Recurrent Miscarriage Thread

[Widger]

*Whilst all on this thread remain happy for those who are pregnant after recurrent loss (PARL) or have their rainbow babies, sometimes the journey we are on means that despite the happiness for them, BFP's, pregnancy and scan talk, birth announcements and the like can sting particularly on a bad day. Taking this into consideration, we ask all people posting about any of the above subjects (or those that may be considered sensitive) to spoiler the post, so that all members of this thread have the choice on whether to read it or not! If you do not know how to spoiler feel free to ask in the thread or message one of us. We thank you for your understanding on this matter.*

Seems like there are quite a few of us on here and I know we have spoken about maybe starting a thread to discuss tests, treatment, be there for support etc... so here it goes.

I have had 3 mcs in a year. I had one chemical year ago, one in October, got pregnant straight after that one and had missed miscarriage in January. I've had a few months off ttc as I was having some tests done and was advised not to try. I wasn't sure whether to or not but glad I made the choice personally as feel much better emotionally. Think being able to have a glass of vino or too as been good too

I've just had my test results back and they were all negative. In some respects that should be great, but in the same breath it is very frustrating as if only there was a little problem that could be remedied by taking a tablet of some sort etc....

Anyway, I'm going to TTC again soon. Feel really apprehensive about it as dreading it all happening again. Don't want another ERPC... but just have to take the plunge sometime or another.

I was wondering if anyone has taken baby aspirin as I know that my consultant wants to talk to me about possibly taking it if I get pregnant again? He's also spoken about possibly taking progesterone - anyone else taken it?

 

[babytots]

hi hunni am glad you have started this thread as i will hopefully be getting reffered for some tests hopefully end of may begining of june.(though part of me hopes they are able to see what the problem is from the tests i had with jessica). i have done alot of research on her abnormalities and also causes as to why and there a couple of tests i want to have done as i had a problem with my folic acid after my 2nd loss and feel this could be related to my 2 early losses and also the loss of jessica.

anyways am sorry you got no answers as to why you have lost 3 babies it must be frustrating not knowing incase you go on to lose another baby though am sure this wont happen hunni! what tests did you have done hun? was it with your local hospital?

i havent taken aspirin or progesterone but hopefully there will be someone who has who can advise you. x

 

[JASMAK]

Hi, I am Tina. I have had three miscarriages and lost four babies (you do the math). I also suffer from infertility. I have been TTC for 4 years. I too have had ALL the tests: blood, HSG, ultrasounds, and they ALL came back clear. But, a week ago today I had a laproscopy/hysteroscopy/hydrotubation/D&C, and they found that my uterus was adhered to the other side. So, they divided that, and put it back to normal. Like I said, that was a week ago today, so I am just waiting for a couple AF's before we start the fertility drugs again. I also take Prometrium (progesterone) while pregnant.

 

[rachjim98]

Hello my name is Rachael. I have just went through 2 back to back MC's one at 19+5 weeks back in Nov 08 and this one at 6 weeks Tuesday. I had some bloods taken lat week for this pregnancy before I MC. They came back and Dr. called me today to let me know I carry a disease called Toxoplasmosis, which I picked up from a cat (either mine or the stray that goes in my garden).
They are now thinking this is what also caused my late term MC with Rebecca.
Thanks for posting this Thread and sorry for your losses

 

[bklove]

Interesting stuff, I hope we can learn from each other and in the mean time . I've m/c 3 times, 2x's with my oh and once in a waaay back when relationship & i'm also dealing with an ectopic pregnancy now. The blood work has come back fine so far. I did try baby aspirin & progesterone suppositories for this pregnancy, but that didn't help. My next step is the reproductive endocrine specialist and in the mean time we are on a time out from ttc till the ectopic is resolved.

 

[Omi]

Hiya, thanks for the thread, thanks for sharing and very sorry we have to meet like this..

Seeing as im older i got tests done after 2 mc's both last year. I had my test at the beginning of this year at first it was suspected i migh have sticky blood (blood clotting probs) but as it turns out it was my thyroid that came back as defective. I did have bordeline results on the blood clotting but upon re-testing they came back normal.

