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Original poster

Recurrent Chemical Pregnancies

293 replies

charlzz · 30/07/2025 13:17

I have cross posted this so apologies!

TW: Recurrent chemicals

Hi everyone. I was looking for some advice really, and maybe some friendly people I can stay in touch with who have been through a similar situation.

TLDR: Trying to conceive my second child for 8 months. 3 consecutive early losses/chemical pregnancies. Looking for answers.

In April, May, and June I had 3 consecutive chemical pregnancies. For all three I've had darkening tests, followed by them getting lighter then I bleed. The first one was around 5 weeks, the following 2 were just a day or two after my period was due.

I went to my GP after the second, who was pretty dismissive but agreed to do some basic blood tests (iron, thyroid, vitamin levels) but nothing hormonal. The only relevant thing these showed were low vitamin D, which I'm now supplementing. They also showed low white blood cells and neutrophils (but I always have this so don't think it's relevant) and a slightly raised ALT (liver enzyme) which they are rechecking.

Now I've had a third chemical, they have reluctantly agreed to refer me to the recurrent miscarriage clinic but the wait is likely to be at least a year.

This cycle I took a break from trying and checked my progesterone privately. It was 45.5nmol/L at day 21 which looks pretty strong, and indicates I'm ovulating well. My luteal phase is anywhere from 11 to 14 days, although during my third chemical I started spotting at 9dpo. ChatGPT did say I could potentially still look at progesterone suppositories as my levels may not be staying high enough to sustain a pregnancy, but obviously I've got no way of knowing if that is good advice or not, and no way of getting progesterone anyway as I doubt my doctor would agree to prescribe it.

Up until this month I was still breastfeeding my 17 month old. I've now stopped as I convinced myself it may be affecting my hormones. So we will see if that helps at all.

Does anyone have any other advice or ideas of what I could do to try to have a healthy pregnancy?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
21
PinkCherryPie · 12/08/2025 19:53

Was your B12 normal? I had 2.5 years of nothing / chemical pregnancies.
A month after starting B12 injections I got a sticky bean.
It was only after this I read that low B12 can cause infertility.

Original poster
charlzz · 12/08/2025 20:07

CatchHimDerry · 01/08/2025 23:50

Hi OP

I too wondered about a potential link to breastfeeding but my recurrent miscarriage clinic, GP etc. all said no, it wouldn’t make any difference. Prolactin was checked, hormone panel etc. They were very thorough.

I had about 4/ 5 chemicals and 4 early losses after my 1st successful pregnancy.

So maybe 9 losses, some consecutive some after a few months break.

All the tests showed nothing.Scans showed no abnormalities. No apparent reason for it whatsoever.

Genetic testing on us or losses not done, so that aside.

I tried everything, but did not completely stop the BF. I wasn’t convinced it’s that either.

My experience and research has led me to the following conclusions : agree with PP it is often a case of getting “the right one”.

I have known people undertake IVF and from 20 eggs get maybe 1 or 2 viable options. The percentages can be quite shocking. This is people younger than me (I am 35)

I also believe some people genuinely have an “unfussy womb” / hyper fertility and it will try and take anything, rather than filtering out the more viable options. Mine deffo took literally anything, it seemed.

Also this may or may not have worked for me, but Doxycycline antibiotic. If you haven’t come across that research yet OP, look up endometritis and recurrent miscarriage.there’s a few clinical trials into this particular area.

There is also some debate on timing of progesterone treatment and / or aspirin treatment as well. That’s something to consider.

I was so far down this particular rabbit hole it’s crazy, any questions happy to advise of anything I looked into.

I hope you have some more luck soon for anyone that is trying and hoping xx

I am so so sorry for all of your losses, that must have been so difficult to go through. Interesting that your doctors said there were no links with breastfeeding. I had read that too, but just decided that it was something in my power that I could try, so decided to stop anyway.

Funnily enough, I did go down the endometritis rabbit hole and decided that it could very likely be that. I have had 2 d&cs in the past, plus I had a c-section, so i figured the chance of an infection in my uterus was actually pretty high. I managed to find a private doctor who specialises in women's health who agreed me empirically with a course of doxy, but did say that if I carry on having further losses they will need to do a biopsy to check if the antibiotics worked or whether I need any more etc. I really do feel hopeful that that, along with all the other things I've done, might just help me to hold on to a pregnancy next time!

Did you go on to have a successful pregnancy after your treatment?

