QuestionI am 30 years old, my husband is 28, we are relatively healthy, only a little overweight.
Sadly, my second miscarriage happened on Christmas. Our first miscarriage happened on Christmas of 2007. We went into our 8 week appointment and there was no heartbeat. The baby measured 6 weeks 2 days. I began miscarrying the next day naturally so they could not test the tissue. I spotted a week before, very, very lightly and also had some clear discharge that wetted my underwear. My pregnancy symptoms persisted and there was no more spotting so I had hoped all was okay.
My doctor sent me to get labs the day of the ultrasound. My thryroid and antibody screen were fine. My progesterone was 3.5 (before I began bleeding). I wonder if this is too low, even considering the baby had died? I have read a lot about progesterone treatments and wonder if this could help in maintaining a third pregnancy.
Also, I am moving and switching doctors and wonder if you have a recommendation for what tests I should request to try to get on top of this. We do not want to go through this again.
Any advice would be appreciated.
AnswerHello Amber
Many apologies for the delay....I really can't get the hang of the vacation settings & it turns out I set it wrong!
I am so sorry to hear of your losses, it must be particularly hard due to the the timing & co-inciding with your last loss.
Here in the UK, it's not unusual for a woman to experience 3 miscarriages before investigations are carried out. This is because 1st trimester miscarriage is so common & is often unexplained. It's believed that a chromosomal abnormality during conception means the embryo wouldn't survive. It's normally nothing the parents have or haven't done.
Your questions about hormone levels are really out of my expertise, this subject & any possible treatments are best discussed with your doctor.
As for changing doctors, do you know anyone in the area which you are moving to who can give you a recommendation? Your medical notes will go to the next surgery but it may be an idea to book an appointment to go for a health check, discuss your miscarriages & your fears of re-occurence. Some doctors specialise in certain areas, so it may be an idea to register with one who has specialised in something like gynaecology. I have found that they can be more understanding and clear about miscarriage.
If you and/or your partner are slightly overweight, it would be advisable to look at a good eating & excersize plan. Being overweight can reduce your fertility so we want the best chance of conception for you. Also, carrying a baby can be hard work and being in good condition will help :) Again, this is something you can discuss with your doctor.
I really wish I could say to ask for tests X, Y & Z to prevent another miscarriage, but to be completely honest it really is in the hands of Mother Nature. It's hard as you look for an 'answer', but it's left in the uncertainty of fate.
There is no solution but you can help by eating well, cutting out smoking and alcohol, keeping fit and positive. If you are taking any medication or drugs (whatever they may be and for whatever reason) then discuss this with your GP. During pregnancy the only thing that is safe to take is paracetamol- even that is to be avoided if possible!
I'm hoping the information I've given you has helped. Medical questions do need to be discussed with a qualified practitioner but I hope the general information has enlightened you if only a little!
I wish you the best of luck & hope 2009 delivers a healthy baby (or at least an ongoing successful pregnancy!) for you and your partner.
Kindest Regards
Sarah.
