×
A. This operation is usually done as a day case, which means that you can go home on the same day.
A. Most modern anaesthetics are short lasting. You should not have, or suffer from, any after- effects for more than a day after your operation.
During the first 24 hours you may feel more sleepy than usual and your judgement may be impaired. If you drink any alcohol, it will affect you more than normal.
You should have an adult with you during this time and you should not drive or make any important decisions.
A. You can expect to have some vaginal bleeding for one to two weeks after your operation.
This is like a heavy period for the first day or so. This should lessen and may become brown in colour.
You should use sanitary towels rather than tampons as using tampons could increase the risk of infection.
A. You can expect some cramps (similar to strong period pains) in your lower abdomen on the day of the operation.
You may get milder cramps or an ache for a day or so afterwards.
When leaving hospital, you would be provided with simple painkillers to reduce any discomfort.
A. Once you have woken up from the anaesthetic and are not feeling too nauseous, you will be offered a drink of water or cup of tea and something light to eat.
Once you are home, you can eat and drink as normal.
A. You should be able to have a shower or bath as normal after the operation. It is advisable to have someone at home with you initially so that they can help you if you become dizzy or feel faint.
A. There is a small risk of blood clots forming in the veins in your legs and pelvis (deep vein thrombosis) after any operation.
These clots can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which could be serious. You can reduce the risk of clots by:
You may also be given other measures to reduce the risk of a clot developing, particularly if you are overweight or have other health issues. These may include:
A. The following may be helpful in your recovery:
Support from your family and friends: Your family and friends may offer support in lots of different ways. This could be in terms of practical support with things such as shopping, housework or preparing meals. Most people are only too happy to help.
Having company can help lift your mood as well as bring comfort. If you live alone, you may wish to have someone stay with you for the first few days after you go home.
A daily routine: Establish a daily routine and keep it up.
For example, try to get up at your usual time, have a wash and get dressed, move about and so on.
Eat a balanced healthy diet: Ensure that your body has all the nutrients it needs by eating a healthy balanced diet. A healthy diet is a high fibre diet (fruit, vegetables, wholegrain bread and cereal) with up to two litres per day of fluid intake, mainly water.
Remember to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.
Stay active: It is important to get back to full activity soon, as this will help with your recovery and help you feel better in yourself.
If you want to exercise, this will not do you any harm.
If the exercise you are doing is causing you pain, stop and try something less active for a few days. If you are not experiencing any problems, you can soon increase the number and distance of your daily walks.
Doing this will help to keep you fit.
Stop smoking: Stopping smoking benefits your health in all sorts of ways.
A. It can take longer to recover if:
A. As with any operation, complications can occur after an operation for a miscarriage. You should seek medical advice from your doctor if you experience:
Treatment is with antibiotics. Occasionally, there is still pregnancy tissue remaining in the uterus and you may need another operation to remove it from the uterus.
You will be readmitted to hospital.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately.
A. You should be able to start doing light everyday activities within a day or two. You might need some help early on, but you will not be harmed by doing normal household activities.
Most women are back to normal daily activities, including domestic work, within a week.
You should not drive for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic, nor until you are free from the sedative effects of pain relief.
A. You can have sex as soon as you both feel ready. It is important that you are feeling well and any pain and bleeding has significantly reduced.
It is possible to conceive a few weeks after your operation, even before you have a period. You may wish to talk with your obstetrician about contraception.
If you wish to be pregnant, trying again soon, whenever you feel ready, does not increase your risk of miscarrying next time.
A. When you return to work depends on you and how you feel. It is advisable to rest for a few days after your operation – then start your routine activities