"Miscarriage Care"

I experienced what is known as a 'silent' or 'missed' miscarriage at about 10 weeks pregnant. I was looked after by Jasmine Ward at Stepping Hill Hospital and cannot speak highly enough about my care during what was a very sad time for me.

Firstly I was given a scan to confirm that my baby definitely had no heartbeat. This was done with kindness and sensitivity towards both myself and my husband. We were offered the choice of looking at the screen once the scan had been done, and we were offered a print out of the scan. This is now very precious to me as it is one of the few acknowledgements I have that I was pregnant.

Once the scan confirmed what we suspected we met in a private room with a specialist nurse. She explained what choices I had. I could carry on and wait the miscarriage to happen naturally, I could have an operation under general anaesthetic or under local. We were not rushed, we were given time to choose and full information about the different options.

I chose to have an operation under local anaesthetic, it is called MVA, but people often call it a D&C.. A few days later I returned to Jasmine ward where I was tucked up in bed to wait for an hour or so. I was given Gas and Air and a very friendly and very kind nurse held my hand whilst the procedure was taking place. I was asked if a student nurse, and also a student doctor could observe and I agreed. The atmosphere in the room was light hearted but respectful. The Gas and Air was very effective at taking me away from the sensations I could feel and the nurse holding my hand was amazing.

The only negative point was that after the doctor had left there was a jar full of bright red on the side. I think that this was what had been removed from me. I did not like seeing this and said to the nurse that I would really rather not see that. I think it is important to be careful with such jars.

The procedure lasted about 20 minutes, but it is hard to tell due to the effects of the G&A. I was wheeled back to my little cubicle where my husband was waiting for me and in a short time I was ready for tea and toast. The food was very good and I was surprised how hungry I felt.