This video is not a substitute for medical advice. It is here if you want to go back over what was discussed at your appointment, in your own time and at your own pace.
Dr Catriona Melville, FRANZCOG, Gynaecologist and WHEN Board Member, explains surgical care after a missed pregnancy loss in plain, practical terms. She walks through what the procedure involves, the different anesthetic options available, what to expect afterwards in terms of bleeding, pain, and recovery, and when to seek urgent help. She also covers practical things like support people, fasting, rest, and why you should not drive yourself home.
Tracy shares her experience of miscarriage at 10 weeks, a decade ago. She was young, fit, and had conceived easily, and the loss came completely out of the blue. What she did not expect was the overwhelming wave of emotion at the scan that confirmed it, or the intensity of what followed the surgical procedure. Her account is short and honest. It speaks to how unprepared even the most prepared women can be.
Ashleigh, an endorsed midwife and lactation consultant who has experienced six pregnancy losses, shares what happened when she went through surgical management for a triplet ectopic pregnancy. She describes being treated without compassion, navigating a frightening ultrasound alone, waking from surgery in a mixed ward where she felt she could not grieve, and then collapsing at home a week later when a second ectopic in her tube was found to have been missed. She also reflects on what her husband went through, largely unsupported and uninformed. Her account is difficult and important. It speaks directly to why this project exists.
What to expect if you have surgical care to help your body complete the loss
Surgical care may be offered when a pregnancy loss has been confirmed but hasn’t passed on its own. It may also be recommended if medical care i.e. medication hasn’t worked, if you’re experiencing heavy bleeding, or if you prefer a quicker recovery. Some women choose this option because it feels more contained or emotionally manageable.
Surgical care is usually done under a light general anaesthetic in hospital. You’ll be asleep for a short time while your care team gently opens the cervix and using a surgical instrument assists your body to complete the pregnancy loss.
The process itself takes about five to ten minutes. Most women go home later that day, once they’ve recovered from the anaesthetic and have someone to take them home.
This guide is here to support what your care team has told you. It’s meant as a reference, especially if it was hard to take everything in at the time. You can come back to it whenever you need to.
Recovery is different for everyone. Some people feel tired or sore for a day or two, while others bounce back quickly. You may experience:
Most people need a few days off work or usual activities. Some may need longer. Pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter medication like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Contact your doctor or go to emergency care if you:
Some women find it helpful to ask questions before the day of the surgery. You might want to check:
Developed by the WHEN Clinical Team
Clinically reviewed by the WHEN Clinical Governance Committee
Last reviewed: 22/06/2026
With clinical input from Dr Catriona Melville, FRANZCOG, Gynaecologist and Sexual and Reproductive Health specialist. Vice Chair, WHEN Board. Deputy Chair, RANZCOG Sexual and Reproductive Health Committee.
With clinical input from Stephanie Rixon, Medical Student, Monash University.
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Need Immediate Help?
If you or someone you know is struggling during the postnatal period, it’s crucial to remember that immediate help is available. Here are steps and resources you can turn to:
In Urgent Situations:
Support Services:
Remember, you are not alone, and reaching out for help is a step toward healing. Your well-being is important, and support is just a phone call away.