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Miscarriage/pregnancy loss

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Medical miscarriage- what happens?

11 replies

NinaTee · 23/12/2021 14:55

I found out today that there was no heartbeat at my 12 week scan. The baby stopped growing at 9+3.

They've said I can choose between medical and surgical management. They weren't very clear what actually happens at the medical management - will I be on my own?

What do most people choose?

Thanks x

OP posts:
Diditopknot · 23/12/2021 14:59

Hi.
Medical management is medication.
They will give you some tablets to take them you go home and wait by a loo.
Make sure you have strong painkillers and maxi sanitary pads.
If the pain and/bleeding gets too much, you can get medical help.
Strong painkillers are key.
All the best.

Diditopknot · 23/12/2021 15:01

Surgical is a fast surgical operation to remove the “products of conception” as they put it.
You will be given an anaesthetic and the whole thing beginning to end takes about 30. Minutes.
There is less pain, bleeding and it’s over fast.

NinaTee · 23/12/2021 15:03

Thank you! They said for the medical management I'd be staying in the hospital until it had completed. That's why I was a little confused as I thought it'd be at home.

OP posts:
RainbowBabyForChristmasPlease · 23/12/2021 15:25

Medical management for me was taking 2 tablets at the hospital and then just waiting half an hour before I could leave just in case I was sick and the tablets came back up. Then I was allowed home. For me there was no increase in bleeding and no cramping at all. I was half expecting to have to go back for a second lot of tablets, but a couple of days later whilst paying for some shopping I felt something move down there and when I went to the toilet everything was out. However pain free may have been because 5 weeks prior to me taking them I'd already had 2 hours of massive bleeding with huge clots

NinaTee · 23/12/2021 15:41

Thank you rainbow xx

OP posts:
Mancbear88 · 23/12/2021 17:37

Sorry to hear of your loss.

Mine was pre covid so may be different. I had to go into hospital on the Saturday for tablet one and wait there for 30 minutes. Then I had to go back on the Monday for tablet two and stay there all day with the nurses checking every time I went to the toilet for the baby.

It actually didn’t work for me so I ended up staying over night and having surgery the next day anyway but I think that’s rare.

RainbowBabyForChristmasPlease · 23/12/2021 18:38

@NinaTee no worries. Sorry you've had to join the Baby loss club. I've only had one medical management. My other 4 were very early losses so I was able to manage naturally with those ones. My 9 week one I'd also chosen to do naturally because I wanted to bury our Baby at home, but 5 weeks later and 2 Pregnancy tests were positive and that's when we discovered pretty much everything was still inside me. What I didn't know at the time and no one told me was at 9 weeks we could have had the Baby sent off for testing to see if there was a reason I can't seem to get passed the 1st trimester and we could have also found out the sex too. We now have our Baby's remains inside a Peter rabbit Teddy. I originally wanted a rose Bush but I'm the least green fingered person around

NinaTee · 23/12/2021 18:52

Thanks Manc Xx

The teddy idea sounds lovely Rainbow. I've had one previous MC so I'm not sure if they'll do any testing - I think it's only if you've had three? I could be wrong. Just want to fast forward over the next few days!!

OP posts:
hidetheicicles · 23/12/2021 21:23

I’m very sorry for your loss @NinaTee.

I had medical management last month and it was the same experience as Mancbear’s. It took place on a gynaecology ward in a private room with a bathroom. My partner was allowed to stay with me the whole time. It was hard but over quickly. xxx

NinaTee · 23/12/2021 22:20

Thank you for the info, hide. I'm sorry you had to go through it too. Xx

OP posts:
Hairyfriend · 23/12/2021 23:32

So sorry Nina you are going through this loss. Flowers Please know that you aren't alone and its not your fault! Nothing you did has caused this.

Are you in the UK? Sorry if this is upsetting reading for anyone! In most cases, yes, they won't check the foetal products for genetic testing unless its the 3rd MC. In saying that, when I had my 2nd loss, I collected the products in a sterile urine/medical container (available from pharmacies) and took it to the EPU. Keep in the fridge if you can't get there within a few hours). Although they didn't do extensive genetic testing, they verified that there was foetal matter there. I'd been worried it might have been a blighted ovum. And also confirmed it wasn't a molar pregnancy. Although not the genetic testing I would have preferred given my 1st pregnancy had patau syndrome, it still have some peace of mind at least having a report.

In terms of medical management, they should give you info about both options. I've never had surgical, but its quick, less bleeding after and less pain in most cases. There is a tiny chance of perforation though, but all procedures carry a risk. Medical in more drawn out, risk of seeing the products, longer bleeding and more chance of pain during the procedure. But you are awake and know whats going on.

In saying that, I had TFMR at nearly 12weeks. I had worked in a gynea area so have experience of other women going through medical management. I had assumed I'd be in agony. It wasnt pleasant, but not the agony I had expected at all. I'd also assumed I'd be given surgical, but due to some small fibroids, plus them wanting to check the foetus genetically, they suggested medical.

Things to note though:

  • Wear the biggest, night pads you have or ask the hospital for giant pads. They are brilliant and prevent accidents and leaks. Take spare, giant, comfy bloomer undies and PJ trousers.
  • After they insert the tablets, try to stay laying down for at least 1hr
  • When you go to the loo, dont panic if part or even a whole pill comes out. Its also common to see a white paste when wiping. Dont worry.
  • A side effect (NOT allergic reaction) can be nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, flushing and a fever. My face was like a beetroot and I felt I was burning up.
  • Ask for paracetamol and codeine early on. They take approx 1hr to reach full strength, so don't wait if you have pain.

I had this done abroad, but in a very similar health system. Very different now with covid though. Normally, you'd swallow a tablet 2 days before, then have 4 inserted into the vagina on the day. In my case, I just had the 4. I was in a room on my own and DH was allowed to stay on a camp bed. They checked my temp/blood pressure and pads every few hours, but that was about all in terms of checks. Every time I used the loo, there was a bed pan sitting inside the toilet seat so they could check what came out.

I did also see the genetics consultant and the following day I think a social worker. Sorry again if upsetting, but I'd never considered what I'd want to happen to the foetus. I was given the option of paying for a private cremation or burial, taking it home to bury in a pot plant/garden or having it cremated with other MC's and losses and scattered in the garden of angels at the local cemetary.

Having since had IVF twice with a light sedation, I'd likely have chosen a surgical option due to it being so quick. Due to my history though, they felt medical was the best for me. Sorry this is long, but if I'd know some of the above, it would have helped me through my medical. Wishing you all the best and if you have any questions, please ask Flowers

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