TTC at 40 / recurrent miscarriage

Riverofhope · 2026-02-03T22:41:42+00:00

I just wondered if anyone had any positive stories or advice on TTC and Chemical pregnancies. We are TTC our second baby (I’m now 40) we are on cycle 11, I’ve had 3 CPs near the start now nothing for a few months… I was prescribed Cyclogest with my first after recurrent miscarriage, and I thought that was the answer as it worked for me first time. That month I also had acupuncture and reflexology for fertility. I’ve tried the same combination again but no luck. When I have fallen I’ve taken the Cyclogest but still didn’t progress. All my blood tests are normal, AmH is very good for my age. What else can I try?!

WhisperingAngelisnotbad · 04/02/2026 04:00

Hi, we TTC from when I was 40. Nothing for about 2 years. Then we had 2 miscarriages around 12 weeks and 1 very early miscarriage, all in the space of 8 months. We were referred to an infertility specialist who recommended various vitamins, but said, let’s face it, you are not going to have children at this point and there is no point having IVF. He offered me counselling, but I thought there was no point (as I hadn’t given up hoping for children at that point, after all we had had 3 conceptions in a short time).

He offered us another appointment a few months later and by that time I was pregnant with my son, who was born when I was just 44.

Then I got pregnant naturally again, with my daughter. She was born when I was almost 48.

WhisperingAngelisnotbad · 04/02/2026 04:06

One thing the fertility specialist did do was organise a very early scan when I got pregnant with my son. He said that there was evidence that this helped the pregnancy progress, but apparently this didn’t apply to my subsequent pregnancy with my daughter.

ivyloulou · 04/02/2026 04:52

WhisperingAngelisnotbad · 04/02/2026 04:00

Hi, we TTC from when I was 40. Nothing for about 2 years. Then we had 2 miscarriages around 12 weeks and 1 very early miscarriage, all in the space of 8 months. We were referred to an infertility specialist who recommended various vitamins, but said, let’s face it, you are not going to have children at this point and there is no point having IVF. He offered me counselling, but I thought there was no point (as I hadn’t given up hoping for children at that point, after all we had had 3 conceptions in a short time).

He offered us another appointment a few months later and by that time I was pregnant with my son, who was born when I was just 44.

Then I got pregnant naturally again, with my daughter. She was born when I was almost 48.

Such an inspiring post. I am nearly 44 and I would like to have my third and last child but everyone is putting me off. I needed to read this! 🙏

WhisperingAngelisnotbad · 04/02/2026 07:07

Well, admittedly, I was very lucky in all sorts of ways with my kids x. I would not however have planned this- I mean, you couldn’t!

Original poster

Riverofhope · 04/02/2026 10:33

WhisperingAngelisnotbad · 04/02/2026 04:00

Hi, we TTC from when I was 40. Nothing for about 2 years. Then we had 2 miscarriages around 12 weeks and 1 very early miscarriage, all in the space of 8 months. We were referred to an infertility specialist who recommended various vitamins, but said, let’s face it, you are not going to have children at this point and there is no point having IVF. He offered me counselling, but I thought there was no point (as I hadn’t given up hoping for children at that point, after all we had had 3 conceptions in a short time).

He offered us another appointment a few months later and by that time I was pregnant with my son, who was born when I was just 44.

Then I got pregnant naturally again, with my daughter. She was born when I was almost 48.

Oh my goodness!!! Wow! That is amazing, gave me goosebumps. Thank you for sharing, that is so encouraging and what a blessing. I wonder what having the early scan does?

OP posts:

consideringachange · 04/02/2026 10:34

I had my three at 31/32, 34/35 and 41/42. I have always conceived easily but had quite a few very early losses. I had two early losses (faint positive then a period) immediately before I conceived my first son I mean I conceived three months in a row and the third stuck; second son I got pregnant immediately after removing my coil, within a few days; for no. 3 in my 40s it took a bit longer about six months -- and I had at least two, probably three v. early losses before the one that stuck. (I stopped any early testing after a while.) Obviously with no. 3 I did worry that it might not happen, I might just carry on losing them. But it's normal of course that it takes longer at that age and if you are conceiving then I think there's no harm in continuing to try as long as the whole thing is not making you totally miserable.

consideringachange · 04/02/2026 10:36

consideringachange · 04/02/2026 10:34

I had my three at 31/32, 34/35 and 41/42. I have always conceived easily but had quite a few very early losses. I had two early losses (faint positive then a period) immediately before I conceived my first son I mean I conceived three months in a row and the third stuck; second son I got pregnant immediately after removing my coil, within a few days; for no. 3 in my 40s it took a bit longer about six months -- and I had at least two, probably three v. early losses before the one that stuck. (I stopped any early testing after a while.) Obviously with no. 3 I did worry that it might not happen, I might just carry on losing them. But it's normal of course that it takes longer at that age and if you are conceiving then I think there's no harm in continuing to try as long as the whole thing is not making you totally miserable.

