I am so sorry for the loss of your angel

There are two main options after a miscarriage - natural and D&C. Both have pros and cons and both have associated risks.

There are some more graphic descriptions included. I apologise if there is any terminology that may offend. It is not my intention.

The natural option can take an unknown period of time. However, if you are already spotting then it is likely to occur sooner rather than later. A pregnancy that stopped growing before 10 weeks has less haemorrhage issues than those who miscarry after the 10 week mark. I would be reluctant to suggest a natural miscarriage without a definite plan if the pregnancy stopped growing after the baby was 10w. The body is very effective at absorbing a pregnancy and expelling any remaining products. The negatives are that you are still carrying your lost baby within you which is very distressing to some. There is also the risk of not completely miscarrying and products remaining in the uterus with the need for surgery anyway. Infection is also a possibility but not treated prophylactically.

Natural miscarriage can be very painful for some with lots of bleeding. For other women it is not so nasty with mild cramping and bleeding like a normal period. If you are soaking through pads and needing to change more than hourly for a few hours, you need to go to hospital for assessment and management. You need to be assessed at any time during the process if you are worried.

The surgical option requires the opening of the uterus and the removal of the pregnancy from within. There is the risk of rupture of the uterus, perforation of the uterus / bladder / bowel or the removal of too much endometrium resulting in scarring (Asherman's syndrome). It may require repeating if not all of the products are removed. I don't believe it is effective as a "clean out" although that belief has been around for a long time. It needs to be weighed up with the surgical risks.

It is quick, relatively painless and *ends* the physical aspects of the miscarriage quickly.

Neither option is easy. Neither is *right* or *wrong*. You need to choose the one you are most comfortable with knowing the advantages and disadvantages of both. Take care of yourself. Recovery is more than just the physical aspect

P.S. I have experienced both options and if faced with the decision again I would probably choose the natural method.