Im now with a reproductive endocrinologist at the maternity hospital- yep, that's alway interesting or depressing depending on the day or mood But although i am under good care and will be during my next pg ( ilive in hope ) I have also been told that despite the evidence that having an underactive thryoid makes it more likely to have mc's, there is no way they can guarantee i will carry my next baby to term. I understand that there are no guarantees...but at least im doing the best i can, eh?

Im currently on medication (levothyroxine) and have been given the go ahead to ttc again. I am to contact them and the epau asap when i get pg again.

I have also taken the executive desicion to take baby aspirin. My family history during testing has convinced me it wont do me any harm- au contraire

I wish you all the best and mucho PMA to you all!

, OMi xxx

 

[babytots]

thanks for sharing your story omi. i really hope now they know the cause that your next baby is a keeper. i dont see why you shouldnt take asprin either i know quite a few ladies who have had m/c self medicate this even if their doctor hasnt suggested it.

glad that you are getting the best care you can now and when you get pg again. i hope my hospital is just as good when it comes to having tests done. x

 

[Widger]

I'm glad this thread is wanted.... even if it is under these horrible circumstances. It will at least hopefully help us all for support and info.

I had the following tests - Not all the investigations are specific to recurrent miscarriage - some are general health checks, while others are part of on-going programme of research on recurrent mc

* Chromosome studies - this is based on a blood test, and both partners are tested.
* Specific immunological testing (conducted as part of our on-going research programme)
*Natural killer cells - numbers and activation Cytokines - especially MIC-1and Th1 and Th2 cytokines
* Auto-immune screen - includes anti-nuclear antibodies, and anti-dsDNA antibodies
* Infection screen - a vaginal swab for bacterial vaginosis, and cervical swab for Chlamydia
* Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (so-called "sticky blood syndrome") screen - including anticardiolipin antibody and lupus anticoagulant.
* Full thrombophilia screen (including Factor V Leiden mutation)
* Pelvic ultrasound scan - usually transvaginal
* Day 3-4 blood test for a hormonal profile to include luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and thyroid function.
* A biochemical profile to include a blood sugar, kidney and liver function.

Babytots - They think your mcs have been linked to Folic Acid? What tests do you want them to do for you?

Jasmak - How did they find out your uterus was adhered to the other side? Can they only do that from internal testing?

Rachael - I'm really sorry about your recent loss. I know that you had everything crossed that this one would stick xx I've heard about toxoplasmosis causing mcs. Is there anything they can do to help?

BKLove - I know that trying baby aspirin & progesterone suppositories won't be the answer, but I suppose we still put hope in that it will work don't we. Hope you are going through the ectopic ok? What will the reproductive endocrine specialist be able to help with?

Omi - Are you TTC now? Luckily my hospital seem to be good in that respect too. I'm to call when I get pregnant. What is the levothyroxine supposed to help with?

Sorry for all of your losses girls... Hope we get all the answers we all deserve and next time it is our time. All I'm asking for is for one baby - not too much to ask is it xx

 

[JASMAK]

I'm glad this thread is wanted.... even if it is under these horrible circumstances. It will at least hopefully help us all for support and info.

I had the following tests - Not all the investigations are specific to recurrent miscarriage - some are general health checks, while others are part of on-going programme of research on recurrent mc

* Chromosome studies - this is based on a blood test, and both partners are tested.
* Specific immunological testing (conducted as part of our on-going research programme)
*Natural killer cells - numbers and activation Cytokines - especially MIC-1and Th1 and Th2 cytokines
* Auto-immune screen - includes anti-nuclear antibodies, and anti-dsDNA antibodies
* Infection screen - a vaginal swab for bacterial vaginosis, and cervical swab for Chlamydia
* Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (so-called "sticky blood syndrome") screen - including anticardiolipin antibody and lupus anticoagulant.
* Full thrombophilia screen (including Factor V Leiden mutation)
* Pelvic ultrasound scan - usually transvaginal
* Day 3-4 blood test for a hormonal profile to include luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and thyroid function.
* A biochemical profile to include a blood sugar, kidney and liver function.

Babytots - They think your mcs have been linked to Folic Acid? What tests do you want them to do for you?

Jasmak - How did they find out your uterus was adhered to the other side? Can they only do that from internal testing?