Oops sorry about the weird accidental crossing-out in that post, I'd forgotten Mumsnet does that if you're not careful with your punctuation!

Original poster

Riverofhope · 04/02/2026 11:57

consideringachange · 04/02/2026 10:36

Oops sorry about the weird accidental crossing-out in that post, I'd forgotten Mumsnet does that if you're not careful with your punctuation!

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Thank you! And did you take any supplements at all or do anything differently with your successful pregnancies? I can’t remember if I was told Asprin might help?

OP posts:

ivyloulou · 04/02/2026 12:00

WhisperingAngelisnotbad · 04/02/2026 07:07

Well, admittedly, I was very lucky in all sorts of ways with my kids x. I would not however have planned this- I mean, you couldn’t!

My first was conceived naturally after one year. My second I had to do IVF so I’m now conscious that it might not happen again at 44. But there’s one part of me that says you’re not done yet, try for number 3. Your experience makes me feel that although very difficult nothing is impossible! Did you have regular targeted sex at 48 if you don’t mind me asking? I am also very worried about the judgement of people, but I know it’s silly x

WhisperingAngelisnotbad · 04/02/2026 12:53

No targeted sex. There was a convenient Bank Holiday weekend that was implicated, but it was very much serendipity.

WhisperingAngelisnotbad · 04/02/2026 12:55

Riverofhope · 04/02/2026 11:57

Thank you! And did you take any supplements at all or do anything differently with your successful pregnancies? I can’t remember if I was told Asprin might help?

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I left out caffeine and alcohol, because of potential miscarriage risk.

took folic acid high dose.

husband, also 40s, took zinc and ? Selenium and vit B supplements.

very low sugar diet, lots of veg

PardonMe3 · 04/02/2026 13:06

I had a lot of fertility treatment. In my final embro transfer the fertility doctor suggested intralipid infusions. I basically through everything at this go because after 40k and 7 years of TTC and all that involved I wasn't going to do anymore treatment. Anyway, that pregnancy resulted in a health baby. 9 months after having that baby I fell pregnant with the 2nd without any intervention.

PardonMe3 · 04/02/2026 13:08

I also only ate organic dairy and eggs. I was told to go totally organic but I couldn't afford it. I had acupuncture.

consideringachange · 05/02/2026 10:06

Riverofhope · 04/02/2026 11:57

Thank you! And did you take any supplements at all or do anything differently with your successful pregnancies? I can’t remember if I was told Asprin might help?

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Honestly I don't think I did really. When I was trying at 41 I think I took slightly more expensive vitamins than in my 30s (when I just took the bog standard folic acid). During the months we were trying when I was 40/41 my father was dying. I do remember thinking at the time that I wouldn't get "properly" pregnant (i.e. with one that stuck) until he had died, and that is actually what happened -- I conceived our third in the first cycle after his death. It might just be a coincidence of course but in a weird way I think I felt I couldn't fully "commit" emotionally to a pregnancy while my Dad was at the very end of life and I was having to travel a lot etc to support him and my mother. I am very seriously ill in the first trimester so practically it was also a lot better that it happened just afterwards. Obviously it was really sad that he never knew about that baby but on the other hand it was really nice to be able to tell my Mum about it once I'd had the 3 month scan. It was a very difficult autumn for her and it really gave her something else to think about. So I don't think I did anything differently from a medical perspective but I think emotionally the timing was probably significant.

Original poster

Riverofhope · 05/02/2026 10:48

consideringachange · 05/02/2026 10:06

Honestly I don't think I did really. When I was trying at 41 I think I took slightly more expensive vitamins than in my 30s (when I just took the bog standard folic acid). During the months we were trying when I was 40/41 my father was dying. I do remember thinking at the time that I wouldn't get "properly" pregnant (i.e. with one that stuck) until he had died, and that is actually what happened -- I conceived our third in the first cycle after his death. It might just be a coincidence of course but in a weird way I think I felt I couldn't fully "commit" emotionally to a pregnancy while my Dad was at the very end of life and I was having to travel a lot etc to support him and my mother. I am very seriously ill in the first trimester so practically it was also a lot better that it happened just afterwards. Obviously it was really sad that he never knew about that baby but on the other hand it was really nice to be able to tell my Mum about it once I'd had the 3 month scan. It was a very difficult autumn for her and it really gave her something else to think about. So I don't think I did anything differently from a medical perspective but I think emotionally the timing was probably significant.

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So sorry to hear about your dad, that must’ve been so tough, I can’t even imagine. I do wonder if there’s something in the subconscious ‘emotionally ready’ as you say. I was living at a flat that we couldn’t sell when we were trying with my daughter and then fell pregnant the month we moved out into our home. Almost as if my mind was saying now it’s ok.
This has all encouraged me that it will still happen… thank you x

OP posts:

sirensong · 05/02/2026 22:18

You could get your partner's sperm DNA fragmentation tested, as high levels can result in losses.

