Chromosome Abnormality in Miscarriage

My first pregnancy was a tripolidy--awful genetic abnormalities. That ended at 9 weeks after having a heartbeat, but I never miscarried, so had a D&C. I was told it was a fluke that would not repeat. My second pregnacy resulted in the most gorgeous brilliant girl you've ever seen. My third pregnancy had a fatal error in the 4th chromosome--another genetic nightmare. That pregnancy ended at about 8 weeks, and I miscarried at 12. I've been grateful those babies weren't born, because they could have been. And I did have that gorgeous girl. I'm trying to have a second child and am hoping for the best again.

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First, I'm sorry you had to experience that. Losing a child is never easy.

Second, I've had a little experience in a similar vein. I had a miscarriage for my first pregnancy, I was 9 weeks along. I didn't have any testing done at the time, we figured it was still pretty early in the pregnancy and it just didn't take. My second pregnancy, I gave birth to a healthy boy with Down Syndrome. He is in the majority of people who have Down's, there's no known reason for his extra chromosomes. Something like 95% of people who have Down's have no family history or reason to be pointed to. My third pregnancy was to a healthy, genotypical, little girl.

Good luck on your future attempts!

I am very sorry for your loss. I haven't been through that personally but I have good friends who had a child who did not have downs first, then the second did, then they went on to have two more children that did not. I wish you all the best! I just wanted to say that you don't have to have genetic testing unless you want to. My sister had a genetic abnormality that caused a condition called Rhett syndrome. She lived to be 34 years old and had a great life. This condition is one that I could have been tested for to see if I was a carrier, but chose not to be because I never wanted any future children I might have to not be able to be insured etc due to prior knowledge of a possible abnormality. I just didn't want to run that risk and I knew I wanted children regardless. So if you want the testing, go for it, but if you are being pressured to do it and you don't want to, you absolutely don't have to. Take care and hang in there.

I am so sorry for your huge loss.

I just visited my friend's one month old baby today. Prior to this pregnancy she had a miscarriage at 9 weeks and the chromosome screen came back as Turner's syndrome. She also has a vibrant 3 year old.

Hi N.,
I had a miscarriage at 11 weeks and the screening said that the baby had Turner's Syndrome. 5 months later I got pregnant again and have a healthy 4 year old little girl.

Really sweet advice already. You can always meet with the genetic counselor to discuss all your concerns and learn the stats if you want those numbers for reassurance. And you do not have to have the genetic blood work done for the same reasons in Jen B's response.

I know you want answers from women who have had the same experience, but while I haven't, I want to assure you that any subsequent pregnancies will most likely be fine. You're doing the right thing with the genetic testing, which will let you know if there's a increased risk for anything. Except for those women who have some type of physical issue that causes miscarriages, most miscarriages occur because of abnormalities in the fetus. I'm sorry that happened to you, and I wish you luck in the future. Unless they find something with the testing, you'll most likely have healthy babies in the future. I have a cousin this happened to and a good friend and both now have several healthy, normal children.

I know people have had a child without chromosomal abnormalities after having one that does. I think your chances are higher to have another one with similar circumstances but there is no such thing as a guarantee for anyone...EVER!

My godchild was born with Down Syndrome. He is beautiful, very kind and is doing GREAT! I believe that he was meant to have Down Syndrome. He has a beautiful spirit. Please note: I believe as do many, that the children you get by whatever measures you take, adoption, birth, inheritance, are there to teach you something, not the other way around.

I will pray that the children you are meant to have come sooner rather than later :).

*hugs* One of my closest friends went through this twice and now, 8 years later, has 3 gorgeous and smart as a whip little girls that were completely normal pregnancies.

I don't know the medical statistics or probability, but my friend did have a happy ending to her tragic story so hopefully you will too!

Good Luck!

I am so sorry you are going through this. It's tough and scary. I had 2 miscarriages prior to my daughter's birth and while we didn't get them tested, the doctors felt quite certain there were chromosomal issues as a.) I'm older and b.) that's typically the cause of early miscarriage. I went on to have a fabulous, smart, healthy little girl. My understanding from the genetic counselor was that you can absolutely have a healthy pregnancy after one with abnormalities. Even when you are older and your chances of having a child with Down Syndrome, for example, goes from 1 in 35,000 to 1 in a hundred, it's good to remember that that still means your chances are 99% that your baby will be healthy! Good betting odds. Best of luck with that healthy baby sometime in the future!

I have a friend who miscarried her first pregnancy at almost 20 weeks. There were no problems with the pregnancy & that baby also tested positive for Downs. There was no family history but her doctor also advised that she & her husband get tested so they could make more informed decisions regarding possible future pregnancies. Neither tested positive for the gene and they now have 2 children ages 11 & 8, neither one has Downs. Good Luck to you for a healthy pregnancy & I'm sorry for your loss.