4th Miscarriage in a row - Is there anything else that can be done for me?

[AnnieHoo]

I've just come back from a 9 week scan to find out the embryo stopped growing at 7 weeks. This is the 3rd time I've had that embryo stopping at around 7 weeks but I find out at the 9 weeks scan. I had all the symptoms (sore breasts, sickness).

I am thinking it's my age (turned 42 last week). I've only been trying for 3 years since meeting DH.

Is there anything else that can be done for me?

The NHS consultant said there wasn't and I agree because it's just my egg quality and there is nothing that can be done for egg quality.

I've had Clomid (BFP 2014), 1 IVF fresh cycle, 1 IVF FET (BFP 2015) I've had all the usual chromosomal tests done by the NHS. The other 2 pregnancies (in Nov 2012 and this one) were natural BFP's.

I'm finding myself resolved to the fact that I can't have children and it would help to know that i've done everything before stopping completely.

AnnieHoo so sorry for your loss . Do you have PCOS? The reason I ask is that sometimes that can affect egg quality, and I know of people who have been given Metmorfin to improve egg quality. Have you had any testing done? Sending you hugs x

Thanks escorpion.

I have always wondered about PCOS as I had excess hair on the side of my face when I was younger so I asked my IVF consultant about it and he said I have polycystic ovaries but it's mild so they are polycystic but it's not the syndrome.

I would be tempted to get a second opinion to be honest. Do you know if you ovulate regularly? You could still be borderline and require treatment. Can get some extra testing done now? Have you had your thyroid tested? Have you had blood clotting disorders tested for? I´m just trying to think of the things I have been tested for. If it is in your heart to keep trying then go for it! There are some wonderful ladies on this board as you will know. I am sure they will be here for support soon x

Do you know the losses were due to genetic problems (when you say you've had chromosomal testing do you mean you have a normal karyotype or the embryos were tested?) We all know egg quality is worse as we get older but it is used as a major fobbing off line for recurrent miscarriers. I had 4 losses, it was only when the 4th proved to be genetically normal I pursued immune testing at Coventry, got an high NK cell diagnosis and appropriate treatment (progesterone, clexane, steroids) and carried my DD to term.

Do come join the recurrent miscarriage support thread of you have questions or would just like some support - they are a wonderful bunch.

Thanks Bakingtin, I really should join the rm thread and I will do that.

The fact is I haven't been given a reason for mc. I have been self-diagnosing up to now and made the assumption that it was age related.

We have both had cytogenics testing and I've had Anti-cardiolipin antibody (Negative) Anti-cardiolipin lgG Ab (Negative), Lupus anticoagulant (Equivocal).

I've had tissue from mc sent off and tested twice and it came back normal. I wasn't sure whether to do it this time again, to collect tissue and take it in for testing, so I asked the consultant this morning and he said not to bother because i've had it done before and they won't find anything different.

How do I get tested for NK cells?

The other thing is that I'm rH negative. I'm not sure if that makes a difference and my DH has haemochromotosis (needs to manage high levels of iron in his blood). But both my private IVF consultant and my NHS consultants have been aware of his condition.

Just had a look and I've had my thyroid tested in June 2012 and October 2013 and it was fine.

I also had Factor V Leiden done and it was fine although i've never actually seen that result.

Hi Annie I'm so sorry for your losses. I definitely agree with Baking recurrent mc thread is the best place for support.

It's really helped me and I'm 5 weeks pregnant after 3 losses xx

From what you are saying it sounds like you are in touch with the right people to move this forward.

From my own bitter experiences with 7 mcs, my 7th at the same age as you, I was frustrated at the lack of diagnosed reasons for my Mcs and lack of any tangible answers.

However, I spoke to a Dr who was carrying out research at a specialist centre. She said that they were equally frustrated as they do not know the cause of up to 70% of all miscarriages, they assume it is either chromosomal or egg quality in the older lady.
This gave me some clarity and perspective. I knew then that I was to stop with the whole thing. Even the experts didn't have answers or solutions.

I did stop.
But then a miracle happened.

If you are Rh- and your partner is + I am sure that can have an effect. Definitely go over to the recurrent miscarriage board! x Good luck x

If the tissue from the miscarriages is normal then doesn't sound like an issue with your age or egg quality. I was tested by Prof Siobhan Quenby at Coventry University Hospital implantation clinic. It's a self funded NHS clinic, you can self refer and it costs £360 for a consultation and uterine biopsy. You need to be at least 2 cycles postMC and not pregnant. There are a lot of ladies on the RMC thread who are now successfully pregnant on their protocol, most of whom did not have high NK cells but have had success on progesterone from day 21 to improve lining receptivity/selectivity, and heparin injections to protect the developing placenta.

So sorry for your losses. I wouldn't write it off as age too quickly as I had 4 mc within 18 months and was only 26/27.

We were fobbed off with "just bad luck" but had testing done (karotyping and sticky blood) which were fine. I then made an appointment with Prof Quenby in Coventry and whilst my uNK test was clear, I was put on their protocol of clexane and progesterone. This led to DS. I don't seem to build and maintain a placenta based on his early arrival and state of placenta (he had stopped growing) and so the clexane was definitely needed despite no tests ever finding an issue.

I hope that gives you some hope and I hope everything's works out for you.

I'm pregnant after attending Coventry as well

Thank you for your responses ladies in my hour of need! Ahh it's so shit so really appreciate you reading my posts and helping.

I'll look up Prof Q and I've joined the RM thread although DH is away so will depend on what he thinks whether we will keep ttc or not. I'm thinking no but he is v keen to be a dad so id go through it all again for him one more time.