MMC - surgical management and what to expect?

[SomeMonstersEatTelly]

I was confirmed to have had a MMC at 12+1w today after a tiny bit of old blood in my discharge. I’ve opted for surgical management under GA and I was hoping for some wise words on what I should expect.

I am booked in on Monday morning first thing which I am relieved about but still have to wait the weekend and hope I don’t have to go to A&E for an emergency procedure before the scheduled one.

Any advice would be much appreciated x

Hi. So sorry you are going through this. I had surgical management at a similar gestation. It was a day case and I don’t remember having significant pain. Had to pee before they let me home. PV bleeding was minimal and physically I was back to normal the next day looking after my 3 year old. Happy to answer any specific questions.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I've had several surgically managed missed miscarriages now and the process has always been very similar. I've gone in around 7am, had initial checks etc. then closer to the time of the operation (which has varied depending on the emergencies coming in that day) I have had pessaries to soften the cervix around an hour before being taken to theatre. You go into a prep room where they will check your details, give you some oxygen and a strong painkiller, and put you to sleep. The injection going into your cannula can feel funny and a bit stingy but it doesn't last long and you'll be asleep before you know it. The staff also all know what you are there for and have always been so kind to me and held my hand etc.

Once you come to, you'll be in recovery and you'll stay there for a short while whilst you fully regain consciousness and they monitor your heart rate and blood pressure etc. after which you'll go back to the ward, usually for a few hours, and he released later on the same day.

I had minimal pain for all my procedures, and around 7-10 days of light bleeding, no cramping after the day of the operation. My periods came back around 6 weeks later each time x

Thank you both. This is incredibly helpful and reassuring. I’m really sorry to have heard of your losses, too.

I have the weekend to wait and have started bleeding a bit more. I am just really hoping to make it through to the planned operation on Monday.

With surgical management under general anaesthetic, the procedure itself is normally quite short, often less than half an hour. You’ll be in the hospital for a few hours though, from check-in to recovery. Most women experience cramping and light bleeding afterwards, similar to a heavy period, and it can last for a week or two. The staff will usually give you aftercare instructions about pain relief and what warning signs to look for, such as heavy bleeding or fever. Emotionally, it can also hit harder once you’re back home, so it’s good to plan some quiet time.

Bless you sorry to hear this. Yes I had surgery under GA. They allowed my DH to come right to the theatre doir, everyone was very kind. When I came round I was in abit of pain but they put pain relief pessaries inside after surgery and I just had a top up of paracetamol. I was in a private room and slept bit. Had to eat and wee before allowed home later that night. Was OK I just wanted it over with. Someone from the hospital called me to check I was ok which looking back was nice I suppose. Not sure if they do that now. It actually hit me 6 months later. Take your time and be kind to yourself.

Hope all goes as well as it can tomorrow. Just want to echo what everyone else has said. Actual procedure is fine. The tough bit is the mental recovery. I keep thinking I’m fine, then something will hit me and I’m not ok

That’s so, so kind @TheFutureIs

Thank you everyone - your words have made a difference.

@SomeMonstersEatTelly how are you sweetie? ❤️

Hope all went well for you xx

Thank you - it has all gone well and I feel tired but otherwise fine. The staff were wonderful and I was very well cared for.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experience - it made it a lot less of a daunting prospect.

I’ve just got myself The Worst Girl Gang Ever book. Highly recommend it for reading when you feel ready.
Be kind to yourself, and give yourself time to grieve.

Glad you're OK ❤️