2 Miscarriages- Now What?

My 1st pregnancy resulted in a daughter, w/o any difficulties, at age 34. Then 2 yrs later, I was pregnant again and lost the baby at 12 weeks. 8 mons later, I was pregnant again and lost that baby at 17 weeks. I spoke to my OB-GYN in San Diego who agreed that I should be tested. I was concerned b/c a friend of mine (also over 35) had 4 miscarriages and learned she had 1 of 9 possible blood clotting disorders. The catch was, I had to be pregnant again to be tested. So, 9 weeks into my 4th pregnancy, I was tested and learned I had 1 of the other blood clotting disorders. Mine was a Protein S Deficiency. It's age-related and was cutting off the blood supply to the baby. I was immediately put on blood thinners (shots in the belly nighly - ugh!), but I now have a happy, healthy son. Best of luck!

find classical homeopath. not an MD, not an ND not any of other health care modalities with homeopathy on the "side" just someone who does ONLY homeopathy.
Good Luck
V

First, I'm so sorry for what you've experienced. This may have nothing specifically to do with what is going on with you but my first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage (we went for an ultrasound after I started spotting and there was no heartbeat after we had heard one the week prior). I had started supplementing my progesterone a few days prior but it must have been too late. With both of my subsequent pregnancies they watched my progesterone levels very closely (blood labs every 48 hours) and the same process was happening so they had me supplement with progesterone starting at about 5 weeks and continued through 13 weeks. Both pregnancies were successful and I now have two beautiful children (a 4 year old girl and 18 month old boy). I also had a friend who found out after 3 miscarriages that she had a small benign tumor in her uterus. The embryos kept implanting to it and then had no nutrient supply. She had a simple surgery, got pregnant quickly, and now has two wonderful daughters. I guess the bottom line is that I know more people who have had at least one miscarriage and then had successful pregnancies than I do women who have never experienced a miscarriage. Don't lose hope and stay firm with your OB. Push for all of the help you can get in identifying the possible problem. Good luck!!!!!!!!!

After I had 2 miscarriages, my dr. started me on baby aspirin. We had a baby girl 10 months later. You should ask yours if this might work for you. Good luck!

Hi I.,

So sorry to hear of your losses. I, too had a miscarriage before conceiving my healthy son. I echo all the advice on bloodwork, progesterone, etc. I would encourage you to ask about potential side effects of any drug you take.

Also, ask your Dr. how soon you can start trying again. You get a pretty significant boost in fertility for 3 months or so after loosing a pregnancy. You'll need to balance that with giving your uterus a chance to heal, though.

best of luck to you
C.

I had 2 miscarriages as well. I was so afraid I was doomed to be like my mother in that she was pregnant 9 times and I'm the only survivor. After my second miscarriage, my OB suggested that I take a baby asprin every day the next time I got pregnant. Sure enough, the next time I got pregnant, I took the low-dose asprin and my baby was finally born healthy. I now have 3 beautiful, healthy girls and took the asprin for each one. I wish you the very best of luck and I'll keep you in my thoughts!

I don't know what it could be but I know that my cousin, and a good friend of mine miscarried a few times each before their doctors realized that their blood was clotting and killing the baby (I wish that I had more info or knew what it was called). Both of them ended up being prescribed some kind of shot to help their blood not clot. I just checked my cousin's blog and found out what she was prescribed, it's called Lovenox. Just thought that you could ask about if this clotting thing could be happening to you. They've both been able to give birth (a few kids!) and are very happy now that their doctors have found out what was wrong with them!!! GOOD LUCK! :)

HI,
I'm sorry this is happening with you! It can be very stressful.

Your OB will know what to test for...

Probably a hormone panel, to ck your progestrone levels to start with. I would get a work up before starting to try again. Just to make sure everyting is fine.

