4 Miscarriages?!?!

Updated on January 19, 2009
R.M. asks from New Philadelphia, OH
24 answers

I was just wondering if anyone has advice or info to help me figure out why I keep miscarrying. I am just now going through my 4th miscarriage and I don't know what to do anymore. My first was about 9 years ago, but I have had 3 more in the past 2 years. 2 of them being this June and October. I have 3 healthy children but my husband and I would really love to have one more. My first miscarriage and two children are from a previous relationship. Since being with my husband I have had a miscarrage, a successful pregnancy and then two more miscarriages. My doctor put me on Progesterone suppositories for this pregnancy and everything seemed to be going fine until yesterday. Today it was confirmed that I am miscarrying. I know that I am blessed with the three healthy children I have, but that dosn't change the fact that we want one more. I don't understand why this keeps happening. The last three have all been between 5 1/2 and 6 1/2 weeks. Any advice or suggestions are much appreciated. Thank you.

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So What Happened?

I just want to say thank you so much to everyone that took time to share experiences, advice, and kind words with me. I have so much to take with me to the doctor tomorrow and to a specialist if I decide to take that route. It is nice to know that I am not alone and that there is hope. Thanks again I can't even begin to explain how much it means!

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D.K.

answers from Indianapolis on

You need to get a copy of PAIN FREE WOMEN by Pete Egoscue and read it. Sometimes the position of the pelvis can cause miscarriage. THIS CAN BE CHANGED!! We've (Egoscue) has testimonials to prove it!

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P.R.

answers from Indianapolis on

I had 3 before I carried a baby to term. My doctor told me to wait at least a year before I tried to get pregnant again to give my body a chance to fully recover. It worked. Sometimes the body just needs time to recoup. Is there some big rush in having another child right now? If not I would take care not to get pregnant for at least a year and see if that isn't part of the problem.

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M.A.

answers from Columbus on

R.:

I am so sorry about your troubles. A friend of mine went through this and heard that many women are low on folic acid. Her doctor had her take extra folic acid supplments before trying to conceive and then during the first five months of pregnancy and she has now had two successful pregnancies. Ask your doctor about that and see if maybe that will help. Good luck!
M.

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A.M.

answers from Indianapolis on

I don't have any real advice, other than your doctor should probably be more proactive on this. After two miscarriages inquiries are usually made into the cause. Maybe because you have had three successful pregnancies and you are young they are not being as aggressive - but you should push the issue. I am so sorry for your losses. It doesn't matter how many children you have it still hurts.

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D.T.

answers from Muncie on

I'm no expert but I do know of a condition in some women where their bodies defenses act against the fetus thinking it's dangerous. This might be happening to you. Ask your doctor about it, I think it might have to do with blood types, not 100% sure.

Good luck.

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J.R.

answers from Columbus on

I'm so sorry to hear about your miscarriages. Regardless of how many children you have, a miscarriage can be devastating. :(
I second the thyroid level suggestion. A simple blood test can rule it out. I had a thyroid issue (hypo) and am now medicated, trying to conceive #3 (and I miscarried my first pregnancy in 04).
Best of luck to you,
J.

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C.R.

answers from Elkhart on

I had a dye injected to determine why I had so many miscarriages. My left Fallopian Tube was/is "clogged"; therefore, the toxins that are supposed to be ejected monthly, are not.
The toxins, according to the doctors, flowed back into my uterous and damaged the babies I was carrying. I did finally take a shot monthly, to concieve our last child, that determined when I was capable of concieving. It worked. However, my last four pregnancies were labled
"high risk" and were not easy. Only one worked. I have a 26 year old, a 12 year old, and a 7 year old. Of course, I wonder and still think there was something I could have done differently, but, I just have faith that I was given the children I was "supposed" to have, and my other babies are saints in Heaven and Guardian Angels. I'm Catholic, so maybe that is why I believe that. However, the loss and questions still exist. Please, realize that you are
given the gifts, the children that are best suited to help the world, and you are going to be relieved of your pain when time moves forward. There is a reason for the existence of each soul who walks the earth, and there is just as important an existance for each that does not.........they never will be anything but your love fulfilled, it just wasn't for our understanding to determine. You are young. Do not feel a pressure or stress. Enjoy the beautiful lives you brought to life. Smile and pray to those who have a place where no pain or fear or completation could harm them. You are blessed. You will provide more love, and have what you are destined to have. Thrive in that. Don't worry anymore.

