Early Pregnancy Failure...Do I need a D&C after my miscarriage?

Well, a few days ago, I miscarried after almost 15 weeks of being pregnant with what 2 ultrasounds confirmed as an "early pregnancy failure" (blighted ovum). My concern is that it took so long for me to finally miscarry. My doctor has been most unhelpful and I can't get any answers because, in my opinion, I'm only 18. The whole miscarriage process started first with brown discharge for a few weeks, then on the day of the miscarriage some actual red blood, then cramping that night and finally the expulsion of the contents of my uterus. After getting some sleep, I expelled the last of the tissue the following morning, the pain went away, and I've only been bleeding very lightly since. I feel totally fine but, even though I got the opinion of a nurse that I didn't need it, I'm wondering if I still may need to have a D&C. I went to the ER and they didn't do ANYTHING, however, I haven't been to a regular Dr. yet. I want to avoid a D&C if at all possible and any input would be great.

I had a spontaneous miscarriage at 15 weeks and I didn't need to have a D&C. Usually your doctor will confirm whether you need one with another ultrasound to check that everything has been lost. However if you feel fine and your bleeding is diminishing then the chances are that you will not need to undergo any further medical procedures. I would ask for an ultrasound to check, however, as any retained products of conception can be a cause of infection, and that can affect your chances of conceiving again in the future. However, this can be managed with antibiotics if caught early. It is possible that your doctor is treating you differently because of your age, it shouldn't happen but of course, it does. See if you can transfer to the care of another doctor, preferably a woman, who might be more helpful and sympathetic.

I hope you feel better soon and I'm sorry for your loss. It can be a very hard time after a miscarriage so try not to be too hard on yourself. Take it easy and find someone to talk to if you feel down. The following links might help you, it sounds like you're in America but there's one for the UK too.

I wish you luck in the future.

You may need a D & C. If you do need one and don't have this procedure done, you can develop a life threatening infection. You need to find a doctor that will listen to your concerns. And I'm really sorry for your loss.

did you pass the fetus (sorry) *huggs* its obvious if you did... if you didnt than yes you do..... hang in there hun you will be ok good luck

After miscarriage, a D&C is done if the woman continues to bleed, which means there is still tissue that needs to be removed. If you are not bleeding heavily, and it sounds like you are not, there is no need for a D&C. Keep track of your drainage and make sure you are not running a fever. If the drainage lightens and you continue to feel fine, you should be okay.

I hope you find a different doctor. No matter what your age, you deserve answers to your questions and explanations of exactly what is going on. If possible, please see a different doctor. There's absolutely no reason you have to stay with the same one if you're unhappy with him/her. Advocate for yourself!
Good luck!

You probably don't, if you have expelled all of the tissue and the bleeding you are having now is red blood and not brown-which is old tissue. Ask your PCP for a referral to a gynecologist. If they do not give you one, visit your local health department and ask if they have any women's centers or if they can refer you to a good one. Take care and best wishes.

Yes you do need one. They need to clean you out properly to make sure nothing is left in there that can cause a very serious infection.

I would expect that your regular OB/GYN would do an ultrasound (or even at the ER) to make sure that all the material had been expelled. I miscarried at 11 weeks, and had an ultrasound performed at the ER, which determined that not all of the material had been expelled. At this point, it was recommended that I have the D&C. Really, it does not hurt. They give you nitrous oxide (or an intravenous drug) to put you to sleep, and do the whole thing before you wake. Basically, it is like cleaning out a pumpkin (that's the best way I can describe it). When I woke, I had a little cramping, and was a little woozy, but ok after a few hours. Bleeding will probably continue for a little while- you were in labor and went through almost the same process as having a live birth (not nearly as much pain, though!) If you are still concerned, seek the opinion of another doctor. You dont' have to see the same one again if you feel that he wasn't helpful to you or sympathetic to you. In your first sentence, it isn't clear to me if you had the 2 ultrasounds before or after the miscarriage, so if it was after, I'm sure the doc looked to make sure that no material was left. If it was before, and you haven't had another since the miscarriage, ask for another one to make sure the uterus is clear. Left over material could be a problem with any future pregnancies. By the way, I'm sorry for your loss.

Try to get an emergency visit with an OB/GYN. You may very well need a D & C, however without an ultraound you will not know if there is any excess fetal tissue remaining.

You really need to speak with a doctor, get a second third opinion if need be. Ensure that a test like an ultrasound is performed to ensure that your uterus is clear.

I'm sorry about your doctor.

You PROBABLY don't need one with how early it was. However, it is best to ask a doctor. Find a different doctor--ask around your girlfriends for recommendations, as almost all of them have a gyno or OB/GYN--and go to them.