OP posts:
Original poster
charlzz · 12/08/2025 20:10

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 02/08/2025 16:08

Have you had a sdt test as an infection may need to be ruled out

I probably last had a full STD check a couple of years ago when I had symptoms of BV, just in case. I also think they may have swabbed me during my last pregnancy for the most common ones? I suppose I could ask to be re-checked now... However, I've been with my now husband for 6 years so I'll have some serious questions if anything came back!!! 😂

OP posts:
Original poster
charlzz · 12/08/2025 20:12

MegaMinion34 · 02/08/2025 17:32

Currently going through my third chemical in a row. Feel so deflated 😔

I'm so sorry, it's soul destroying. My third chemical happened on my honeymoon and memories of that trip will always be tinged with sadness now. I really hope you and everyone else on this thread going through the same thing get a sticky bean soon!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
charlzz · 12/08/2025 20:16

Pinky1256 · 02/08/2025 17:38

Do you remember if I'm your first successful pregnancy you were sick?

As in, I've seen that some women have high NK cells and they got pregnant naturally the first time because they were sick at the time of conception/early days so their immune system was busy right the illness instead of the embryo.

Have you tried steroids? Or you could try LDN Low dose naltrexone which is an immune modulator.

Ooooh this is so interesting! I honestly can't remember whether I was ill around the time my son was conceived. What makes all this even more frustrating is I wasn't even trying to fall pregnant the first time, he was a happy accident! So it never even occurred to me that I would struggle when trying for a second. I have read a little about NK cells but I will definitely do some more research. I know the private fertility clinic near me do a recurrent loss package (which is extortionately priced) and they include testing for NK cells in that.

OP posts:
Original poster
charlzz · 12/08/2025 20:18

JupiterDaze · 12/08/2025 19:37

@Pinky1256 I’ve just come across your message as I’ve had 2 chemicals in a row before this cycle so started reading the thread. Today got a digital BFP so I’m feeling nervous but hopeful that this won’t be chemical no 3… but your comment about being sick around the time of conception, I was sick around ovulation this cycle! And the same with my second daughter I was sick at ovulation that time as well. How interesting that is!

Ahh this is interesting! Congratulations on your BFP! A positive digital must be a really good sign right? I really hope this is a sticky pregnancy for you. Are you planning on getting your HCG levels tested, or having any early scans?

OP posts:
Original poster
charlzz · 12/08/2025 20:20

Panda34 · 12/08/2025 19:47

@charlzzhope you have some luck with the aspirin 🙏🏻 I took last cycle and didn’t get bfp but also no chemical either. I’m 1dpo today so starting it again as of today! I had a weird cycle last month after chemical the month before and wondering if I didn’t ovulate. Definitely got ovulation pains this month so we shall see! It’s been 6 months since I stopped breast feeding now so hoping my hormones should have settled by now. It’s tough to start with isn’t it when the boob gets them back to sleep easily isn’t it! Thankfully since my DD has dropped naps altogether she’s now exhausted at bed time and sleeps a bit better (touches wood!), but it was a bit of a battle to start with!

How old is your DD? I got my positive ovulation test today, so I'm only one or two days behind you! Fingers crossed we get a positive test together this cycle. ❤

OP posts:
Original poster
charlzz · 12/08/2025 20:22

PinkCherryPie · 12/08/2025 19:53

Was your B12 normal? I had 2.5 years of nothing / chemical pregnancies.
A month after starting B12 injections I got a sticky bean.
It was only after this I read that low B12 can cause infertility.

My B12 was "normal" according to NHS guidelines, but definitely on the lower end and nowhere near optimal levels for TTC. I actually got a one off B12 injection at the same time as my Vitamin D one, and I'm planning to retest my levels next month now I've actually stayed consistent with my daily vitamins for a few months, so fingers crossed that they're higher now.

OP posts:
Panda34 · 12/08/2025 20:25

charlzz · 12/08/2025 20:20

How old is your DD? I got my positive ovulation test today, so I'm only one or two days behind you! Fingers crossed we get a positive test together this cycle. ❤

Show quote history

She’s 2.5 😊 how old is your little one?

ooh we’re nearly in sync, let’s hope we both get bfp this month! I usually try and hold out until 10dpo to test as that’s when I’ve had bfp before 🙏🏻

thinking of getting some private tests done if we don’t get bfp this month, on waiting list for recurrent miscarriage clinic but been told it’s at least 30 week wait, I can’t wait that long! Nearly been a year since we started ttc no2 so want to get the ball rolling really! Hopefully won’t be needed 🤞🏼

