Understanding a Missed Fetus: What to Do & What to Expect

Question
I AM A 27 YEAR OLD WOMAN WITH FOUR CHILDREN. MY LAST CHILD WAS DELIVERED IN OCT. 2005.  I HAD AN EMERGENCY C-SECTION AND AT THE SAME TIME I HAD A TUBALIGATION PREFORMED.  HERE WE ARE ALMOST TWO YEARS LATER AND I'M PREGNANT.  ON JULY THE 28,2007 I WENT TO THE E.R.  AFTER TAKING (3) AT HOME PREGNANCY TESTS. THEY PREFORMED A REGULAR ULTRA SOUND AND AN INTERNAL ULTRASOUND. THE DOCTOR REPORTED TO ME THAT THERE WAS NO HEARTBEAT OR NO MOVEMENT OF THE FETUS.  THE ULTRASOUND DETERMINED I WAS APPROX. 7 1/2 WEEKS PREGNANT.  I HAVE NOT GONE THROUGH THE PROCEDURE TO HAVE THE FETUS REMOVED YET.  AM I AT RISK FOR A SERIOUS INFECTION? THE ONLY REASON I HAVEN'T HAD THE PROCEDURE DONE YET IS I'M IN THE PROCESS OF TRANSFERRING MY OB/GYN.  PLEASE LET ME KNOW SOME KIND OF INFORMATION. BY THE WAY IM IN NO PAIN AND HAVE NO VAGINAL BLEEDING OR DISCHARGE.  EVERYONE I HAVE SPOKE WITH FINDS THIS WEIRD. THANKS TAMMY

Answer
Dear Tammy,

If the ultrasound found a non-viable 7.5 week fetus, you will eventually miscarry. Many doctors and women opt for a D&C procedure because there is no way to know how long after a fetal demise that a miscarriage will take place and the waiting is often the most difficult part on the mother.

The other reason a D&C is usually done is because there is an increased risk of a uterine infection if all of the contents are not expelled by the body. Many times women who do choose to naturally miscarry end up having a D&C anyway because all contents are not expelled.

Do you know when you became pregnant by LMP? This would help in determining when the pregnancy was lost. If you have not miscarried naturally within 3-4 weeks of the loss, I would recommend that you see your OB and discuss scheduling a D&C. I would also discuss re-scheduling a tubal ligation OR alternate methods of birth control.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda