Question about bleeding during natural m/c

picarona · August 2009

My husband was out of town so I was alone yesterday when I got the bad news that there was no longer heartbeat. This was bad enough, but it's worse because I can't remember a lot of the details the doctor said about the pros/cons of natural vs. d & c. It's been really helpful to read everyone's posts on here as I try to work out this decision-thank you all for being so open about your experiences.

I remember the doctor saying that if I let my body take care of it there would be really bad cramping and really heavy bleeding, and that I could take Tylenol for the pain. She later said that if the bleeding was too heavy I would need to go to the ER.

maybe this is a dumb question, but how heavy is too heavy? Will it be obvious to me? And will I have any warning that the m/c is coming (cramps building up, etc?) I work 30 minutes from home, so I'm wondering if it starts at work if I'll have time to get out of there.

BecomingaSmith · August 2009

My doc explained heavy bleeding (needing attention) as being thoroughly soaking 2 heavy pads in an hour. I hope that helps.

Sending HUGS your way as you go through this difficult time,

TaraBrooks · August 2009

For me, it was one pad an hour. However please be careful! I lost so much blood in such a short period of time, that I collapsed on the bathroom floor and had to be rushed to the ER.

So please, if YOU think it's to much GO TO THE ER!! Please!

Thinking of you, and tons of hugs your way!

MrsSmithPgh · August 2009

When I miscarried at 6.5 weeks, I starting spotting, then the cramps started coming on and then I had heavy bleeding and severe cramping. I had severe cramping for 2 full days and then didn't feel "right" for about a week. Not sure how far along you were, but I would think when it starts happening, you'll start spotting and could go home from work at that point...

picarona · August 2009

I'm 9 weeks and I've been spotting already. That's what took me to the doctor. The baby measured right on time so I think it must have just happened, so I'm imagining it will be awhile before things get moving.

Thanks for the help guys

mlwinkle · August 2009

I was also told a pad an hour. For me the bleeding was never anymore than a moderate to heavy period, and I was at 8weeks. The cramping on the other hand was very unpleasant, and lasted for about three hours. The doc offered me Vicodin, but I turned it down. In hindsight I wish I had taken it. I had mild period-like cramps leading up to and after the painful cramps. They gradually got worse. My doc explained that it is very much like early labor. I am very happy that I did not need the D&C. At least my uterus did it's job right.

I am so sorry that you have to go through this!

I am sending you a big {{hug}}.

lax15bsu · August 2009

M/C #1 - I started spotting the day before natural m/c, woke up the next morning with horrible cramps and then started passing a lot of clots. The pain was intense, but I could handle it. I was supposed to be 9wks at that time, but baby only measured 7wks. Once most of the big clots were passed, the bleeding was mostly just like AF for a few days, then eased off to spotting for about a week.

M/C #2 - I was 14 wks when I woke up with cramping. Cramping seemed to come and go every few minutes (they told me the cramping wasn't contractions, but that's how I thought of them anyway), but I didn't start spotting for a few hours. By the time I started spotting, the pain was very very intense. I told FI that no matter what the dr said (which was to go to ER if I started bleeding enough to fill 1 pad per hour), the pain was too much and I needed to be checked out. We got to the ER and as I was checking in in the lobby, I started bleeding out - a lot. TMI - but it just gushed out of me, all down my legs and onto the floor. I ended up losing almost too much blood and had to have an emergency D&D to stop the bleeding. I had to spend the night in the hospital because after the surgery, I got up to go to the bathroom and passed out from losing even more blood.

M/C #3 - I was just 5wks, woke up on a Saturday morning and honestly, if I hadn't had a blood test to confirm I was pregnant just a few days before, I'd have thought AF was just late. Cramping and bleeding was just like a normal AF.

Like PP said - if you think you're bleeding too much, go to the ER. It's always better to be safe than sorry. I'm glad you found this board and were able to get some of our experiences so that you'd know what to expect. After finding out about our first m/c, I didn't remember what my OB told me to expect (if she even said), and I wish I had this board to prepare me.

I'm so sorry for your loss, and if you ever need anything or have more questions - we're always here to help.

grr_aargh · August 2009

Do you think your doctor would consider calling in a script for pain medication for you?

Honestly, I'm stunned at how many doctors act as though if you choose to go naturally, you don't need medication. It's really idiotic if you ask me.

I've had 1 natural miscarriage at 6w5d and one medically induced at 10w5d. I'd be happy to talk about both if you need to - please feel free to PM.

airryan · August 2009

I had my natural miscarriage at 10 weeks (baby was approx 6-7 weeks). I didn't think the bleeding was that bad. I thought it was like a heavy period. MY 1st AF pp was VERY heavy and out of control and the natural m/c wasn't nearly as heavy. My dh called the dr. immediately and asked for vicodin and I am very glad I had that because the pain/contractions/cramps were unbearable and I thought it was exactly the pain of having a baby. I am also very sorry for your loss ((HUGS))

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