Probable second mmc...

[Flower29]

So sad to find myself here again but I'm 5+6 weeks pregnant and think this is another mmc (I suffered one back in sep at 12 weeks, baby died at 8+5). I had my hcg tested on tue which was 821 which I realised was quite low for how far along I was, but had it tested today and it was 822. So most likely another mmc. I have had some pink and red spotting (hence the hcg test) but not really any pain, only usual twinges etc. they want me to go in again on sat for more blood tests to confirm mc. They said there is also possibility of ectopic but seems unlikely as I don't have pains. Can't believe this is happening again, and that I'll probably need to have treatment again. Has anybody been in a similar situation with waiting for bloods etc? Should I request a scan now anyway to rule out ectopic or would they not be able to see anything anyway? X

I'm so sorry to hear that Flower. What a rotten thing to happen to you for a second time.
A scan is unlikely to be helpful or conclusive for a MC but should rule out an ectopic, your hgc levels are a better indicator at this stage I believe.
Every day is an agonising wait isn't it?

Thanks for replying. I don't think it has fully sunk in yet, I can't believe I'm going to have to go through all the hospital stuff again. I had mm last time and bled for 6 weeks afterwards. Don't think I can go through that again, just want it to be over. I don't have any sharp one sided pains and have felt the usual stretching and twinges in my womb the last few weeks that I have had with previous pregnancies so I'm sure it won't be ectopic but would have thought they'd scan to make sure.

I'm now wondering whether it's worth having any testing done. We don't seem to have any problems getting pregnant but with it being the 2nd mmc which I thought were quite rare, it's got me thinking whether there may be a problem. Although I already have a son and had no complications having him.
The last couple of days have been the worst with the not knowing. At least now I know I'm not crawling the walls, but obviously devastated.

Six weeks of bleeding? How awful for you.

They may offer you the surgical option if a MC is confirmed. It doesn't sound as though you had that last time but generally it is quick and offers some closure.

You probably won't be able to get a referral to a MC clinic on the NHS after 2 but I would encourage any woman who has the funds to get some testing done privately. It may not give you answers as often there are no answers but it can rule out lots of causes and that is reassuring.

Lots of women go on to have babies after two consecutive MC so try not to worry too much, I'm sure it will happen for you.

Yes I know, it felt like a real piss take! I'm scared of scarring with surgical but if it means (hopefully) healing much sooner I think I might go with it this time if it comes to it. (Yes I had medical mgmt last time)
Do you mind me asking if you've had testing done? And if you can recommend anywhere? I'm based in South Yorkshire but would travel within a couple of hours. I have heard good things about prof quenby so might look into this. Just seems odd for us to get pregnant quite easily (1st or 2nd cycle) then have 2 mmc.

flower I'm very sorry you are facing this for a second time. Some women truly are just unlucky enough to have 2 random chromosome problems in a row, but it's horrible to suspect you might have a problem and yet not be in a position where testing is offered. If private testing is something you are considering one of the most useful things to do us get 'products' (sorry) genetically tested. If there is a chromosome problem that is likely to be really shitty luck, if not then I'd push to pursue testing for you. It costs about £200 to get that done and your EPU can organise it but are not likely to offer it to you. If you have any questions about testing you are welcome to ask on the recurrent miscarriage thread, there are several ladies who have had 2 losses on at the moment.

Prof Quenby is fab, but the NHS self funded implantation clinic does very specific testing (uterine biopsy for NK cells and decidualisation) normally done in cases where the standard NHS tests are normal. You may be able to see her as a private patient for the other tests. lots of success stories from her clinic (including me) on the recurrent miscarriage thread.

Thanks bakingtins, that's really useful. Do you know if it's still possible to get testing on my last baby as at the time they mentioned taking cells to check for molar, so wondered if it would still be possible, even if we didn't ask at the time? I will mention it this time too but not sure if there will be anything to test, I'm 6 wks and my hcg is low so may have only got to 4/5 wks. £200 sounds quite reasonable so we will most likely have that done. Is it true you have to stop trying for several mths whilst having these done?
Does quenby test purely the nk cells or is some of it an overlap with nhs? Sorry for all the questions! Thanks, I think I'll look at joining the thread soon X

You could ask but after recent scandals about stored tissue I would think after testing it is cremated?
It's really up to you whether you keep trying, generally you are advised to wait, some tests can't be done if you are pregnant, and treatments need to be given when you are TTC or from BFP, so you are potentially missing a chance to get treatment if you get pregnant quickly. If you are talking about seeing someone privately then there shouldn't be much waiting involved, it's only the genetic tests that take time ( about a month to come back) I'd speak to your GP about testing, they probably won't refer you after 2mc but a lot of the testing is v simple blood tests, they may be willing to do that for you. I saw a consultant privately after my third MC (but not 3 in a row) and my GP ran the tests on her recommendation. No answers for me then I lost a 4th pregnancy, genetically tested on the NHS as normal. Was referred to local RMC who had nothing to add to the tests already done.
Prof Quenby runs an implantation clinic to which you can self refer. Most people I know who have gone have previously had the NHS tests. She does a uterine scan and biopsy, which is tested for decidualisation ( how the lining prepares for pregnancy) and NK cells. This costs £360 for consultation, scan, biopsy and phone consult for results. Their standard protocol is progesterone from cycle day 21, heparin injections from an early scan showing sac in the right place, plus steroids if NK cells are high. You need to be definitely not pregnant, at least 2 cycles post MC and 7-10 days post ov.
On the flip side, only 50% of referred women get an answer from the standard NHS recurrent miscarriage tests, presumably after 2 MC fewer than 50% would be found to have a problem (because more of them have been genuinely unlucky and had 2 consecutive chromosome problems)
That's why the genetic testing is so useful. If it comes back as say a trisomy, then you are reassured that it was random, that the pregnancy had no chance and that with a healthy embryo and a bit of luck you are likely to succeed. If the embryo is genetically normal you need to pursue any maternal factors you can identify before trying again. (In my opinion)

Thanks again, this is really useful!

Hello, I had 2 miscarriage, one about 10 week which was natural miscarriage I had spotted blood red and then I was bleeding heavily went to hospital they said if miscarriage was happen it will happen we can't do anything .i was left so devastated about what happened I lost the baby .so I gave it 1 year before I had my second pregnancy this was again was miscarriage was but was different I spotted brown blood and I knew something was bad I was so scared. I went to doctors he gave me appointment with epau I went there at 6 week they send there is a baby but the baby is measuring really small they gave me a viability leaflet because the baby is small there was no heartbeat come back in 2 week nd we will see if there is a heartbeat waiting was so hard I was crying scared.i went in 2 week the nurse scanned me and told me that I'm really sorry the baby has got no heartbeat I was so devastated .i opted to have the mva done the operation .been referred to miscarriage unit done routines blood test going to get my result on 30th .i can't cope if I go through anyone .thank you

serena sorry to hear about your losses. You'd be v welcome on the recurrent miscarriage thread if you need support or advice, there are several women on there who joined after 2 losses.

Serena