I've been referred to the recurrent miscarriage clinic - what should I expect?

[Jan9ne]

I've just suffered my third pregnancy loss in a row - one ectopic and two m/c in the last 18 months.

I have one dd who was conceived very quickly and naturally who is now three.

Just wondering what to expect at the initial visit?

My age is probably at least partly a factor as I have just turned 39.

Any experiences or information would be great.

Thanks

Still v keen to hear from anyone with experience of recurrent mc clinic but have just stumbled upon this very informative leaflet that others may find useful too:

www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/ma2006/downloads/Investigations%20following%20recurrent%20miscarriage.pdf

Your story sounds similar to mine, Jan9ne, I have a three year old, am 40 and have had 3 mc.
Have you been asked to bring your partner?
You might have an appointment just to talk about what is to be done, or they might go straight to the tests - lots of blood basically, looking for clotting issues, antinuclear antibodies, I can't remember what else. Some people get a scan if there's a thought that it might be a more structural problem. The partner is for a blood test to check karotyping to see if there is any genetic problem with either of you.
They might recommend you take baby aspirin, many people are told to take this. Or give advice about vitamins to take.

thanks igggi. Having read the leaflet that i mentioned earlier has made me wonder if i need to bring DH - i will call and check.
I've had scans, day 2 and day 21 tests, partner's had sperm looked at - all fine.
The consultant who scanned me last week said it's probably my old eggs.
Have you had the results back following your investigations?

Yes, only thing that came up positive was antinuclear antibodies. I wasn't entirely happy with the RMC (just your luck, being the main comment) so am going to see someone privately to have Natural Killer cells tested for and hopefully get a less conservative treatment plan.
At 39, you could have 3 mc caused by chromosomal abnormalities, but you are not "old" and loads of people have successful pregnancies older than you.

Hi Jan9ne
I have had 3 mmc, and had my first appt at rmc this week.
The mw I saw was really pleasant and took a thourough history and gave me lots of info on all the tests, stats etc... she was also patient at answering all my questions about things I had looked at online!
While we were there I had several lots of blood taken for tests, and my DH had one taken for the genetic tests. I was also given the results from the tests that had been carried out on the baby. This was really sad, as it showed there had been no chromosome or genetic probs, and the baby had been 'fine'.
The appt lasted just over an hour, and I have to go back in 6 weeks for the test results and future planning. I have to say I feel more positive now, and it was good to be able to talk it all through and be listned to.
I hope your appt goes well and all the best for whatever comes next.

Just to add - the leaflet that you mentioned was one that the mw recommended reading. (I had taken it with me) The tests listed were basically what she tested me for. She did say that the womb and cervix investigations would not be relevant for me, as I have had 2 successful pregnancies. She said that these tests were carried out if the losses were later and sudden (my babies all died around 12 weeks)
Take care x

Thanks avaj. Gosh, that must have been really hard to find out that there was nothing wrong with your baby. That's why we're here i guess to find out why.

I reckon i need to take DH along with me then? No mention has been made of it on the booking sheet my gp gave to me though.

If you don't mind me asking, did you have an eprc which is why they were able to carry out tests on your baby?

I think it would be helpful if your DH goes, as they will need blood from him to do the genetic testing. I don't think my appt letter mentioned this either, I think it was the mw when I spoke to her on the phone. You also might find it good to have that extra support and a chance for him to be involved in the discussion.

My mc was medically managed, but I had asked before it began if tests could be carried out on the baby and placenta. But from what I remember the mw suggested that the tests have happened anyway, as it was my third mc.
I don't know if you miscarried at home or in hospital, but if it was in hosp you could phone the ward and ask about the testing procedure.