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A.K.

answers from Indianapolis on

The comment about blood type is true. If you are rH negative (A-, AB-, B- or O-) and you have a baby who is rH positive (A+, AB+, B+ or O+), your body may try to attack the baby thinking it is a foreign (and unwanted) object like any other illness. I am O- but both of my children are + (one is A and the other O). When I was pregnant with my daughter (oldest), I received a shot of Rhogam. I had another one after she was born to protect a future pregnancy. Again, when I was pregnant with my son, I had another shot and because he had a + blood type received another one after his birth.

There could also be something going on with you such as thyroid issues or fertility issues. I would suggest talking to a specialist as the previous poster mentioned. Your general physician or OB/GYN may not know that much about fertility issues because they are not trained in all the specifics of fertility.

I am so sorry you are experiencing this problem. My prayers are with you. I know how difficult it can be emotionally especially when you desire another child. Bring it to the Lord. He will hear you, I promise.

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M.R.

answers from Cincinnati on

You should definitely consult a Reproductive Endocrinologist (specializes in issues related to infertility, miscarriage, maternal-fetal medicine, etc.) as opposed to your general ob/gyn. Ask your current physician for a referral.

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K.Z.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi R.,

So sorry about your losses, it must be very difficult! I have not had miscarriages, but dealt with infertility/inability-to-conceive issues (eventually wound up with 2 boys ;-}).
Way back when I was doing that, there was a support group called Resolve for people dealing with infertility and miscarriages. I think it is still in existence but is now called Resolve Through Sharing. If you want more support, they might be helpful; also they were very informed on the newest info re conception and carrying a pregnancy to term. You might also get the names of good doctors if you want to switch or get a second opinion. Good luck!

K. Z.

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A.W.

answers from Cleveland on

Hello,

I went through the same thing. I had one miscarriage, than a healthy son. I later had 3 miscarriages in row. I found out through ultrasounds that I had 6 fibroid tumors (benign)and one of them was blocking the area where the baby could grow.

I had them removed about 6 months ago and hope to conceive one day soon.

I will pray for you and your family.

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S.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

I'm so sorry. I don't know much about miscarriage, but my SIL's SIL (confused? lol) kept having miscarriages, and it seemed her first daughter was a fluke in the middle of many miscarriages. Then they realized what was going on - her body was attacking the embreo as if it was an infection. So, when she next got pregnant, she had to give herself shots of a "fake virus" twice a day for the first trimester for her body attack instead of the embreo. It worked and she had a normal pregnancy from there on.
Obviously I have no way of knowing if that's your problem, but it's something to ask about. Good Luck:)

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J.C.

answers from Indianapolis on

I've had 8 miscarriages, 13 kids total, and 2 live births so I can feel your pain. with mine, they figured a lot of my problems are from scarring internally from a D&C on my first miscarriage. I've been told also from 1 dr that it was from the Rh factor but don't see how that'd be a factor since I've been given the rhogam shot each pregnancy & few times, twice in the pregnancy. I can't give you much advice since I'm only in school for nursing, not graduated but wanted to send you *HUGS* & let you know you're not alone.

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H.G.

answers from Columbus on

Have you been tested for a clotting disorder?

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C.P.

answers from Toledo on

I am very sorry to hear about your losses. I couldn't imagine going through so many. You must be a very strong woman! :)Maybe you have already done this but I had a miscarriage and my doctor said that after a 2nd or 3rd miscarriage you would want to save the fetus and have it tested to maybe see what caused the miscarriage. Also the thyroid suggestion is a very good one to have checked too. Did you have a D and C? Maybe your uterus needs cleaned out after having had this many miscarriages. Good Luck!

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S.C.

answers from Elkhart on

My heart goes out to you because I have been there and done that including a stillborn son. You said that your dr had you on the progesterone suppositories, but were they doing weekly blood tests to check your levels? Each pregnancy I had problems with required higher levels of progesterone for me and they had me going over to SB Med for weekly draws till I was like 20 or so weeks along and the placenta took over production. If it is not the progesterone levels causing the miscarriages have they done any testing on your babies? There are other problems that can be detected with an autopsy of sorts.
Good Luck and God Bless You through this - Keep us posted as to your progress or even feel free to email me if you want (____@____.com) and I will be praying for you.
S. C

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K.V.

answers from Columbus on

Dear R., I feel so sorry for you as I had a miscarriage eariler this year. First of all if this is your third consecutive miscarrage your doctor should have order a panel of tests to determine why you keep having miscarrages. If not, demand to know why the tests are not being run. Else seek another doctor before trying to conceive again. There is a huge discrepency between the care that doctors give their patients.

