2006-09-14 07:40:03 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
A D & C is a method with the added insertion of a hook shaped knife (curette) which cuts the baby into pieces. The pieces are scraped out through the cervix and discarded [Note: This abortion method should not be confused with a therapeutic D&C done for reasons other than pregancy.]
The D & E method isused up to 18 weeks' gestation. Instead of the loop-shaped knife used in D&C abortions, a pair of forceps is inserted into the womb to grasp part of the fetus. The teeth of the forceps twist and tear the bones of the unborn child. This process is repeated until the fetus is totally dismembered and removed. Usually the spine must be snapped and the skull crushed in order to remove them.
2006-09-14 07:54:52 · answer #1 · answered by Miss Taryn 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I've never heard of a D & E, but I have heard of a D & C, its a dialation and curration, basically they are cleaning out the uterus. Since you say its for medical reasons, I'm assuming you pregnancy will be terminated. I've never heard of them doing a D & C on a pregnant woman before. I've had tons of them done, they give you lots of drugs and afterwards you will have some cramping and gas pains that will radiate up into your shoulders. Best advice is to drink lots of hot tea for the gas pains, use a heating pad for the cramping and take the drugs they prescribe and relax. Its more uncomfortable than painful really. Even if they do a laparoscopy as well, the pain is manageable. Good luck.
2006-09-14 07:47:16 · answer #2 · answered by Sandi A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The procedure won't hurt you at all. Afterwards you'll feel a bit crampy and possibly a bit weepy. This is largely down to your hormone levels dropping back to normal. You'll also bleed for a while afterwards, nothing too serious - just like a slightly heavier than normal period. This will start to slow down pretty quickly and should have disappeared completely within a couple of weeks.
I hope everything goes well for you.
2006-09-14 08:39:18 · answer #3 · answered by Gail H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you mean a D & C is Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure in which the opening of the cervix is dilated or stretched and tissue from the uterus is curreted (scraped or removed).
You will have some cramping and bleeding but your doctor should perscribe you some pain killers or you can use an over the counter. Drink lots of fluids and try to eat light meals till you are feeling better and take it easy for a few days.
Sorry for your loss and best of luck.
2006-09-14 07:52:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had a D&C at 12 week after a miscarraige. There was still tissue left behind. I was put under, afterwards I didn't feel any pain at all. I bleed lightly for a couple of days after. Good luck.
2006-09-14 07:53:34 · answer #5 · answered by shorty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are correct: the procedure IS a D&E. It stands for dilation and evacuation. But the gist is the same. They're going to go in through your cervix to end the pregnancy and clean out all the tissue.
But I've never had one, so I can't tell you how it will feel.
2006-09-14 08:52:04 · answer #6 · answered by Yarro Pilz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a d&e at 21 weeks (the baby had a chromosome problem). It didn't hurt, as I was under a general, though emotionally I was messed up. I have come to terms with it, but I still regret doing it. E-mail me if you wish.
2006-09-14 07:48:19 · answer #7 · answered by finding_my_dream 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the further along you are the more painful it can be. Ask your doctor what your options for pain relief are. They may be able to put you under. I was 21 weeks when I lost my baby girl and I had her by vaginal birth, so I was given an epidural.
2006-09-14 07:50:19 · answer #8 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