Miscarriage investigations after 2 anyone?

[avocadoincident]

My understanding is that women can have further investigations carried out after 3 miscarriages.

I've also heard that in some cases investigations were begun after 2 miscarriages.

I'm 40 so don't have time to waste. I've had a miscarriage at 20 weeks and what I believe is I miscarriage now at 6 (getting checked tomorrow).

I wondered if anyone has experience of further tests and investigations.

Unfortunately it's 3 consecutive ones in the majority of places unless you have a really sympathetic GP and then it's at least 3 months from referral to see the specialist

I've had 5 miscarriages and was seen by clinic after 3 - to be honest I found the investigations pretty useless- they'll do the standard tests for blood clotting and thyroid and that's it. They aren't interested in progesterone or karyotyping or partners sperm dna fragmentation or NK cells. You have to go private for all of that. They'll pat you on the back and say ring us when you next get a BFP and we ll see you at 6 weeks at which point it's often too late to make a difference

Sadly science indicates that 40 years + 70% of eggs are genetically abnormal - so miscarriages will be much more likely- the only way of knowing really is to do IVF with genetic testing but even then the results aren't 100% accurate

Hey OP!

Firstly, very sorry about your loss and I hope that despite your worries, you might receive reassuring news tomorrow. I know how awful it feels to be waiting for scans and updates as I've been there twice.

I've had two miscarriages consecutively last year and I don't have kids. I went to do tests privately in a clinic in London, as @itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted said, unless you have a sympathetic GP or are already under care because you've been trying for more than 6 months if over 35 (I think), the GP won't do anything until you've had 3. It really sucks. I went to the GP (and she is a woman may I add) and she categorically refuses any tests for me. So I went private as I didn't want to experience a third if it could be avoided.

I become pregnant again pretty quickly which is very fortunate, called the private clinic immediately and I've been under their care for weeks! They've been really supportive, I'm on progesterone, aspirin, clexane, steroids, thyroid meds and the list goes on but so far so good. I'm also being treated for high NK cells and I do have an autoimmune disease so it never surprised me to see my NK cell results were raised.

I hope you won't need to do all the above and your current pregnancy continues fine. Here if you wanted to chat further!

Hi @avocadoincident I am very sorry for your losses.

I was referred to the recurrent miscarriage clinic after 2. I'm 36 but it took us a long time to conceive the first time, so our fertility consultant did the referral (my GP wouldn't have).

My bloods haven't shown much other than a slightly raised thyroid so am being medicated for that. Coincidently I did conceive in January but sadly had a chemical pregnancy, miscarrying around 4.5 weeks (my first 2 were missed miscarriages at 9 weeks). The recurrent miscarriage clinic aren't going to do much other than extra scans during early pregnancy.

Sending love, I hope you have support xx

Thanks for all the replies and insight. You've all been through so much too.

It's a very depressing thought that 70% of my eggs are likely to have genetic abnormalities and I can't see us being able to afford private care.

My thyroid is already under control but I'd welcome any other tests just to cling onto hope.

Hi @avocadoincident,

I'm so sorry about your losses. I've been there five times and it's awful.

I had tears after two, kind of went semi private. I went through London BMI clinic and the gynae I saw gave me the full list of recurrent miscarriage tests and said go to my GP with the list to get the bloods done. I did, nothing found.
After the third loss, the NHS tested the baby, nothing found. I was then referred to St. Mary's and had to pay £140 for a specialist test, nothing found.
They put me on Clexane and progesterone in subsequent pregnancies, didn't help.
Sixth pregnancy I didn't tell anyone, went to a walk in EPU every two wks for the first trimester, my DD is about to be one next month.
There is good evidence to show that when nothing is found, frequent scans alone can help - I don't know how and i don't like it, because it feels as if it's saying that it's anxiety or worrying that causes mc and it absolutely doesn't.
I'll never know or understand why it worked out or why it's recommended, but no harm in trying if your tests don't show any issues.
But maybe try a combination of private to get the list and NHS to get the testing done, if possible.
I hope today isn't the bad news you're expecting, but if it is, be kind to yourself and take care. xx

*tests after two

I did miscarry today and I did push for a referral to recurrent miscarriage and they did agree so at least that's something.

I'm sorry for your loss avocado

@avocadoincident ❤️ sorry to hear that. I'm glad you're being referred on. I had a 4 month wait but called up for a cancellation and managed to get in quickly for tests.

Take care xx

Thank you everyone. I've got various blood tests booked in and a plan for future pregnancies.

I really appreciate all the responses

Hi @avocadoincident - so glad they've referred you. I'm kind of in the same boat in that it looks like I've had two confirmed miscarriages (waiting to confirm second). I also had two chemical pregnancies in between but didn't inform GP.

I'm also going to push to be referred and just hoping you can give me a bit more info on who you spoke to to be referred and to get a plan for future pregnancies? Was it the hospital or your GP?

@didslysquiddlydoo
Sorry to hear what you are going through.
The Early Pregnancy Unit scanned me and confirmed miscarriage. I was seen by a dr straight after and I asked to be referred. He kept to the script of 'only get referred after 3'. But I said I understood that but I'm 40 so no time to lose. Also if they put me on the waiting list and then it turns out I don't need it then nothing is lost.
I also pointed out one of my losses was 2nd trimester and he agreed he would refer me.

The other thing I'd say is that my midwife rang after the 2nd miscarriage and said that the as soon as I find out I'm pregnant next time I should take one aspirin a day. (Incase my referral hasn't gone through by then). The clinic would be telling me to do that apparently.

Good luck and let me know how it goes. You could at least ask for thyroid blood checks.