Surgical management

Getting ready to go to hospital

Before you go to the hospital for the D&C there are a number of things you may be told to do or bring to the hospital.

• Fasting – You will most likely be asked to fast at home for 6-8 hours before coming to the hospital. Check with your doctor or specialist if this is required before the procedure and for how long.
• Pack a self-care bag – An overnight bag is handy, although unlikely to be needed.  It’s a good idea to bring: Medicare card, sanitary pads, toiletries, dressing gown, slippers, a water bottle, a book/magazine, your phone and charger, and something comfortable to wear going home.
• Medication – Ensure you have basic painkillers at home, e.g., Ibuprofen and Paracetamol, in case you are in pain after the procedure.

Once you arrive at the hospital

When you arrive at the hospital, you’ll need to go through the admissions process and may be required to wait until your surgery is ready to be performed. Before the procedure, you’ll meet the anaesthetist, who will inquire about your background health information. Misoprostol may be offered before the suction D&C, either bucally (between your gums and inner lining of the mouth) or vaginally, to soften the cervix and make the procedure a bit easier and safer to carry out in the operation theatre.

You’ll be prepared for surgery and given a general anaesthetic. The operation usually only takes 5-15 minutes, whereby the pregnancy tissue is removed by gently opening your cervix. Once completed, they’ll take you to the recovery area, where you’ll rest a few hours before going home.

Helpful to know: when you are admitted to the hospital and recovering from your procedure, you’ll share spaces with patients needing various medical procedures. The hospital staff generally don’t know the specific reason for your procedure (that is, they don’t know if you are having a suction D&C for a miscarriage, a termination of pregnancy, or treating endometriosis). This can be upsetting if you feel they are not supporting or acknowledging your loss while caring for you. If you feel comfortable, you may want to disclose to staff that you are having the procedure for a miscarriage so they can better understand your situation.  

After anaesthesia, you must not drive home as you may be sleepy. In most cases, insurance doesn’t cover the 24 hours after anaesthesia. Please ask your partner, friends, or a family member to drive you home. The operation is safe, but there’s a small risk of complications, including heavy bleeding, infection, or damage to the womb. A repeat operation is sometimes required. The risk of infection is the same if you choose medical or surgical treatment. 

Recovery at home

Your doctor will advise you on how to take care of yourself after your procedure. Generally, they’ll tell you:

• You will experience some light bleeding/spotting and mild cramping for the first 7-14 days. Your period should return within 4-6 weeks.
• Avoid sex for 2 weeks until the bleeding stops.
• Avoid swimming or taking a bath until the bleeding stops.
• Use sanitary pads instead of tampons.

If you are still experiencing bleeding and pain after 2 weeks, it’s essential you go back and see your doctor or specialist.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe medication to help with any pain. In most cases, over-the-counter pain medications such as paracetamol (‘Panadol’) or Ibuprofen (“Nurofen” or “Rafen”) will be enough to help manage the pain.