Miscarriage D&C Recovery is a journey… not just a surgery.
The physical healing process of a Miscarriage D&C takes about one week, while the emotional side can take much longer.
With that in mind lets focus specifically on D&C post-surgery physical recovery. The more prepared you are for what to expect the week after your D&C, the more in control you will feel! And that’s saying a lot after having no control over your miscarriage.
Related topic: If you are still deciding if a D&C is right for you read these 6 questions.
The following sections were areas that I personally found helpful during my 5 recoveries. They are Hygiene, What to wear, Medication, and Comfort.
I am not a doctor. The information given is purely meant to inform not treat. Please consult your doctor for your personal medical care.
Hygiene items for the week AFTER having a D&C
Pads:
Basically, pads will be your friend.
The best are thin pads, medium to long length since they provide the perfect balance of absorption and not a bulky feeling between your legs.
Do not worry about bleeding through since the frequency of changing your pads will keep them absorbent enough.
Expect to use them for the first few days post surgery.
Panty Liners:
Panty liners are great on the tail-end of a D&C, since you will be spotting small amounts of blood and clots for several days. They offer a less bulk feeling between your legs.
Trash Bags:
Following your pad and panty liner use you will want to dispose of them. Plan on changing the bathroom trash liner/bag often. This will help you avoid stinky smells and the visually unappealing view of a trash can full of bloody hygiene items.
Body Wipes:
Certainly unexpected but body wipes are great to have on hand for the messy times that require more additional cleaning.
***Feel in control during a time of such uncertainty. The FREE miscarriage recovery supply checklist covers your basic first week needs.
Basket:
Altogether you will want to put your supplies in one basket that you can move or access easily. You will be using this basket frequently for the next week or two.
Supplies for basket: Pads, Panty liners, Trash bags, Baby Wipes, and Mesh Panties (Below).
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What to wear the week AFTER a D&C
Leaving the Hospital and at Home:
Think comfy, loose, easy to get on, and dark colors. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off. And a jacket if you get cold, like I do.
Pants:
Think sweat pants. Easy to pull up and down. Not tight, you will be swollen and achy. Dark colors and thicker material are best.
Helpful Resource: Miscarriage can be so lonely. Schedule a One-On-One with Me, Chantell. I understand!
Tops:
Choose loose fitting shirts and keep the length mid-hips. You want to easily clean yourself without your shirt falling in the way.
Underclothes:
My first choice would be to purchase disposable mesh panties. You can use them then throw away when done! The hospital can provide some, ask if they will send you home with some extra.
Or you can order a pack of disposable mesh panties online. (I have only used the extra provided by the hospital and that worked good for me.)
Related topic: Pros and Cons of having a D&C?
Another option would be to use underclothing that are not tight, have good coverage to hold pads/liners, dark in color, and you are willing to toss out if needed.
Medications for the week AFTER a D&C
Painkillers:
Before surgery some doctors will have you pick up your prescriptions so that you have everything you need the day of surgery.
After surgery take the painkillers as directed by your doctor/pharmacist.
I recommend staying true to the medication frequency set by your doctor for the first 3 days, then tapper off as you can tolerate. You are going through so much already physically and emotionally, if you can avoid the painful cramps, and aches its okay to take your painkillers.
Remember a D&C is surgery. Treat yourself with extra care!
>>> Access this FREE download that will walk you through simple, repeatable, practices I personally used during my 5 miscarriage recoveries.
Stool Softener:
Surprisingly you will be encouraged to take stool softeners.
This a common practice post surgery. Anesthesia will slow down your digestive tract, as well backing up bowls causing cramps and mild constipation. None of which you need to add during your recovery.
Comfort items the week AFTER a D&C
Food/Treats:
Especially important! Ask yourself what comfort food you would like to have on hand?
Personally I have purchased my favorite chocolate bar or had Costa Vida delivered. These foods provided me with simple comfort while I took care of my personal needs.
Heat:
Showers are great to relax and sooth your achy muscles. No baths during this time to prevent infection.
Heat pads are nice on your cramps.
Entertainment:
Plan ahead and have a list of some favorite movies to watch or T.V. show to binge. Allow yourself the excuse to rest and have control over something.
Journal:
In any event of significance a journal in key!
Grab your personal journal or purchase one for this unique time. A journal will allow you to express your grief on paper while working towards recovery.
In like manner The Miscarriage Recovery Guidebook comes with journal prompts, Daily Recovery Practices, the 7 Stages of Grief and how it correlates with Miscarriage, and many ways to move forward after having a miscarriage.
Recovery resource: Miscarriage Recovery Guidebook – Learn more.
Home:
Obviously excuse yourself from work responsibilities and social activities. I say obviously to emphasis the importance of taking this time for yourself.
You are physically and emotional recovering. Give yourself at least one week to just heal!
Related topic: The best suggestions on how to navigate your Miscarriage Grief.
Time:
In general I think the biggest “supply” needed for a Miscarriage D&C recovery is one of the hardest to get……. Time. Time for your body to heal physically and time to heal emotionally.
Final thoughts for the week AFTER a D&C
Undeniably, the week after a D&C is depressing. Your hormones make a sudden drop, your body is in physical trauma from the surgery, and your emotions are thin as you grieve your pregnancy loss.
When you prepare in the areas of Hygiene, What to wear, Medication, and Comfort you will be equipped with the items needed to make your physical recovery as smooth as possible.
Additionally, you will want to think about addressing your emotional recovery. Start with the FREE Miscarriage Recovery Processing pdf download and read how to navigate your Miscarriage Grief!
As you journey the road to recovery I pray you find the peace you seek…
One.Day.At.A.Time.
In light of miscarriage D&C recoveries you can read about My 2 Miscarriage D&C stories. Each story shares the emotional, physical, and day-to-day recovery. Miscarriage # 4 and Miscarriage #5
When you are ready consider sharing your miscarriage story. We are stronger together.
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
