What infections are tested for when you have a late miscarriage?

[IpsyUpsyDaisyDoo]

So last April we lost our beautiful baby girl at 22 weeks. I had a sub chronic hematoma, which caused the placenta to rupture. Fair to say was the most heartbreaking experience I have ever been through. We had a follow up appointment with the consultant that came to see us on the ward after I gave birth to our daughter, to get the results of the post-mortem. Basically my question is as above? He said that there was no signs of infections to cause any concerns, but what infections would they have tested for exactly? I felt no need to elaborate on that at the time as we knew the hematoma was the problem as it was detected early on, and it left nothing to really question. Does anybody know from their own experiences please what infections they would have looked for during their investigations? Am just curious. Thank you xx

[Kit1411]

I’m so sorry for your loss, I had an early miscarriage which was tough but can’t imagine just what you went/are still going through. I imagine they would’ve looked for listeria and bacterial infections, although I’m not 100% certain.

[IpsyUpsyDaisyDoo]

Thank you for your reply. It was a pretty traumatic journey, it’s not any easier to live with now, time carries on but my heart is still in that moment. I’m sorry for your loss, isn’t easy for something so precious to be robbed from anybody xx

[Dorabean]

This is a good question! We lost our little boy at 24 weeks in July (he was born alive but suffered multiple organ failure) and we were told there was no infection either. We were told it was an incompetent cervix that caused pre-term birth. I think they check for infection of the womb and of the placenta but apart from that I have no idea?!

So sorry for both of your losses, no one should have to experience any loss, no matter at what stage it is.

[ApplesTheHare]

So sorry for your loss OP

I had a loss last year and they only checked for infection because of continuing bleeding. Turns out I had a strep B infection so they test for that. Unfortunately I can't remember what else was tested for (I think because they said infection wasn't a cause of the miscarriage, rather a result) but didn't want to read and run when I know part of the answer.

[IpsyUpsyDaisyDoo]

Thank you both! I know it probably seems a random question now this long after but am at a place where I find myself questioning everything atm. It’s hard at the time to even think, it’s like parts of the information are only just registering if that makes sense. I have recently been looking online at information about what we went through, probably just torturing myself but this question is just one that I can’t seem to find much of an answer for. I’m sorry for your losses, It’s so sad knowing this happens to too many of us😢 xx

[Dorabean]

I think your awareness is heightened when it happens to you, you then only seem to hear about it happening to others. In reality, the percentage of healthy full term pregnancies outweighs those like ours. It's so horrible that we have to go through it, we're the 1 in 4 aren't we. Im currently pregnant again and terrified that I won't be lucky enough to keep this baby safe, it's such an anxious time. I try and find the positives in every situation and then it doesn't seem so scary or so bad.

Try not to torture yourself with google, I found it's the worst thing!

[ApplesTheHare]

IpsyUpsyDaisyDoo It's normal to revisit grief as time goes on... That's not to say it's not painful. Be kind to yourself.xx

[MrsMac1489]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m a midwife working in the NHS.

Usually they tests for common and uncommon infections. HIV, HEP A/B/C, toxoplasmosis, CMV...and a few more.

They will look at your overall blood picture to see if there are any markers for infection. This will be combined with a vaginal swab or a urine sample to rule out and gynaecology infections. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, UTI, GBS.

They would also look for clotting. To see if there is a problem with blood flow or clotting.

They would look for antibodies to see if there is anything that could affected this pregnancy or the next.

I hope this has gone some way to help you.

[Dorabean]

@MrsMac1489 this has helped me too, thank you so very much!