In some cases, vaginal bleeding after delivery requires treatment with dilation and curettage or D and C.

Dilation and Curettage
A dilation and curettage (D and C) is a surgical procedure where the inner lining of the uterus is removed. Before this can be done the cervix needs to be dilated. This allows for the passage of special surgical instruments that are used to remove the endometrium. One of these instruments is called a curette. It is used to gently scrape away the endometrial lining, and bleeding tissue that may be left over from the pregnancy.

A sample of the material is sent to the laboratory for microscopic analysis. Recovery from a D and C is very rapid: you may have some vaginal bleeding and mild pain for about a day.

Risks of D and C include:

• Persistent bleeding
• Endometritis
• Damage to the uterus