Miscarriage is unfortunately a common concern in early pregnancy. When it happens, a woman may or may not require a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure, or a “raspa.” But should a woman who miscarries always get a raspa? Is it possible for women to have a miscarriage without raspa procedure? This article shares what is it like and how you can handle the unexpected loss.
Miscarriage usually takes place in the first three months (before 12 weeks) of pregnancy. Stillbirths, on the other hand, occur only after 20 weeks of gestation. In general, miscarriages happen in 1 out of 5 pregnancy cases or 15-20% across all pregnancies.
There are some instances in a miscarriage when there is still some tissue that remains in the womb. Thus, it is commonly believed that the “raspa” or the dilation and curettage (D&C) is a must when a miscarriage happens. But can you undergo a miscarriage without raspa procedure? Let’s find out through the different treatment options.
Different Treatments for a Miscarriage
There are three different treatment methods after a miscarriage: watching and waiting, medication, and a D&C procedure.
Expectant Management (Watching and Waiting)
Expectant management refers to the process in which you wait for your body to terminate the pregnancy on its own. As your body goes through the miscarriage, you may pass both blood and tissue, as well as experience painful cramping. Once the pregnancy is over, the cramps and bleeding should also naturally subside.
You can expect heavier bleeding than a menstrual period for 3 to 4 days, after which it should lessen. Women typically bleed for 10-14 days. Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers for it.
Some women choose this route as it characterizes a treatment for miscarriage without raspa.
Medical Management
A woman experiencing a miscarriage can take some form of prescribed medication to miscarry at home. The waiting game before the end of a miscarriage can be very stressful for some women. Hence, they resort to this method of treatment.
Medication treatment allows a woman to have her miscarriage more quickly and in the privacy of her own home. The prescribed drugs help open the cervix (uterine neck) and move the pregnancy tissue out of the body. This tissue includes the developing baby, placenta, and pregnancy membranes.
It usually takes a few hours for this to begin. You may experience pain, bleeding, or clotting, which could last for up to four weeks.
The medication is strictly prescribed by a doctor and is inexpensive, but it has a few side effects. The success rate is 80-90%. But, if all of the tissue does not leave the body, you may still need surgery.
Surgical Management (D&C Procedure)
Dilation and curettage refers to a surgical procedure that manually removes pregnancy tissue from the womb or uterus. The cervix is gently opened or “dilated” first, then a doctor removes the tissue from the womb with suction using a soft plastic tube. This procedure is either performed under anesthesia in the operating room or in the clinic with pain medications.
The main advantage of a D&C procedure is that it allows you to finish your miscarriage experience quickly. Some women prefer not to wait days or weeks for their bodies to miscarry on their own. A raspa takes about 15 minutes, and you can leave on the same day.
Can You Have a Miscarriage Without Raspa?
Approximately half of the time, women can undergo a miscarriage without raspa procedure. Usually, women can safely miscarry on their own with few minor complications.
The emotional toll of waiting for a natural miscarriage is too uncertain and too much for some women to bear in an already difficult situation.
Doctors may recommend a raspa for those women who miscarry:
- After 10-12 weeks gestation time
- With complications
- With medical conditions that require emergency care
Key Takeaways
You may still be in shock about the miscarriage, and that is normal. Take time out and keep in mind that you are not alone during this tough time.
Regardless of what treatment option you will choose, the risk of infection is roughly the same with a low possibility of complications. Make sure to consult your doctor if you have a miscarriage. You may talk it out with your partner and your attending physician on what kind of treatment is best for your situation.
Learn more about complications here.
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