthday, new year whilst this all happens within the next week or so. Any tips on how to manage it and what to expect?

Thanks so much and hope you are all well x

OP posts:
FieldView · 22/12/2021 21:22

Hi there, so sorry to hear that you are in this position. Have they given you the option of an MVA (local anaesthetic rather than general anaesthetic)? I had one yesterday for a MMC but I'm afraid I don't have any advice on preparing for or handling medical management.

bob1985 · 22/12/2021 21:28

Hi OP,

I'm so sorry you're going through this.

I've had medical management and whilst it wasn't pleasant it wasn't horrific. Worst was over in about an hour

My tips would be. Painkillers, plenty to hand. Keep a water bottle close to keep you hydrated. Snacks if you think you'll want them.

Distractions - book, music. Whatever works for you.

Sanitary pad's, good supply various sizes.

I hope you're ok. Good luck

Original poster
Floslittlebean · 23/12/2021 03:54

Thank you @bob1985 for the advice I'm going to head to the shops today and get supplies.

@fieldview only medical management offered sadly but thank you for your kind words.

Sorry to both of you for your losses xx

OP posts:
Yutes · 23/12/2021 10:28

Hello @Floslittlebean

I had medical management of my miscarriage about a week before my birthday.
My experience sounds a bit different to yours anyway because they wanted me on the ward for the day for the management to work.
But once everything had passed, I was relatively ok-ish. My body was a little sore. I had hormonal migraines.
I didn’t really feel like celebrating my birthday anyway.

So you may not feel like celebrating anything. There’s no right or wrong way to navigate this.

For tangible advice - move if you can (ie go for a short walk, perhaps around your home).
Drink plenty.
Stock up on ibuprofen and paracetamol. Have a hot water bottle to hand.

The drugs made me want to evacuate my bowels. So that is something to bear in mind.

Everything else is a the mercy of your emotions.
I’m sorry for your loss.

RomeoMcFlourish · 23/12/2021 10:36

I’m sorry you’re going through this. I was in the same situation early 2020. As PP’s have said, try and set up some distractions for yourself, have some drinks and snacks to hand, as many painkillers as you’re allowed and definitely have a hot water bottle, that’s what helped me most.

Be kind to yourself afterwards too; I was too keen to jump back into doing normal stuff straight away but it does affect you both physically and mentally and I should have allowed myself to rest more.

Hoppinggreen · 23/12/2021 10:38

I’m sorry for your loss.
When I faced this I was fortunate enough to be able to go Private via DHs work insurance, is that an option for you?

RomeoMcFlourish · 23/12/2021 10:39

Oh yes, and if possible make sure you have a bathroom that is there for your sole use that day, as a PP said the drugs do make you need to go to the toilet frequently.

Santahatesbraisedcabbage · 23/12/2021 10:41

(Not sure if it was because I had already had dc and given birth)- I saw no hb on a Tuesday morning scan,had contractions and the urge to push and passed an intact foetus on the Thursday.. Happy to not go to hospital but did ring mw.. She said as long as the bleeding subsided I was OK to stay home. Afterwards I stopped bleeding almost immediately - just to period level.
Sorry for your loss op.

whosaidtha · 23/12/2021 11:01

How far along were you? I had one natural at 6 weeks and one medical at 9.5. Both were fine although I did pass a formed baby at 9 weeks. A little more pain but only lasted a day and then was like a normal if not a bit heavy period.

Original poster
Floslittlebean · 23/12/2021 14:31

Thank you for all of your replies and tips, and sorry for your losses. I'm booked to go in for medical management tomorrow morning and have prepared everything. Thank you for the toilet tip that's very good to know. My brother is hosting Christmas this year, which makes me nervous as won't have home comfort, so need to decide if I'm going. I don't want to let my nephews and nieces down though.

Was hoping it would just happen but 2 days probably isn't long enough to wait.

I hadn't thought about going private, I do have private medical at work, though have never really used it. Not sure I have the brain power at the moment to investigate but probably should.

OP posts:
Hoppinggreen · 23/12/2021 15:05

If you can go Private I really do recommend it.
Within hours I was tucked up in bed in a lovely Private room and I couldn’t fault my care. I stayed in overnight and when I couldn’t sleep 2 nurses made me a cuppa and sat and chatted for a bit then later offered a sedative so I could get some sleep (which I took).
Private insurance often doesn’t cover anything pregnancy related but as this wasn’t strictly that it was covered. DH made 1 phone call and they sorted it all out

BlueForYou3 · 23/12/2021 15:39

I’m so sorry for your loss @Floslittlebean Sad

I had medical management for a MMC last month. I had some cramping and bleeding with the first dose of medication but it had subsided by the following day. It wasn’t until I took the second dose of medication on day 3 that I passed the pregnancy sac and started bleeding heavily.

I used a combination of codeine, ibuprofen and a hot water bottle to manage the pain. Personally, I would take some pain relief 30 minutes before you start the medication if you can as I was surprised how quickly and intense the cramping started.

Period pants were really helpful as well. I bought 3 pairs of Cheeky Wipes for £45 off Amazon and I didn’t leak through once.

Take care tomorrow - you will get through this Flowers

RomeoMcFlourish · 23/12/2021 21:59

Is your brother aware of the situation? Does he live close enough that you can just pop in for an hour or so if you’re feeling up to it? I would be reluctant to commit to anything more than that, you might feel very achey, tired and emotional. Do what’s right for you of course, and you might feel up to it. But anyone who is decent should completely understand why you might not be.

SweetBabyCheeses99 · 23/12/2021 22:24

I would push a bit harder if you want surgical. I don’t think that just “covid” is a good enough reason to deny these essential woman’s services.

bob1985 · 28/12/2021 17:37

Hope you're ok op

Original poster
Floslittlebean · 31/12/2021 09:14

Thanks all for your messages and for checking in @bob1985.

I had the medical management on Christmas eve, it finally feels like the pain is easing. It wasn't as bad as I thought but was obviously not pleasant and did have its moments. Thanks so much for the tips and advice.

I wish you all a happy new year and hope you're all looking after yourselves xxx

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page