Question for STM+ Moms (*TW*)

realgoodthing

So, I'm very much hoping this is my first baby, but it's my second pregnancy - my first ended in a missed miscarriage and D&C in June. For any moms who've had D&Cs and actually given birth, how does the pain compare? I'm assuming birth is much worse (especially since it takes much longer), but do the contractions basically feel like the D&C or are they way worse? 

flipflopped

No d&c...just a natural mc after #1. the cramping I had was comparable to early labor before I went to the hospital. really bad period cramps but not debilitating physically.

bittermelody

If a D&C feels anything like an abortion procedure, it's a different kind of pain, I think - and also another caveat that I didn't end up with a vaginal delivery, we had to do a c-section... but 50 hours of labor and they broke my water and I can honestly say the pain from a contraction after you break your water is crazy. 

MrsN092714

I have never had a d&c  it can tell you The contractions I was having before going for my c section were crazier than I could have ever imagined.  I couldn't talk through them and all I could think was how much longer it wasn't going to be until it eased up.  Mine came back to back for hours... each one worse than the one before.  I was s bummed to end up a section but the spinal was sweet relief!

realgoodthing

Thank you for the responses! Sigh, I was hoping maybe the physical pain wouldn't be too much worse, but of course it is.

irishrose54

@leilac im glad you asked this. I've actually always been curious to know but was nervous to ask about it, not really sure why. Anyway it's interesting to hear the responses.

cssme13

I've never had a d&c but like a previous poster said the cramping from a natural miscarriage was somewhat the same as early labor. With my DS I had a c-section but with my DD I labored and ended up having a placental abruption that ended in a c-section so my pain was absolutely unbearable and nothing close to what my miscarriage was 

satsumasandlemons

I'm going to be honest here and I don't want to come off as dismissive so please don't take it that way - Two things: 1) contractions start off as cramping so essentially, it's a gradual climb from a feeling you already know. 2) My OB/GYN said to me when I first met with her "9 months is a long time, especially when it's your first full term pregnancy. by the time you get to towards the end, you are just READY to go into labor." It may not be very comforting - I know I was still super anxious and scared about the unknown - but I do hope it helps a little. xoxo

satsumasandlemons

and okay, it may not be a gradual climb for some - it could be a sudden drop, lol, but the point is, the braxton hicks will turn into cramping will turn into contractions. You'll recognize it and it won't be a new sensation. 

abmommy15

I've never had a D&C so can't offer a comparison but labour contractions start like bad period cramps and then escalate from there.  I was induced with my first and got an epidural after a few hours but the port disconnected while I was napping and I woke up to full blown, max pitocin dosage contractions which were the worst pain I've ever felt in my life.  I think it would have been more tolerable if it had been a natural labour progression but I went from happy epidural land to holy shit my insides are trying to claw their way through my abdomen and escape land.  I know that sounds brutal and terrifying but I hate all the people that tried to sugar coat it for me and in reality it's totally worth it.  I look back at my long labour and actually look forward to doing it again.  It's not fun but it's magical in its own way and the prize at the end of the journey is that beautiful baby being placed on your chest.  Nothing in the world compares to the feeling of seeing your child for the first time.

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yellow1daisy

I had my daughter by c section and the cord prolapsed after premature rupture of membranes so I never really got to labor. But I have had a d&c and I have had a natural miscarriage at 12 weeks. The natural miscarriage was worse by far. Hurt so bad I was throwing up. Had to close my eyes to get through the cramps/contractions. And I can only imagine that labor of a full term baby is even worse.