What is Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

D&C is a routine procedure where a doctor uses a special medical instrument to scrape the contents of the uterus. It removes fetal tissue and products of conception so the body can return to its pre pregnancy state.

Reasons for Dilation and Curettage

D&C is an option for early miscarriages in cases where:

• The miscarriage doesn’t start on its own (missed miscarriage)


• Tissue remains in the uterus (incomplete miscarriage)


• No embryo forms in the uterus (blighted ovum)

This procedure is also a choice your doctor may present you if you’ve discovered you’ll miscarry but you don’t wish to wait for a miscarriage to start on its own.

Before the Dilation and Curettage(D&C) Procedure

Most D&Cs are done as what’s called an outpatient procedure. This means that you’ll go into an office or hospital, have the D&C, and go home within the same day.

You may or may not need to fast before heading to your appointment — your doctor will let you know.

After you check in and gown up, the nursing staff will check your vital signs. Then wait for the doctor to arrive and explain the procedure before taking you to the operating room. Also before you’re taken to the operating room, you may have an intravenous line (IV) placed to deliver anesthesia. The type of anesthesia you receive depends on factors specific to your case and your health history. Some women may go under general anesthesia while others may have light sedation. Other options include local or regional anesthesia, which are injections to provide numbing specific to where the procedure is being performed.

During the Dilation and Curettage(D&C) Procedure

• You’ll rest on your back with your feet in stirrups, similar to the position when you have a pelvic exam.
• Doctor will place a speculum into your vagina. This tool helps spread apart the vaginal walls so they can visualize the cervix.
• The cervix is carefully cleaned using an antiseptic solution. (Your doctor may also inject any local anesthesia at this time.)
• Your doctor will dilate your cervix using thin rods that get progressively bigger in diameter.
• Your doctor will then use an instrument called a curette to scrape the tissue that lines the uterus. The curette is shaped like a spoon and has sharp edges. Suction is occasionally used to remove tissue at this stage of the procedure as well.
• The D&C takes around 30 minutes to complete. When finished, your doctor will collect tissue to send to a lab for evaluation. They’ll also remove all instruments from your body and send you on your way to the recovery room.

After the procedure, a nurse will place a pad in your hospital underwear. That said, the initial bleeding you’ll experience is usually light. You’ll likely be in the recovery room for around 45 minutes to an hour before being discharged.

Recovery after Dilation and Curettage(D&C) procedure

You may feel tired or nauseated immediately following D&C. And in the days that follow, you may experience some mild cramping and light bleeding that can last for up to a couple of weeks. Your doctor may recommend that you take over-the-counter (OTC) medications, like Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen), or prescribe you another medication for pain.

After a couple of days of rest, you may be able to go back to your normal level of activity and work. But everyone is different — so make sure to check in with your doctor for any specific guidelines. And remember, even if your body is physically ready, it’s OK to need more time to be mentally and emotionally ready.

As far as putting anything into your vagina, this is another area where you’ll want to consult with your doctor. It takes some time for your cervix to return to its normal dilation after D&C. This means you’re more prone to infection from things like tampons, douches, or sex that involves vaginal penetration.

Contact your doctor, if below mentioned problems occurs:

• Discharge that has a foul or strange odour
• Pain in your abdomen
• Heavy bleeding
• Severe cramping
• Cramping that lasts longer than 48 hours
• Fever or chills