You just received the worst news! The doctor has confirmed your miscarriage and asks you to choose between having a D&C or Naturally Miscarrying?!?!?
What should you do next?
Remember, it is okay to gather all the information and ask to have sometime to think about it.
Action Step:
Sit down and read through these essential questions when deciding between having a D&C or Naturally Miscarrying.
- Do you have other kids to take care of?
- What are your work demands?
- What is your current physical condition?
- How much does it cost?
- Have you started to actively miscarry?
- What is your current emotional state?
I am not a doctor. The information given is purely meant to inform not treat. Please consult your doctor for your personal medical care.
Questions, plus additional information
1. Do you have other kids to take care of?
D&C: Having babysitters for younger kids would be wise. But with older kids, about 6 years old and up, you can sit on the couch and have chill days together.
Natural Miscarriage: Despite having kids in the home you can comfortable juggle your miscarriage while watching them. In addition, don’t feel guilty about giving extra screentime. You will be using the bathroom frequently and for long stretches of time.
Also, be prepared for your kids to ask questions if they happen to see blood. It can be scary for them too.
>>> Access this FREE download that will walk you through simple, repeatable, practices I personally used during my 5 miscarriage recoveries.
2. What are your work demands?
D&C: Due to a D&C being a surgical recovery you will want to plan accordingly. At least a week minimum off of work to rest and heal. Working remote is an option, but be prepared to be tired and emotional.
Related topic: What to expect with home recovery?
Natural miscarriage: In contrast, plan on about a week of home recovery with close proximity to a bathroom. Bleeding will be heavy then slowly tapper off in a week or two. You will be constantly cleaning yourself and very emotional. Working remote is not recommended.
3. What is your current physical condition?
D&C: Having a D&C will require a surgical recovery, in some ways this may be easier to you than naturally processing.
Another good consideration is, how far along you were when you miscarried? If you were farther along in your pregnancy that might make a D&C the better fit. (Visit WebMd for specific D&C details.)
Natural miscarriage: As long as you are generally healthy there should be no real conflict.
4. How much does it cost?
D&C: Before committing to a D&C it is wise to call your insurance company to ask what they will cover and your responsibility.
Related topic: I Miscarried! What do i need for recovery?
Natural miscarriage: With a fully natural miscarriage plan on paying for pads, pantry liners, mesh underclothes, over the counter pain killers.
***Feel in control during a time of such uncertainty. The FREE miscarriage recovery supply checklist covers your basic first week needs.
5. Have you actively started to miscarry?
D&C: If you have not started to miscarry who knows when your body will start, one day, two weeks? By scheduling you have control.
Related topic: Be prepared for the week after a D&C.
Natural miscarriage: If you have you started to actively miscarry there is a good chance you can go home and naturally finish with no medical intervention needed.
6. What is your current emotional condition?
D&C: After hearing the worst news it may be hard to emotionally process. Choosing a D&C could move things along and get things over with faster.
Personal Story: When I miscarried #5 I previously had 3 positive ultrasounds, and two prior miscarriages. By then I was emotionally done, so chose to have a D&C!
Natural miscarriage: As a matter of fact you will be very emotional. You can thank grief and a drop in hormones for that. Pay attention to your needs and gage if you are in a good enough place to naturally miscarry.
Related topic: Miscarriage Recovery Guidebook covers Grief
Final thoughts
To point out, deciding between having a D&C or Naturally Miscarrying is a very personal choice. Take in all the information, ask yourself the above questions, then choose what fits your current situation.
Additional resources, of 3 part series, to help you decide.
Without a doubt this is a difficult time. I pray that these questions will help guide you to make the best decision for choosing between having a D&C or naturally miscarrying.
Remember to take it slow and go…
One.Day.At.A.Time.
Need to talk in person? Send me an email, [email protected], or schedule a on-on-one.
Hello Friend! I’m Chantell…
Wife, Mother of 5 earthly & 6 heavenly babies, and love God. I blog about Motherhood. Read More
Current Mother Counsel: The best quote that got you through hard times? >>>Weigh in here