Good Luck
S. Wolcott, LM CPM, RN
homebirthwaterbirth.com

Hi I.
I am sorry for your losses. I think you are on the right track with the positive attitude. It's so hard to stay positive and to not worry, but it really will help your chances, like you said.
You've gotten some good advice here - asking about progesterone supplemtnts during first t/m, chiropractic assistance, checking for blood clotting disorders, etc. I would just add that perhaps acupuncture might help. I can personally recommend a wonderful acupuncturist who specializes in women's health, fertility and successful pregnancy. She is also a nutritionist, which is a wonderful bonus. I know that she has helped numerous women to successfully carry babies to term after having suffered losses. http://lauriemorse.com/ I wish you all the best and just remember to allow yourself ample time (which is different for everyone) to grieve the losses that you've endured because if you push it aside, it will likely manifest in other health and stress issues which might not be good for baby. Just a thought.
Take care!

First, I'm sorry for your losses. I know how devastating a miscarriage is. Unless your OB is a specialist in recurrent pregnancy loss, I'd consult with an RE (reproductive endocrinologist)who is. They can have a series of tests done (pregnancy loss panel) and test for other things prior to you getting pregnant again. For example, we found out that I had immune issues that needed to be treated in order for me to continue a pregnancy. I did infusions prior to getting pregnant (via IVF) and a week after getting a positive beta. I was also on Heparin for one cycle and then Lovenox for the last three cycles for clotting issues. Do have your progesteron levels checked. My last miscarriae was due to low progresterone, but the clinic coordinator (wha has since been fired, but too late for me) only did a repeat beta when I went in with spotting and bleeding. I didn't know to ask to have the progesterone checked as well. I took baby aspirin for my current pregnancy until it caused a scary bleeding episode at 9 weeks, so discontinued it. While an OB may mean well, (I love mine, but I still went to an RE - several to be exact, in order to finally have children) they are not always the best medical practitioner to see for your situation. It took us 17 years, a lot of pain, and a lot of money. I hope your journey to parenthood isn't nearly as long. Good luck to you.

...and you didn't say how old you are. If you're 35 or older, don't waste time at the OB. I know far too many women who regret the time wasted with an OB, when they really needed to be aggressive in trying to conceive. By the time they got to an RE and found out what their issues were, precious time had passed and made their journey even harder due to their age.

And while trying to reduce stress is great for you emotionally, there are studies that say it has no bearing on the odds of you getting pregnant or not. Sorry, but as someone who has battled infertility for far too many years, the last thing we need is someone to place blame on us for a physical problem. All the stress reduction in the world won't help with immune issues, clotting disorders, or other medical problems. Again, good luck to you.

I so know what you are going through! I have had 6 miscarriages and 5 D&C's! My OB said that for a body to be ready one should wait at least 6 months after a miscarriage to start trying! That is up to you and your husband though! First have him do a hormone panel to check for progesterone deficiency! That is usually the most common problem! My problem was that I was having clots in my uterus and my body was getting rid of them and of course the baby would go as well! I was put on Heparin which is a blood thinner that you have to inject yourself with! Not fun, but I successfully delivered my second baby with no complications!This is a problem that a lot of women have and never know about!
Ask him: Is it a problem with my uterus?
Is it a clotting issue?
Is the lining of my uterus okay?
Then see if you can get a clotting time test to see if it is that! Good Luck I.!

Hi I....I know you've had tons of responsive, but thought I would give my two sense. I tried for a baby for almost 2 years and had one miscarriage. Usually repeat miscarriages means there's is something up and for some insurances they wont cover the tests until you have 3! Yes 3!! I could try to convince your ob to give you the recommendation for a reproductive endocrinologist. They will test you for everything!!! They can order the semen analysis' they can order a full blood panel to check your hormones and they can even help you to try naturally and prescribe you some progesterone supplements just in case that's the issue. I know how hard it is to lose a baby (I couldn't imagine two) and then how HUGE the disappointment is month after month of not being able to conceive...or keep conception. It it helps...tell your ob you've been trying for over a year...that can also help get you the recommendation and it will help in getting the insurance to approve it! I wish you the best of luck...keep faith and hope...it will happen!