Original poster
charlzz · 12/08/2025 20:36

Panda34 · 12/08/2025 20:25

She’s 2.5 😊 how old is your little one?

ooh we’re nearly in sync, let’s hope we both get bfp this month! I usually try and hold out until 10dpo to test as that’s when I’ve had bfp before 🙏🏻

thinking of getting some private tests done if we don’t get bfp this month, on waiting list for recurrent miscarriage clinic but been told it’s at least 30 week wait, I can’t wait that long! Nearly been a year since we started ttc no2 so want to get the ball rolling really! Hopefully won’t be needed 🤞🏼

Show quote history

He's 18 months (nearly) and we've been trying for 8 months now! Have you had any tests at all yet? My GP did some basics to begin with, then on top of that I paid privately (those tests they send you in the post to do at home) to check my progesterone and a more in depth thyroid panel. So far nothing has flagged except low vitamin D and low-normal B12. But if I'm not successful this cycle I'm going to re-check my vitamin levels to see if my vitamin injections/consistency with my supplements has helped! And then maybe the next month I'll look at whether I can have some more specific tests done, like sticky blood or NK cells, although I know they will be expensive. I am also considering semen analysis for my husband, as I've read that sperm fragmentation can cause losses.

OP posts:
Panda34 · 12/08/2025 21:04

charlzz · 12/08/2025 20:36

He's 18 months (nearly) and we've been trying for 8 months now! Have you had any tests at all yet? My GP did some basics to begin with, then on top of that I paid privately (those tests they send you in the post to do at home) to check my progesterone and a more in depth thyroid panel. So far nothing has flagged except low vitamin D and low-normal B12. But if I'm not successful this cycle I'm going to re-check my vitamin levels to see if my vitamin injections/consistency with my supplements has helped! And then maybe the next month I'll look at whether I can have some more specific tests done, like sticky blood or NK cells, although I know they will be expensive. I am also considering semen analysis for my husband, as I've read that sperm fragmentation can cause losses.

Show quote history

That’s good you’ve had a few tests already, were they all normal? My gp recently tested my thyroid as I have overactive thyroid anyway, which was normal (about 2 months ago) also did my iron which is always a bit on the low side. I might ask if they’ll check a few more things, I take vit d and b12 anyway but guess I could ask them to check!

Was it expensive to do the bloods privately?

BabyBorn · 12/08/2025 21:33

Hi @charlzz hope you are good! Where are you in your cycle?

breastfeeding definitely takes it out of you, physically, emotionally and also the lack of sleep and disturbed nights sleep. Although I stopped feeding in July, she still sleeps in our bed which is draining. She is a restless sleeper so always moving around or dreaming and talking in her sleep. She was 3 in July. Looking forward to getting her out of our bed that’s for sure!

Im seeing my GP tomorrow, hopefully for a referral to the miscarriage clinic. Just hoping that there isn’t a long waiting list or that I fall pregnant with a sticky bean just before an appointment with them!! 😂😂

Original poster
charlzz · 12/08/2025 21:47

Panda34 · 12/08/2025 21:04

That’s good you’ve had a few tests already, were they all normal? My gp recently tested my thyroid as I have overactive thyroid anyway, which was normal (about 2 months ago) also did my iron which is always a bit on the low side. I might ask if they’ll check a few more things, I take vit d and b12 anyway but guess I could ask them to check!

Was it expensive to do the bloods privately?

Show quote history

The progesterone test I did from Medichecks was only £39. But I think if you end up testing a few things it will quickly add up! Definitely worth asking your GP for vitamin D and B12! Everything I've read say having good levels of both of those can contribute to a successful pregnancy! 🤞🏼

OP posts:
Original poster
charlzz · 13/08/2025 06:30

BabyBorn · 12/08/2025 21:33

Hi @charlzz hope you are good! Where are you in your cycle?

breastfeeding definitely takes it out of you, physically, emotionally and also the lack of sleep and disturbed nights sleep. Although I stopped feeding in July, she still sleeps in our bed which is draining. She is a restless sleeper so always moving around or dreaming and talking in her sleep. She was 3 in July. Looking forward to getting her out of our bed that’s for sure!

Im seeing my GP tomorrow, hopefully for a referral to the miscarriage clinic. Just hoping that there isn’t a long waiting list or that I fall pregnant with a sticky bean just before an appointment with them!! 😂😂

I got a positive LH test yesterday so I'm probably ovulating today! How about you?

