Genetic Testing - 2nd MMC

[rider1975]

Hello - I had it confirmed yesterday that I lost my second pregnancy. I'm considering genetic testing - does anyone have experience of this and any advice. It's costly at £320.
I'm having a medical management so would have to capture the little cells which I'm really fearful about. I'm unsure about everything.
Reason being is I'm 41 and found being pregnant this second time not the joy it was the first time as I was anxious about another loss and if there is something wrong with me, I could save myself a lot of new heartache in the future.

[KittyandTeal]

We have had genetic testing done on ds who we lost at 14 weeks (didn't need it for dd2) and we get the results soon. We had it den as part of the pathology done by the hospital.

My DH and I also had a full karyotype done during the diagnosis for dd2 (T18) which came back clear so although we know ds won't have anything inherited it will look at chromosomal issues or deletions etc

[rider1975]

Thank you Kitty. I hope your results are just fine. I'm still unsure but I guess I'll figure it out when I do the medical management next week and the reality hits again.

[Dixxie]

Hi Rider, I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm sending big empathetic hugs as I now know how it feels to have 2 miscarriages... I've been told that my pregnancy isn't viable, it should have been 7 weeks but measured 5.5 weeks and my HCG levels aren't rising. Think my body is working it out as I'm starting to bleed. What are the genetic tests? Do I need them too? We are going to scrape some money together to get private help from here.

[rider1975]

Hi Dixxie - very sorry to hear your news. I would be 9 weeks today and my body still hasn't realised so my medical management is going ahead tomorrow. The gestational sac keeps on growing.
I've done a lot of reading and think my miscarriage could be down to 2 things 1) chromosome issue, 2) hormonal issue/immune issue/thyroid problem
If it's no 1, there is nothing to be done and I'd rather just know. If it's no 2, then I can look into getting assistance when we try again (and if I can conceive again).
You don't need testing for a second MC - according to the hospital - two MCs is seen as normal and just unlucky. It's just because of my age and probably that I'm quite controlling and need to look into this for myself.
If my genetic testing comes back clear (usually it's because there was an addition or deletion of a chromosome (I'm told) but otherwise normal), then I might consult a fertility consultant. If you're young and had no problem conceiving, I probably wouldn't invest yet as you get genetic testing free after 3 MCs.
I'm happy to let you know how I get on if it's of interest.

[rider1975]

Dixxie - a question for you. No one has tested my HCG levels but the ladies here mention this a lot. How did it come about that you were tested and is this just a simple blood test with immediate results ?

[Dixxie]

Hi Rider,
I asked to have them tested. I'm self educated from the Internet and speaking to others, which is essential I think these days given the state of the NHS, although I have to caution myself that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing... Anyway in early pregnancy HCG levels are meant to rise by at least 60% in 48-72 hours. So I had the choice of waiting 10 days for another scan or checking HCG. They tested Wednesday then again on Friday, and because they hasn't risen much, I went back on Sunday when I was told they had plateau'd. Alongside this I had started to bleed, but not a lot, and I didn't feel pregnant, the nausea had gone. So I worked it out. There's a caution here though - they don't automatically test HCG because there are documented cases where levels haven't risen much or have even dropped, and a few weeks later everything is in track again. There are women who see an empty sac or low HCG who sre told they are miscarrying and it was wrong - search for misdiagnosed miscarriage website. Sadly my bleeding has got worse and cramps are coming so it's pretty conclusive...

[Dixxie]

Hi Rider,
I asked to have them tested. I'm self educated from the Internet and speaking to others, which is essential I think these days given the state of the NHS, although I have to caution myself that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing... Anyway in early pregnancy HCG levels are meant to rise by at least 60% in 48-72 hours. So I had the choice of waiting 10 days for another scan or checking HCG. They tested Wednesday then again on Friday, and because they hasn't risen much, I went back on Sunday when I was told they had plateau'd. Alongside this I had started to bleed, but not a lot, and I didn't feel pregnant, the nausea had gone. So I worked it out. There's a caution here though - they don't automatically test HCG any more because there are plenty of documented cases where levels haven't risen much or have even dropped, and a few weeks later everything is in track again. There are women who see an empty sac or low HCG who are told they are miscarrying and even told to have a D&C or chemical treatment, who refused and discovered the diagnosis was wrong - search for misdiagnosed miscarriage website. Sadly my bleeding has got worse and cramps are coming so it's pretty conclusive...

[rider1975]

Thank you everyone who posted. Just wanted to say that I didn't opt for the testing in the end. I'd rather put the funds towards a private consultation for the success of future pregnancies. The Harley St clinic also said chromosome defects are highly improbable and it's usually more due to the addition or deletion of a chromosome and this is dependent on every egg and every sperm which make up each pregnancy

[Dixxie]

Ladies, I've just started a new thread, TTC Self Help book club, to discuss the two books that many Mumsnetters have recommended, that offer advice on how to prevent miscarriage and have a successful pregnancy (It Starts with the Egg and Is your Body Baby-Friendly). Hey some of us may still have to throw money at private clinics at some stage, but there's lots we can do to help ourselves... Do join and share, let's support each other!

[rider1975]

Thank you Dixxie - its great that you're so proactive on researching. I'll definitely be joining that thread. So sad and low today, I could use some hope

[Dixxie]

Hey there can only be hope. We have to do our own research and help ourselves as best we can, then we can ask the right questions of the experts and track down the right help. There is always hope xxx