I have five children. but before having them I had two unsuccessful conceptions that ended by three months.

by chance I had to go to a chiopractor for an unrelated injury, he told me my hips and pelvic bones were unaligned. causing the pelvic bone to lean too much on my plumbing. therefore the body would expel the fetus for lack of room once it started growing too big.

6 months of chiopractic care handled this and now five children later :) get some xrays go see one could be your problem :)

Love H.

I am so sorry to hear about your 2 miscarriages. I had 1 miscarriage, a D&C and then I was really close to losing my current baby that I am pregnat with. My doctor had me take progesterone suppositories. I read up on it and a lot of moms that have had miscarriages take this and keep their pregnancy. Ask your doc about prescribing this. Best of luck.

Hi I.,

Was your doctor able to give you any reason for the miscarriages? I had a miscarriage with my first pregnancy and the doctor thought it might be because of a low progesterone level. In the 1st trimester of my 2nd pregnancy I had a lot of cramping and of course was worried sick. I also had low progesterone levels. My doctor prescribed progesterone suppositories to help prevent a miscarriage. I don't know if it was the extra progesterone or not but now I'm a mother of a beautiful girl. I would ask your doctor about it. Good luck, I know how hard a miscarriage can be.

I also went threw this. 1. ask if your uterus is ok it maybe tilted or something else? 2. do you have any pressing medical or family stress? I hate to say it but stop trying. just let it happen. You are most likely to get pregnant after this because your hormones are higher. hope it helps Krissy

First step is stay positive!! I was in the same boat as you had 2 miscarriages only one did I need a D&C..... I got pregnant 4 months after my D&C and my daughter is going to be 4 in May. My doctor recommended that I waited 6 months to a year before getting pregnant again but like you I was anxious. I really think it is a matter of personal choice and when your mental and emotional state can handle it. My doctor told me 2 miscarriages were not uncommon and they probably won't test you for anything quite yet..questions to ask would be the same ones you posted and any other concerns you may have! Keep your chin up and stay positive!

how is your progestrone level? If it goes two low you miscarry. I have also heard that subconscious unresolved issues with your husband cause miscarriages. Good luck.
M. R

I don't really know if there are any questions to be asked - the doctor will just tell you (as they told me) they don't really know why the body miscarries, but to just keep trying. I've known several people who have had two or more miscarriages, and eventually they had a successful pregnancy. There are the usual things, like cut down on the stress level, don't smoke, no drugs, etc. I'm sure you know about all those things, and it sounds like you're doing everything you're supposed to be doing. Some things are just a mystery, but keep trying! I hope everything turns out good for you.

Hi I., I'm very sorry to here about your miscarriages. I have had 3 myself. What I would suggest is asking your doctor to run some blood tests (dont know the specific names of them but there are MANY)to determine what could be the cause. And I know this sounds gross but if it happens again try to keep it and give it to your doctor to run test on it. I personally didnt do that, but it might help from what I've been told. I will be finding out my lab work results tomorrow, and I am very hopefull. Trust God...

C.

I., I am so sorry to hear about your losses. I went through 3 miscarriages myself, but now am the mother to 2 beautiful boys! I was at a loss with my OB. We tried a hysteroscopy to see if I had a septum, we tried genetic testing, we did a semen analysis. After the third one I couldn't get pregnant for over a year and a half. So, we then tried Clomid (fertility drug), then follicle scans, then shots of hcg....all to no avail. She finally recommended trying IUI or IVF and referred me to someone, but my DH was against it as we had been pregnant 3 times on our own. So, I did a little research and found an acupuncturist in Irvine who specializes in fertility problems. I knew after my initial consult that he was going to be my answer! I will give you some advice, start with your basal body temperature. Chart it every morning at the same time, immediately after waking and before you have any movement. If your temp bounces around more than 1 or 2 tenths, then your body is not ready for you to be pregnant, and you will either not get pregnant or not stay pregnant. If that is the case, then I would recommend acupuncture and can give you the name of my doctor, he is wonderful! If your temp is pretty steady, then just be patient, it will happen for you! Good luck, K. W

A friend of mine was told by her doctor to take one or two chewable baby asprins a day . It worked. She had finally had a baby (obviously miscarriage free).