A friend of mine miscarried about a year ago. At her second appointment the baby did not have a heart beat. Her doctor told her to go home a let nature take its course. Two months later she miscarried at 4 am on a sunday morning. She had an 18 month old that would not sleep through the night and her husband was out of town on a business trip. She was alone and when she finally decided to call her mother for help she had been bleeding heavily for two hours.

Please if you are bleeding such that you are soaking through a pad in less than an hour please go to the ER immediately. Also I hope that your doctor gave you a script for methergan to slow your bleeding. Again you have a family that is dependant upon you, so please take care of yourself first. Also you have several options, please seek them out. Sorry again for your loss.

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D.I.

answers from South Bend on

I am so sorry to hear about the miscarriages. I have had 3 miscarriages before finally having 3 wonderful healthy baby boys. Unfortunately doctors can't always determine why you have miscarriages. The doctors could never figure out why I kept miscarrying. I have a uterine fibroid and those can cause miscarriages. Have your doctor check that out. Also, you will want to see a high risk ob/gyn and not a regular ob/gyn. The high risk doctors will see you more often, and keep better track of what is going on. I wish you all the best on having baby number four, but if it does not happen be blessed with what you have. I will pray for you and your husband. Hang in there.
D.

I am 31 and have been married for almost 12 yrs. My husband and I have 3 boys ages 10,7, and 4. I too am in school. I am taking classes in criminal justice.

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J.L.

answers from Columbus on

Regardless of how many children you have, a loss is a loss and my heart goes out to you. I can't imagine how hard that would be to go through over and over.

I also second whoever suggested seeing a reproductive endocrinologist. I'm not sure if there's anyone in your area but, if traveling to Columbus is an option, try to get a referral to Ohio Reproductive Medicine. We conceived with their help and I can't say enough good things about the doctors, staff and my entire experience there. Send me a message if you want to talk about it at all...good luck.

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M.T.

answers from Fort Wayne on

Dear R.,
I am so sorry that you have been through so many miscarriages. I know the heartache & pain you must feel. I miscarried six babies before my OB suggested the simplest thing in the world! Take one 81mg aspirin daily for a couple of months before trying again & continue taking it throughout the pregnancy. I did it but truly didn't think there was any chance that anything so simple could ever make a difference. It did work though and now I have a beautiful soon to be 3 year old little boy!
Since then, I have met two other women who had miscarried multiple times, used the aspirin and went on to carry to full term. Please talk to your OB about this~ it's something so simple but could be just the trick! Good luck & God bless,
Melissa

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L.M.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi R.,

Have you had your progesterone level checked? You might want to start using a progesterone cream to see if that is the problem. Also I have heard a baby aspirin a day can help. Not exactly sure why? I'm sure you can google it.

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R.C.

answers from Lafayette on

Have you been tested for any blood clotting disorders? I have lupus anticoagulant and because of that took lovenox injections, which is a blood thinner, during and 6 weeks post pregnancy. I just had my first child 4 weeks ago. I know of women who had successful pregnancies and then had miscarriages. They were diagnosed with a blood clotting issue and took lovenox too. They were successful in carrying a child to term after that. I hope that helps! Good luck!

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D.B.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi R.. I am so sorry to hear about your losses. I agree that no matter how many children you already have (and yes, they are such a blesssing) it STILL hurts to lose a child. While I think the advice on thyroid is a good one... I also agree with the advice on being tested for a blood-clotting disorder. It is also a blood drawn test. I actually have both a thyroid disorder and a blood-clotting disorder. And while a thyroid disorder can definitely cause complications in a pregnancy, if your levels are regulated there should be minimal to no risk to the baby. However, even after having my thyroid levels regulated I went on to have two miscarriages. The doctor then tested me for a blood-clotting disorder which turned out to be the cause of my losses. Once the doc discovered this, and the next time I became pregnant, I went on several medications: a daily blood-thinning shot injected into my stomach (sounds awful but really wasn't too bad), progesterone suppositories (as you mentioned) for the first trimester, a baby aspirin a day and a daily dose of presciption strength folic acid. All of these were to help insure my blood stayed thin and did not clot which would prevent nutrients and oxygen from getting to the baby. I hope this information helps. I will keep you in my prayers.

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A.K.

answers from Columbus on

I've had 1 miscarriage (at 5 weeks along), and it was believed to be caused by my thyroid levels getting too high. I had thyroid cancer last summer, and had my thyroid surgically removed. I have to take a thyroid hormone replacement every day, and do blood work on a regular basis to keep an eye on my thyroid levels. Anyone - not just people who have had the cancer - can have issues with their thyroid levels. Ask your doc to check your levels (TSH, T3, and Free T4 levels). Good luck!

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