Rachael - I'm really sorry about your recent loss. I know that you had everything crossed that this one would stick xx I've heard about toxoplasmosis causing mcs. Is there anything they can do to help?

BKLove - I know that trying baby aspirin & progesterone suppositories won't be the answer, but I suppose we still put hope in that it will work don't we. Hope you are going through the ectopic ok? What will the reproductive endocrine specialist be able to help with?

Omi - Are you TTC now? Luckily my hospital seem to be good in that respect too. I'm to call when I get pregnant. What is the levothyroxine supposed to help with?

Sorry for all of your losses girls... Hope we get all the answers we all deserve and next time it is our time. All I'm asking for is for one baby - not too much to ask is it xx

Well, I had an HSG (hysterosaplingogram) and that came back clear, I have had several vag u/s, and everything came back clear. My specialist told me that he did not expect to find anything with this surgery (lap/hysteroscopy/D&C) but perhaps mild endo. No endo, but the uterus problem was found..which was quite unexpected. I recommend it to anyone having troubles TTC, or staying pregnant...both of which I have. Did it solve the problem...stay tuned...

 

[Widger]

Well, I had an HSG (hysterosaplingogram) and that came back clear, I have had several vag u/s, and everything came back clear. My specialist told me that he did not expect to find anything with this surgery (lap/hysteroscopy/D&C) but perhaps mild endo. No endo, but the uterus problem was found..which was quite unexpected. I recommend it to anyone having troubles TTC, or staying pregnant...both of which I have. Did it solve the problem...stay tuned...

Was this because you had a late mc? I really hope it has sorted the problem for you too xx

 

[superp123]

I'm 30yr old, DH 34yr old. Been TTC since 04 and have had 3mc in that time, two in the past twelve mths. DH has a varicacy (not sure if the spelling is right), testes too hot leaving us with some sperm probs. Takes us awhile to get knocked up basically. Any how, I've been put on progesterone last two pgs. Doc wants to put me on it after ov when we ttc again since he suspects a Lp defect. And yes w/o testing. Healthcare is run by insurance companies, so we took a short cut to avoid expensive testing on that one. And there is no harm in making a nice lining. Right? He also wants me to try aspirin too next time.
Monday we go in to have our follow up apt after D&C and we'll also be getting screened for reverse translocators and most likely the MTHFR gene mutation which does run in my family. Also, a few autoimmune tests that we haven't done yet.
Widger- I think it's great that you have a list of your exact tests. I think I should get myself one of those on Monday. For me, all my tests have been done when I'm going through the emotions of mc... so I cannot recall exactly what I've been tested for. I could give a good list but I should know more. Thanks for the idea.
Babytots- Reading your first post on this thread about the folic acid, rang a bell for me. The MTHFR gene mutation is something you may want to google. It causes deficiencies in folic acid, and Bvits- essentially sabotaging the pg. It's something that 30% of people with European decent have, but is only a problem if you and your partner carry. Any way, I thought I'd mention this for you.
I'm glad that this thread is here and I hope that we can all help each other with our experiences. Although unfortunate they have brought us all together and it's reassuring to know that I'm not alone. Best of luck to us all.
P

 

[babytots]

Babytots- Reading your first post on this thread about the folic acid, rang a bell for me. The MTHFR gene mutation is something you may want to google. It causes deficiencies in folic acid, and Bvits- essentially sabotaging the pg. It's something that 30% of people with European decent have, but is only a problem if you and your partner carry. Any way, I thought I'd mention this for you.
I'm glad that this thread is here and I hope that we can all help each other with our experiences. Although unfortunate they have brought us all together and it's reassuring to know that I'm not alone. Best of luck to us all.
P

thanks hun i have already researched this and going to ask to be tested for it when i see my consultant next month sometime.

i was also aneamic after my 2nd loss and have read that there are 3 causes. low in iron,low in folic acid and low in vit b12 so i definately think it has something to do with folic acid.

just want the next 4 weeks to hurry up so i can get the results back from jessicas tests and start recurrent misscarriage tests. x

 

[dan-o]

Superp, my OH has a varicocele too.