Ahh glad to see it's not just my little one who can only sleep in our bed haha. I know exactly what you mean, my LO doesn't stay still and the amount of times my husband or I have been kicked in the face is ridiculous haha.

Ahh great news that you're taking the plunge and asking to be referred. I guess the sooner you do it, the sooner you'll be seen, even if there is a waiting list. When I made the original post, I had been advised the wait was up to a year, but now I'm hoping it will be quicker. It took about a month for my referral to be reviewed, then I was told I've been placed on the waiting list with an average waiting time of 20 weeks. So obviously I told my husband that's a 20 week challenge to manage to get pregnant and stay pregnant. 😂

OP posts:
CatchHimDerry · 13/08/2025 07:37

charlzz · 12/08/2025 20:07

I am so so sorry for all of your losses, that must have been so difficult to go through. Interesting that your doctors said there were no links with breastfeeding. I had read that too, but just decided that it was something in my power that I could try, so decided to stop anyway.

Funnily enough, I did go down the endometritis rabbit hole and decided that it could very likely be that. I have had 2 d&cs in the past, plus I had a c-section, so i figured the chance of an infection in my uterus was actually pretty high. I managed to find a private doctor who specialises in women's health who agreed me empirically with a course of doxy, but did say that if I carry on having further losses they will need to do a biopsy to check if the antibiotics worked or whether I need any more etc. I really do feel hopeful that that, along with all the other things I've done, might just help me to hold on to a pregnancy next time!

Did you go on to have a successful pregnancy after your treatment?

Show quote history

Hi again OP!

Thank you, it was very hard. Of course, I already was extremely blessed to have had my first, so I kind of adopted the mentality that if it wasn’t to be, at least I had him and that was more than many. So if that was my lot, so be it.

Yes, hopefully. I am currently 22 weeks.

Still a way to go, and looking good apart from a low-lying placenta, which is also a complication of my previous C-section.

I had completed the Doxy course in February, baby stuck in March.

So it was either the Doxycycline or perhaps just “right one, right time”.

They are also a different sex, just to put that out there as I have come across that theory before of only being able to carry a particular sex.

Now I just pray for safe arrival for us both.

There is hope, ladies xx

Original poster
charlzz · 13/08/2025 08:58

CatchHimDerry · 13/08/2025 07:37

Hi again OP!

Thank you, it was very hard. Of course, I already was extremely blessed to have had my first, so I kind of adopted the mentality that if it wasn’t to be, at least I had him and that was more than many. So if that was my lot, so be it.

Yes, hopefully. I am currently 22 weeks.

Still a way to go, and looking good apart from a low-lying placenta, which is also a complication of my previous C-section.

I had completed the Doxy course in February, baby stuck in March.

So it was either the Doxycycline or perhaps just “right one, right time”.

They are also a different sex, just to put that out there as I have come across that theory before of only being able to carry a particular sex.

Now I just pray for safe arrival for us both.

There is hope, ladies xx

Show quote history

Ahh that's exactly how I feel with my son. I know I'm so blessed to have him!❤

Oh congratulations on your pregnancy, that is such amazing news! And one of each, what a dream!

Hopefully the doxycycline can do the same for me. Did you have a biopsy to diagnose the endometritis, or did they just treat you based on symptoms?

OP posts:
Muddysocks1 · 13/08/2025 09:03

charlzz · 12/08/2025 19:42

Ahhh hi @Muddysocks1 - we chatted a bit on the monthly TTC board. Good news that you're on progesterone and aspirin now, fingers crossed for a BFP soon!!

Show quote history

Thank you! Sadly my 3 months of progesterone didn’t help - had another chemical whilst on it, but have an nhs fertility appt coming up so hoping that will help us 🤞🏻

Muddysocks1 · 13/08/2025 09:04

I also had a course of doxycycline following microbiome test results but that hasn’t helped either - but it’s definitely one to look at!

Original poster
charlzz · 13/08/2025 09:56

Muddysocks1 · 13/08/2025 09:04

I also had a course of doxycycline following microbiome test results but that hasn’t helped either - but it’s definitely one to look at!

