I was 8 weeks and 3 days pregnant with a planned pregnancy when I started spotting. Spotting in pregnancy isn’t uncommon, but I just knew in my heart I was miscarrying.
The next day I had an ultrasound that confirmed the fetus stopped growing two weeks prior and there wasn’t a heartbeat. I was tracking my cycle and ovulation so I was sure how far along I was. I live in Wisconsin unfortunately. My physician called me and said “ you’re measuring small “ and that she’d like me to come back in 11 days for a follow up ultrasound. She continued to say that she once had a patient she scheduled for a d&c but prior to surgery there was a fetal heartbeat. She admitted this patient was not tracking her cycle, but continued to compare me to this scenario. My partner was on the call with me and and even mentioned that she kept offering me false reassurance.
I pleaded for Misoprostol, but she refused to give it me. In the end I was able to get Misoprostol and the miscarriage itself was to be expected. Bleeding, passing tissue, cramping and nausea. It wasn’t pleasant but I was able to be in control of when I miscarried and was able to do it in my own home with my partner by my side. Unfortunately, I did end up needing a d&c a few weeks after I miscarried. Parts of my placenta stayed behind. Besides minimal bleeding, the d&c was relatively painless. I can’t help but think the restrictive Wisconsin laws contributed to my poor care. I feel for those who are not able to get proper care and are falsely mislead. People with a uterus deserve a choice and proper healthcare.