I think mine should have it investigated & possibly removed, or at the very least a sperm DNA Fragmentation test. Especially as our failed pregnancy was due to something rare going wrong with the DNA (triploidy)

 

[superp123]

Babytots- I can't imagine how long that wait must feel for you. I think the whole thing is so unfair, and then there's the wait. Bless you. I do hope they can provide you some answers soon hun.
Dan-o- Thanks for mentioning the DNA fragmentation. I don't know if we've had this done yet, I'll have to ask. Our last loss was tested and they found nothing wrong with the fetus, but I don't have results from our most recent one yet. We shall see, and I'll be keeping that in my head.
My apt is tomorrow and I'm nervous. I'm not going to get any results for a while, but just the same. Also, a friend of mine brought up the idea of getting a second opinion before TTC again. Her thoughts were, maybe a fresh set of eyes would be good. I tend to agree, but I still feel like I'd be 'cheating' on my doc. Does that make sense? I know who cares what he thinks, its my life and my body... and more importantly my money. Has anyone else had second opinion or change of docs? Currently, I'm seeing an obgyn, and he's said at our last apt if he finds nothing through these next set of tests, then he'll refer me out to a specialist. Hubby has already seen a manly specialist. LOL Just a thought and wondered what you all think.
Hope you all are well.
P

 

[coccyx]

Hope you don't mind me posting. My baby making days are over, but know the pain of miscarriage. I have been pregnant 13 times and have 4 great children. After the sixth consecutive miscarriage found out that hubby had an unbalanced translocation that affected chromosomes in some of his sperm.
Unable to offer any medical intervention at that time, but was 10 years ago and I would hope treatment has moved on since then.
Just wanted to send you all some hope and never give up. As awful as the miscarriages have been , seeing my children makes the heartache worth it.

 

[babytots]

p just wanted to say good luck with your appointment tomorow. let us know how it goes.

yes it is very hard waiting but i know that its for the best til they get all the results in. the posmortem has been done so those results are probably in already but theres a blood test i have to have redone this week and they also sent of tissue from the umbilical cord and placenta for testing and it takes a while to come back. they prefer to have all the results so they can get a clear diagnosis. just so frustrating gettting through each day willing the next 4 weeks or so to hurry up!

coccyx- thanks for your message so sorry for all your losses but am pleased you have your 4 healthy children. my girls give me hope that one day i will carry a healthy brother or sister for them. x

 

[wishing4bub#3]

Hi all and sorry to have read about all your storys.
My name is Tricia (29) DH dale (37) we have had 2 children and have just gone through M/C # 10 the last one was a m/c of tripplets.

i have had a million tests and its been found i have a stupid thyroid it is underactive, normal then it will be overactive! i am also missing a Folate gene i have 3 instead of 4.

so as hard as it is having had so many m/c i know its because my body is working it is rejecting the unhealthy eggs. i am hoping to start trying again this cycle but not sure how i will go mentally
i have my fingers crossed for us all

 

[bklove]

wishing did they offer any medical support for what they found so far? or is more a keep trying thing? It is hard to keep trying...went through that this weekend...it just hurt so bad physically it was like I can't keep doing this....but I do want my own child at the same time.

 

[haaza123]

Im on baby aspirin 75mg and folic acif 5mg.

Im currently 19 weeks pregnant after having 4 mcs. My were in May 08. July 08, Sept 08 and my last mc was in Dec 08 and then in Jan 09 i was referred to the infertility clinic for investigations. Only had blood tests done as they found out i was pregnant again.

They immediately put me on baby aspirin and told me that they werent sure if it would help. I've passed all my mc milestones which shocked my doctor who was closely involved.

If you do have the chance of taking baby aspirin then please do because im sure it has been helping me and my bubs.

My blood tests came back negative. They have given me a couple of answers but they are not sure if it is for definiate without doing further tests, these include incomplete cervix and that i might only be able to carry a certain sex baby.

When i had a early scan at 7 weeks they checked my ovaries for cysts which came back clear.

xxxx

 

[bklove]

wow haaza123, congrats and i'm so glad you've been able to get past all those milestones. I do hope I can have that experience my next time around. I did try the baby aspirin and really i'm not sure it would've worked because we ended up with an ectopic, but I guess it is worth a try.