Ahhh I'm so sorry to hear you had another chemical. How many losses have you had now? And so disappointing to hear the progesterone and doxycycline didn't work for you. Remind me, are you trying for your first? Great that you're under NHS fertility now, when's your appointment? Looking at the waiting list I'm not expecting to be seen by the recurrent miscarriage clinic for another 5 or 6 months! You just feel like you're in limbo don't you

OP posts:
BabyBorn · 13/08/2025 15:00

@charlzz thats brilliant! It’s good to get to mid cycle but I find it stressful when I’m on the Two week wait! 🥴😂

Yes, it’s crazy. Suppose they won’t be in our beds forever though! 🥴🙏😂 My LO gave me a full on black eye once, sitting up then throwing herself back in the dark!! 😮‍💨

Went to see the GP today and she is referring me. She said as I already have kids, she’s not sure I will meet the clinics criteria! 🥴🙏 Well I suppose I will find out soon enough! She booked me in for a thyroid blood test too! She also said there was no harm in taking 75mg of aspirin and although she didn’t prescribe any I bought some earlier. Too scared to take it though!! 😆😂😂

CatchHimDerry · 14/08/2025 10:55

charlzz · 13/08/2025 08:58

Ahh that's exactly how I feel with my son. I know I'm so blessed to have him!❤

Oh congratulations on your pregnancy, that is such amazing news! And one of each, what a dream!

Hopefully the doxycycline can do the same for me. Did you have a biopsy to diagnose the endometritis, or did they just treat you based on symptoms?

Show quote history

Thank you ♥️

I treated myself with it 😂 they’d ruled out almost everything else and you can purchase Doxy online. I looked up the dosage, checked for any obvious contraindications and took it at my own risk. I’m glad I did.

If it didn’t work not sure what next steps would have been for us

Original poster
charlzz · 14/08/2025 13:05

@BabyBorn Yep can confirm, I'm officially 1dpo and officially hating it already. 😂

Great news about the thyroid bloods and the aspirin! Thats the dose I've been taking.

I have been accepted onto the waiting list for the recurrent miscarriage clinic despite having a child, although maybe I'm further down the list and less of a priority than somebody who has no children (which obviously i agree with!) So fingers crossed it will be the same for you!

OP posts:
Original poster
charlzz · 14/08/2025 13:07

@CatchHimDerry I had every intention of doing the same if I didn't find somebody to prescribe it!!

OP posts:
BabyBorn · 15/08/2025 06:50

Hi @charlzz thats interesting, how long have you been taking the aspirin?

How long have you been on the clinics waiting list? Our GP seemed clueless but our surgery is in a village where I would say 80% are people over 65. So perhaps not many women of childbearing age with these issues?!

so you are now at 2DPO and I bet it’s dragging!! lol. I’m 6DPO now and I feel it’s gone pretty fast! Using yoga and acupuncture to help with distraction and improve the stress of TTC.

Hope you have a great day x

showmethegin · 15/08/2025 11:15

CatchHimDerry · 01/08/2025 23:50

Hi OP

I too wondered about a potential link to breastfeeding but my recurrent miscarriage clinic, GP etc. all said no, it wouldn’t make any difference. Prolactin was checked, hormone panel etc. They were very thorough.

I had about 4/ 5 chemicals and 4 early losses after my 1st successful pregnancy.

So maybe 9 losses, some consecutive some after a few months break.

All the tests showed nothing.Scans showed no abnormalities. No apparent reason for it whatsoever.

Genetic testing on us or losses not done, so that aside.

I tried everything, but did not completely stop the BF. I wasn’t convinced it’s that either.

My experience and research has led me to the following conclusions : agree with PP it is often a case of getting “the right one”.

I have known people undertake IVF and from 20 eggs get maybe 1 or 2 viable options. The percentages can be quite shocking. This is people younger than me (I am 35)

I also believe some people genuinely have an “unfussy womb” / hyper fertility and it will try and take anything, rather than filtering out the more viable options. Mine deffo took literally anything, it seemed.

Also this may or may not have worked for me, but Doxycycline antibiotic. If you haven’t come across that research yet OP, look up endometritis and recurrent miscarriage.there’s a few clinical trials into this particular area.

There is also some debate on timing of progesterone treatment and / or aspirin treatment as well. That’s something to consider.

I was so far down this particular rabbit hole it’s crazy, any questions happy to advise of anything I looked into.

I hope you have some more luck soon for anyone that is trying and hoping xx

Hi @CatchHimDerryjust thought I’d mention that the trial you spoke of with doxycycline was the CERM trial, I was on it, received doxycycline and not the placebo and had a healthy pregnancy however i spoke to professor Quenby who has the results of the trial now and it did nothing! There was no proven benefits to taking doxycycline at all findings will be published soon.