D&C 8 weeks post Stillbirth for retained placenta

[gym_bunny]

Hi Ladies -

I had to have a d&c last Thursday after an ultrasound showed I had a tiny piece of retained placenta (less than an inch) which was causing me to continue slight bleeding past 6 weeks - I'm 8 weeks out from losing our daughter at 29 weeks pregnant, cause unknown. Our OB was certain the placenta was intact after the delivery but apologized profusely for my having to undergo the procedure, he went in with a camera so that he could see what was going on and make sure the piece came out completely. He showed me the pictures after surgery, pretty interesting to see inside your own uterus! He said the rest of my uterine lining looked thick and healthy both on the U/S measurements and on the camera, during the D&C he only scraped (or suctioned or whatever) the area of my uterus where the placenta was.

I'm curious if anyone has experienced this situation, and if so, how long did it take your period to return? I know we're all different but I'm just curious. My doctor wants me on pelvic rest for 4 weeks following the D&C which I'm so bummed about because I want that closeness with DH, but it actually coincides with when DH and I are planning on starting to TTC again so at least it hasn't delayed our time-frame to start TTC.

Because I had the retained material, obviously my body hasn't been able to get back on track within the same time-frame from birth as it would have if I didn't have retained product, and I'm wondering if the D&C actually resets me to zero and I'd have maybe 4-12 weeks from the D&C to have a period, or if the 4-12 weeks would still be from the date of our daughters' birth. They gave me a pregnancy test in the hospital right before the D&C and the blood work was negative, so I don't really know what that means for me, I thought that as long as your body had retained material you'd still show as pregnant. Maybe because the piece was so small?

Just looking for anyone to share their experiences. I've started recording my BBT again (from last Thursday) and counted the D&C as cycle day 1. My temps are all over the place. I have a followup with my OB later this week and plan on asking him these questions, I know an online forum isn't the best place haha but as it's not what I'd consider an emergency issue for my doctor I figured I'd ask on here too.

 

[mod19]

Hi I don't have experience with a stillbirth-and I am so so sorry for your loss-but I have had a d&c at 14 weeks for a blighted ovum. Every dr I've had has said it's hard to get to my cervix. A few days after my surgery I was having contractions and passing golf ball sized clots and tissue that must have been too hard for her to get. After that bleeding stopped I got my first official period about 4.5 weeks later that was completely normal. Hope this helps

 

[gym_bunny]

Thanks! I'm sorry for your loss (and your others).

I think I've finally stopped bleeding so that's something at least. Since yesterday morning, I have only had slight brown spotting/discharge after using the bathroom when I wipe (sorry for the TMI) although today I'm having some cramping again too. I only had a less than an inch piece left in there that was causing the prolonged bleeding so it makes sense that it seems to have stopped already.

I am anxious for my AF to return, my OB required 4 weeks pelvic rest following the procedure so I'm praying it comes soon and DH and I can start TTC again once I'm off of pelvic rest.

 

[mod19]

Yeah mine required 4 weeks rest as well. As far as I know all is healed up and we decided to start ttc this cycle. We would love for dd to have a sibling close in age to grow up with.

Good luck and I hope af shows up right at your 4 week mark so you can start ttc again! Having gone through what you did...I know you will appreciate everything about your lo once you have him/her. They are definitely worth everything once they are in your arms. The worry, the heartache, the stress, the time...none of it will matter in the end when you have that baby in your arms.

 

[Sunshine14]

Big big hugs hun for your loss xxx I can't imagine how hard that must be to lose a LO at 29 weeks so sorry for your loss xx

My last mc was at 10.5 weeks (after seeing good hb) & I miscarried naturally but when I went back for a scan to check everything was clear I had a 1/2cm retained piece. They said to give it another couple of weeks and my body would likely clear it out. Sorry tmi but a big solid lump came out about a week later and I classed that as cd1 & then got af about 28 days later- which is my usual cycle. I know it's a different situation and not sure if that helps but once the bit was out my cycle kicked back in.

Also my pg tests were still very faint at that point and I still got af like a normal cycle so I would say it is a good sign if ur tests are all negative now hun as your body should get back on track. Lots of ttc, good food and rest and some gentle walking should help get blood flow to uterus. All the baby dust in the world to u hun xxx good luck xxx

 

[Sunshine14]

Ttc = tlc not dtd!!