I have just had my 3rd miscarriage in a row, 6th miscarriage overall. I know I have antiphospholipid syndrome and am treated accordingly but we are still having zero luck, with 18mths TTC. We have other children, so a) I know my body CAN do the whole pregnancy thing if it so chooses and b) its clearly a miracle we have the kids at all.
I just dont know where to from here. Im starting to wonder if its not a chromosomal abnormality or something with either/or both Dh and I. We have a child with special needs.
Is IVF/PGD worth a look? The only Drs up here who know anything at all are the Queensland Fertility Group specialists. Has anyone here had to seek out assisted conception for miscarriage issues?
There was some discussion about this relating to another member with recurrent miscarriage. Sorry i can't be more help, but i think the upshot was that unless the miscarriage was related to a genetic problem with the embryo/baby, then there was nothing to be gained by using AC.
There is however ways which fertility specialists can help after conception with drugs to help you in the early stages after conception.
PGD is very expensive, but if your miscarrying is related to something chromosomal, then that would be the way to skip that hurdle.
Hope someone with more info (i.e. not as vague as me!) can help out.
I was told after my third that 3 is kind of the magic number, in that once you've hit that, they start doing more tests. You can ask your FS for a chromosome test, which will test your compatability with your husband and also for any genetic abnormalities.
The other thing I've learned - if you have PCOS this is - is that Metformin and Clomid can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Obviously you need to be monitored while taking the Clomid, as it can lead to multiples or OHSS, but it might be helpful for you.
That's about the limit of my knowledge, but I hope you get something out of it
ETA - Just remembered something Rouge told me, about taking an aspirin a day. Apparently it thins the blood and makes it easier for bub to stick....you'd hafta PM her about it though
I took clomid for sticky baby #2 and it seemed to do the trick then. I have been taking asprin daily from before this last miscarriage and was on clexane from +hpt onwards but it didnt help
So an FS would atleast be able to rule out chromosomal issues?
Its quite possible I have PCOS. Ive never really been tested for it but on the scan from this miscarriage I noticed a heck of alot of "bubbles" on my ovaries; and I have had a few burst cysts.
Definately think I will head to QFG for some testing and go from there.
It's not a problem that I have but from what I know about Assisted conception, I think it would be really helpful to at least have a chat with a FS. I am assuming you have had some testing but there might be some tests you could undergo to get to the root of the problem.
Good luck, and take care x
Eta: yep, there are a whole barrage of tests for chromosomal issues.
I'm so sorry you've had another loss. I dont know abou then ART side of things.
Have you been tested for MTHFR? It's a genetic condition relating to not being able to methylate folate properly. Some people are non-methylators, some over methylate. They can currently test 2 genes for it (out of over 40). It basically means that some people need activated folate instead of normal folate acid. MTHFR can cause clotting, leading to repeat miscarriage or stillbirth. As folate is not absorbed properly, it can also increase the risk of neural tube defects.
There is also some link to autism, heart problems, increased risk of Down Syndrome and many other things. I know Medicare provides a rebate for testing one of the genes. I don't know about the other gene.
Mthfr dot net is a good place to start research.
Have you had karotyping done? A balanced translocation in either parent can result in repeated miscarriages.
When I saw a specialist in Sydney about the miscarriage issues he did a fair few blood tests (about 16 vials) but Im not entirely sure which ones he did apart from the main clotting disorders (anti-phos, anticardio, Factor IV etc). The Mthfr would definately be one of interest if it hasnt already been done, as Ds2 has autism and people often mistake him for having down syndrome (he has a very flat nasal bone and big brown eyes, I can definately see what they see esp with his autistic traits). No karyotyping as far as Im aware.
Better start writing a list of things to bring up with the FS. Id rather go through all this testing, even if Ive had some done already, before we TTC again than go through another miscarriage.
Assisted conception w/ miscarriage?
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