Procedure prep
Fasting Before a D&C
A D&C (dilation and curettage), sometimes done as an ERPC or MVA, is a short procedure to gently empty or sample the lining of the womb. It's usually a day case, so most people go home the same day.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — see medications to stop.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — they need a plan. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take with a sip of water.
- Anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen) & herbal supplements — these can increase bleeding, so ask whether to pause them.
- Iron tablets — keep taking unless told otherwise; they help if heavy bleeding has left you low on iron.
- Tell your team if you could be Rh-negative — you may be offered an anti-D injection.
When this surgery may be delayed
- Fever, a new cough or cold, or a chest infection
- Vomiting or diarrhea on the day
- You ate or drank inside the fasting window by mistake
- Active heavy bleeding that needs urgent care rather than a planned slot
- A blood test or scan result the team still needs to review first
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and insurance or hospital paperwork
- A list of your medicines, doses, and any allergies
- Any recent ultrasound scans or blood test results
- Your blood group / Rh status if you know it
- A responsible adult to take you home, as you can't drive after anesthesia or sedation
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Will I have a general anesthetic, sedation, or a local anesthetic only?
- Which of my regular medicines should I stop, and which can I take with a sip of water?
- When exactly should I stop eating and drinking before my arrival time?
- Am I Rh-negative, and will I need an anti-D injection?
- When can I eat, drink, and go home, and who needs to collect me?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really have to fast for such a short procedure?
Usually yes. Even though a D&C only takes a few minutes, it's often done under general anesthesia or sedation, and an empty stomach keeps you safe while you're asleep. Stick to the 8/6/2 food and drink times your team gives you. If it's done under local anesthetic only, fasting may not be needed — so check which applies to you, and if you slip up, tell the nurses rather than hiding it, as it's a safety issue, not a telling-off.
I'm having this because of a miscarriage. Is the preparation any different?
We're so sorry you're going through this. The fasting and anesthesia preparation is the same whether the D&C (sometimes called an ERPC) is for a miscarriage or another reason. Your team may also check your blood group and offer an anti-D injection if you're Rh-negative, and they can arrange support for the emotional side too. Please lean on them with any worries.
Will I be able to go home the same day?
Almost always, yes. A D&C is usually a day case, so once you've woken up, had something to eat and drink, and passed urine, you can normally go home. Because of the anesthesia, you'll need a responsible adult to take you home and ideally stay with you that night. Your team will confirm your specific discharge plan.
Can I take my normal medicines on the morning of the procedure?
Some yes, some no. Most blood pressure medicines are taken with a small sip of water, while blood thinners, certain diabetes medicines, and anti-inflammatories often need to be paused or adjusted. Bring your full medicine list and follow the exact instructions your pre-op team gives you.