Dilation & Curettage for Miscarriage

Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions


Procedure Description

The procedure takes approximately 15-30 minutes and is performed in the hospital operating room. Heavy sedation intravenously, with or without a local anesthetic will be given. Most patients are asleep for the procedure, but if you are not so heavily sedated to be asleep, the anxiety-relieving medications that are also administered will have an amnesic effect, and you will not remember details of the surgical procedure.


Pre-Operative Instructions

The hospital will contact you in the afternoon prior to your procedure to tell you what time to come to the hospital. Please follow these instructions:

  1. You must not eat or drink anything (including water) after midnight the night prior to your scheduled procedure.
  2. You must not wear any makeup to the hospital.
  3. If you have not heard from the hospital by 3pm the day prior to your surgery, please contact the hospital directly (telephone numbers and hospital information will be supplied to you at your pre-operative appointment).

Side-Effects and Complications

Patients usually experience uterine cramping similar to moderate menstrual cramps as well as light vaginal bleeding/spotting. You may take Ibuprofen 600 mg every 4-6 hours as needed after the procedure. Complications are rare, but may include uterine bleeding, perforation, and/or infection, which may require additional therapy and/or surgery.


What to Expect Post-Operatively and Post-Operative Instructions

Typically, recovery from a D&C is very rapid; in most cases you will be ready for discharge from the hospital within 1-2 hours after the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. You may experience light vaginal bleeding and cramping for a few hours after the procedure. Spotting may last a few days. If you experience heavy bleeding, a fever of 100.5 degrees F or greater, foul smelling vaginal discharge, chills, or severe and persistent abdominal pain, notify the office immediately. Please refrain from lifting or heavy housework for 1 week, tub bathing, douching, use of tampons, or sexual intercourse until vaginal bleeding stops, or until you have been cleared by your physician. You may resume your daily activities the day following the procedure, your employment the day after the procedure (if you feel up to it) and your usual diet. You may be asked to schedule a post-operative follow-up appointment with your physician 2 weeks following your procedure depending on your situation. If you need blood work prior to that appointment, your physician will advise you when to schedule that blood work.