Surgical or Medical abortion at 14 weeks after CVS results

[PigeonBrow]

Hello all,

We've had the news today that our baby has Down's and a probable cardiac anomaly. We are devastated.

We have decided to terminate but I am really struggling to understand whether medical or surgical abortion is better in terms of my ability to have a future pregnancy. From what I've read it seems like surgical abortion is a less unpleasant procedure but carries more risks in terms of damage to the cervix/uterus. Is this correct?

I am 37 years old so I am keen to start trying to conceive again as soon as possible.

Any advice would be very gratefully received.

Best wishes,

G

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I have been through the same. I was 14 weeks and was advised a medical termination on the ward was the safest option for my gestation. I'm not going to sugar coat it, it wasn't easy but I was well looked after, pain was managed very well, I didnt suffer at all. I also felt safer with the nurses on hand given the circumstances. It also didn't take too long either. I was given the first lot of medication around 11am and delivered our baby around 5pm after a 2nd dose.

Unfortunately the placenta didnt deliver and was removed by hand, but I was left with retained tissue and needed a surgical procedure anyway. I was concerned about scaring, but had a 3D scan of my womb 5 months later and all was perfect.

Sending you hugs at this painful time. You will be ok whatever option you choose. Listen to your consultant, they know what best, you will be looked after. Take care x

@Lastchancesaloon1891

Thank you so much for your kind response.

Can I ask, how long did your recovery take? The medical abortion leaflet I was given recommends taking 2-4 weeks off work which really surprised me.

I haven't been given an option to speak to a consultant. I am able to talk to the midwives and they are lovely but very very difficult to get hold of and seem reluctant to advise me one way or the other. That is all to say it's super helpful for me to read your story so thank you.

Unfortunately for me it took about 6 weeks. After delivery I was back on my feet in days but after about 10 days it was evident all wasn't right and when I was scanned I had retained tissue. I had a surgical procedure 2 weeks to the day after delivery. I was fine for a week or so after that but then I was bleeding heavily again. I went back and found to still have 4cm of tissue so needed another surgical procedure. I was just unlucky but in between the procedures I was up and about and even had 4 days in center parcs (already booked before we knew I was pregnant)

Don't worry too much over my experience. I was told it can be common to have retained tissue at this stage but that's not to say it would happen to you or that you would need surgery. Sometimes they leave it to pass naturally, but mine was prolonged and I was in pain and anxious. I was well looked after and no worry was a silly worry if that makes sense, the nurses, midwives and consultants were on hand to listen and help.

Have you found ARC yet?
www.arc-uk.org

My screening days are about 4 years out of date, but all of our women having medical procedures routinely go to theatre for an ERPC after they have delivered their baby ad the risk of retained tissue is so high. And BPAS, who did our surgicals, said their data showed no difference in outcome in future pregnancies.

@EasyComfortDishes

Thank you. I'll give them a call when they reopen on Monday.

I'm very torn because I think I would strongly prefer to have a surgical abortion but if there's any increased risk for a future pregnancy I think I should go down the medical route.

I’m so sorry you’re going through this @PigeonBrow, my heart goes out to you 💐

In terms of the surgery, I had surgical management under general anaesthetic for a missed miscarriage last Christmas at 11 weeks, which I think is the same procedure. The procedure was quick - I think I went in for the surgery at around 12.30pm and I was home again by 4pm. I had some period-like cramping that day and evening, and then some bleeding for a few days which resolved itself after a couple of weeks. In terms of fertility and future pregnancies, my cycle resumed very quickly and I was fortunate enough to conceive in March this year - our little boy is due in a couple of weeks’ time. I was worried about scarring or adhesions but needn’t have worried.

It’s such a difficult decision and I’m so sorry again that you’re going through this. If there’s anything else I can share about the surgery or recovery that would be helpful, please do ask. Sending you strength and a virtual hug if you’d like one x

@howtomum123 Thank you so much for your message. And congratulations on your little one! That's wonderful to hear.

I'm feeling a bit more positive today and think I will go for the surgical option if I can get an appointment soon.

Wishing you all the best for the birth and beyond.

I found so much relief in your comment, thank you.

I am having the surgical option tomorrow, 13w5d, severe abnormalities on the ultrasound, will get my CVS results tomorrow. But regardless, due to the size of the abnormalities, I could miscarry any day now.

I was so scared and worried, especially as baby was through fertility treatment, but to hear you conceived not long after has given me the tiny bit of hope I needed.

thank you