Questions in the Maternal and Child Health Forum have been answered by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: Miscarriage--natural or D&C?

Forum: The Maternal and Child Health Forum
Topic: Pregnancy - Abnormal

I was just diagnosed with a blighted ovum at 7 weeks gestation. I asked the dr. for a week to try to miscarry on my own before I do surgery again. I just had a D&C for a prior miscarriage 3 months ago, and would like to avoid surgery again so soon. I'm not spotting at all, or cramping, and I'm wondering how long this could take, and if there is anything I can do to hasten the arrival. I'm planning on being pretty active in the next few days, hoping the exercise will help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

Dear Emilie:
At 7 weeks' gestation, the pregnancy will often spontaneously miscarry, but the time interval has a wide range. It is safe to wait and some clue comes from the hCG level: it will often peak and reverse in anticipation of the miscarriage. Could this take a month: yes it can.
Less common than miscarry is that the pregnancy will be "resorbed", meaning the body scavenger cells dispose of the tissue without it being passed. This takes many weeks before return of menstrual flow.
The indications for D&C are bleeding; cramping; pyschological need to get on with life.

Keywords: missed abortion

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Question Title: Miscarriage--natural or D&C?

Forum: The Maternal and Child Health Forum Topic: Pregnancy - Abnormal

Forum: The Maternal and Child Health Forum
Topic: Pregnancy - Abnormal