However, the most likely explanation is that it's just playing the numbers game for a chromosomally normal egg (and consequently normal embryo).

effiehabb · 05/02/2026 22:36

Yes, me! I am 40 and I had four back to back miscarriages in the space of around 11 months, 3 around 7-8 week mark, one just under 10. I would get pregnant literally the next cycle or two and then miscarry, every test came back fine and it was chalked simply to back luck but It was absolutely devastating tbh. I had a few tests privately and nhs and two internal scans to look at the lining, fell pregnant in July again and this one just stuck, I am now 31 weeks.
I was tracking ovulation religiously but actually the month I did get pregnant this time I thought I’d missed the window.

This will be our fourth and had no troubles before this,
Don't give up OP, I wish you all the best

sweetgingercat · 05/02/2026 22:51

Ttc for 5 years, six miscarriages, sort of gave up, got pregnant and had my baby at 42 (stroppy teen now!) I tried everything, NHS, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine and eventually I followed Angel Bumps fertility protocol (along with a fresh wheatgrass drink every day.) When pregnant I had high dose folic acid, aspirin and clexane. I think angel bumps was responsible for my success.

https://www.fertilityfriends.co.uk/threads/angelbumps-fertility-protocol.226042/

it is hard at this age, but it can happen and I really really hope it happens for you.

VioIetMoon · 06/02/2026 16:59

@Riverofhope Sending you love.
I've also had 3 loses. 2 of those I was on progesterone and did reflexology and acupuncture but they still weren't meant to be. Its so frustrating when you feel your failing at what should be the easiest thing to do , carrying a child.

Fletchasketch · 06/02/2026 17:08

This thread has given me a bit of hope after a very bleak year. I'm 42 and have had two MMC's at 7/8 weeks followed by a TFMR at 16 weeks in December which nearly broke me. On the one hand I'm not sure how much I can take, but on the other, I really don't want the devastating termination to be the end of our story. I had been seeing a recurrent loss specialist who diagnosed high NK Cells, this may be worth looking in to if all your losses are at the same time. I was very sceptical about supplements, but was recommended OVUM- it is criminally expensive, but apparently very good stuff and I feel better for it, so perhaps it is doing some good.

Thanks to those who shared their positive stories after loss and sending loads of luck and hope to everyone still trying x

PennyPencils · 07/02/2026 07:02

effiehabb · 05/02/2026 22:36

Yes, me! I am 40 and I had four back to back miscarriages in the space of around 11 months, 3 around 7-8 week mark, one just under 10. I would get pregnant literally the next cycle or two and then miscarry, every test came back fine and it was chalked simply to back luck but It was absolutely devastating tbh. I had a few tests privately and nhs and two internal scans to look at the lining, fell pregnant in July again and this one just stuck, I am now 31 weeks.
I was tracking ovulation religiously but actually the month I did get pregnant this time I thought I’d missed the window.

This will be our fourth and had no troubles before this,
Don't give up OP, I wish you all the best

This is just what happened to me with the miscarriages but then I've just stopped falling pregnant. Not had another pne since last spring now! I just hoped I'd e eventually get there but looks like something has changed sadly.

overwork · 07/02/2026 11:06

I have really enjoyed reading it too, thanks for sharing. I have just turned 42 and starting to wonder if we call it quits now. @Fletchasketchi think I might remember you from one of the other threads, I’m sorry to read your update.

VioIetMoon · 07/02/2026 23:56

Ladies, what was the process of getting referred for recurrent loss? Was it straight forward with the gp? I think I might visit mine but my practice is known for being reluctant with referrals. They are praised for saving money so whether or not my gp will refer me is another thing.
Im experiencing another chemical. This is my third loss now in three cycles. The first I lost it at 7 weeks and last cycle i had a chemical just got a few days past my period and now this month again.
This will be my fourth loss in 3 years.
Is it worth getting referred? What kind of tests would they be doing or what would they be looking for ?

Original poster

Riverofhope · 08/02/2026 20:11

VioIetMoon · 07/02/2026 23:56

Ladies, what was the process of getting referred for recurrent loss? Was it straight forward with the gp? I think I might visit mine but my practice is known for being reluctant with referrals. They are praised for saving money so whether or not my gp will refer me is another thing.
Im experiencing another chemical. This is my third loss now in three cycles. The first I lost it at 7 weeks and last cycle i had a chemical just got a few days past my period and now this month again.
This will be my fourth loss in 3 years.
Is it worth getting referred? What kind of tests would they be doing or what would they be looking for ?

I got referred to recurrent miscarriage unit by my GP nearly 3 years ago after 3/4 losses. It was straight forward but had to wait a while for the appointment. They did some blood tests and then told me everything was normal and ‘keep trying’. I found it disheartening at the time… I then fell pregnant with my daughter not long afterwards and had a healthy pregnancy. I had been to see a private consultant before that too who did other fertility tests, egg reserve and hormone related etc.

OP posts: