Medical Miscarriage Advice*

[21RsMama]

I had a 12 week scan which showed the baby stopped growing just over 11 weeks. We had seen a heartbeat twice so we're seriously disappointed as you can imagine.
I just wanted to ask if anyone could help explain to me how I can collect the little fetus for genetic testing? It would be easier happening in the hospital I know but they can't see me for 4 days for the 1st tablet and I feel its going to happen before then.

How do I physically collect the tissue? It might seem a daft question but I really worry I can't 'catch' it.

Any advice would be appreciated. X

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I didn't manage to do this myself but i think I've read on here that if you catch the fetal remains in a clean (sterilised?) bowl and cover with cling film and refrigerate you can take it in for testing. I assume a sterilised lidded food container would work better, and that you'd need to know in advance that you had the relevant department ready to accept it in the right time frame. Presumably transport in thermal bag with ice packs, or cool box.

I passed mine in hospital and used
One of those surgical cardboard bowls every time I went to the loo so my fluid loss could be tracked. I imagine they can be bought online and would allow you to inspect what you are passing.

A note of caution- when I passed mine in hospital (MC at 11 weeks but suspect had stopped growing at about 8 or 9) I didn't manage to find the fetal remains. When I had my2nd I opted for MVA and had lined up private testing at the hospital, but the sample taken by the doctors who performed the MVA was found not to contain any fetal tissue. So it might have been reabsorbed (or been an error by the doctors, but the seemed to be taking their time and being careful when collecting the tissue).
So it's possible you won't get the answer you're looking for.

Why not have a surgical procedure ? Then the remains can be provided for testing if this is your wish
Can also ensure you have no retained product
Vacuum aspiration by gentle suction under LA, conscious sedation or GA I'd available
Good luck and so sorry for your loss 💐

Thanks for replying. I was told I could either go home and wait or come back in 4 days for the tablets and IF that didn't work then it would be the medical procedure (surgery/MVA I assume).

I've had 3 miscarriages previously but all before 8 weeks so passing the tissue was no doubt more straight forward than this time will be.

The staff were all fairly sensitive today however I do think they maybe don't don't into the detail that would be appreciated like logistically how do I collect the blood/tissue/fetus etc or maybe I was just to numb to think to ask the questions

I used to work in this area , some of our ladies would use a bed pan - a paper mache type of cover for the toilet if passing at home

@21RsMama I’m so sorry you’re going through this. The same thing happened to me and it’s just awful.
Have you had any indications something could happen before you go back to hospital in four days? Any spotting?
I went back to hospital for the treatment 2 days later and nothing happened in the meantime, of course I can’t say things would be different for you! As a pp said, in hospital I used those cardboard bed pans, maybe see if the hospital can provide you with a few of those while you’re waiting? X