I., So sorry I'v been there.... Ok did your miscarriage start with a small amount of bleeding that got worse??? You may want to ask your Doctor about taking progesterone next pregnancy. Sometimes we don't produce enough and our body rejects the pregnancy. I was told I could start trying after 2 menstrual cycles, by I have a friend that got pregnant right away after a loss and had a successful pregnancy. I think they make you wait for emotional reasons more than physical. Good luck and I know that you will have a successful pregnancy soon. Think positive.

I've had two miscarriage as well. I too are researching what tests I should be tested to get to the cause of the problems. Any suggestions, Please share with me.

how many miscarriages will they make you go through before they test the fetus to see if they can find out what the issue is. Did/have they tested your progestrone? Would they be willing to Rx progestronge supplements next time? Most docs recommend 3 months, at least, before trying again.

I had three miscarriages before successfully carrying my daughter to term. In a test where dye is pumped into the uterus and tubes it was discovered I had a fairly sizeable septum, which was consequently removed. I also had blood tests that revealed I was at risk for blood clots, so I was put on Heparin for the duration of the pregnancy. I also had a VERY low progesterone level in the beginning to had to take supplements until the level rose. I would be very surprised if your doctor didn't try to look at all these factors at this point, or refer you to a reproductive specialist who could help determine the issues.

I know how hard it is to be where you are right now, but just take it one step at a time - get as much information as you can and above all, feel good about the care you're receiving. If you don't, make every effort to find a doctor who you feel is going to do everything they can to see that you have a successful next pregnancy. Hang in there!

I would ask if your body weight and BMI are at good levels. Ask if any lab work drawn indicated if there were any levels off...like progesterone. Even if it wasn't low you may still ask to be given progesterone suppositories once you become pregnant again.

I had 3 pregnancies in 10 months...I was able to sustain the 3rd pregnancy and have a health/happy 2 year old. During my first and second pregnancy my Dr had me gain weight and raise my BMI. After my second loss (D&C, first loss was natural m/c) he prescribed the progesterone suppositories, told me to keep them in my fridge, and as soon as I got my first positive to start taking them. That's what I did. When I went in for my 6 week post-partum appointment he said that when we start trying again to call and ask for another progesterone prescription so I can have it on hold...just in case.

As I noted...I had 3 pregnancies within 10 months. Listen to your own body and heart. My Dr suggested waiting a few months...but also said it was not necessary physically.

Positive thoughts coming your way...

research research research.. then print out what you want to ask hand it to the doctor, and do not leave untill all the answers you wanted are done.. each body is different, Blessings to the sucess of a baby... have faith you will be blessed with a baby one day... I said a prayer for your babies...

Hi I.,
I'm so sorry about your miscarriages. My cousin and I both had miscarriages due to low progesterone. Our second pregancies were both successful because we took progesterone immediately. Have your doctor test you for all your hormone levels to see if there is anything low or missing. Also, when I had my D&C they tested the remaining tissue to see if there was anything wrong with the baby. Your doctor should have done this and then let you know what they found.

Meanwhile, keep taking folic acid, prenatal vitamins, relax and eat healthy - these will all help you.

Good luck!

Hi I.
I know what you are going through. I had 2 miscarriages before I had my son. Depending on your OB he may want to do some bloodwork to test for antibodies or if he is like mine simply chalk it up to bad luck. My Dr told me that you are also more fertile for a few months after a miscarriage so I would jump right back in if you think you are ready.
Good luck to you I wish you all the best.
Austin's mom
www.guardiansleeper.com

It may be helpful to check your progerterone levels next time you are pregnant. I had progesterone shots during my pregnancy and I hae a wonderful 1 year old. I know it is also available in suppositories....

Good luck!