Recurrent miscarriage tests - any advice?

[Meadowfield2]

I’ve had 3 miscarriages this year (one at 8 weeks and two at 5). GP has been great and after talking with them on Friday I’m booked in for a scan on Monday and blood tests on Thursday.

any advice on things to ask/check/keep an eye on as I go through this next stage?

I'm so sorry for your losses - that's great you are being seen so quick - the usual wait time to be seen by a recurrent miscarriage clinic can be several months!

I think it's important to have realistic expectations - I came away from my appointment very disappointed - many clinics will do the cursory blood tests and exam you for fibroids/polyps - obvious visible issues but aren't interested in anything more - mine - very large city hospital by the way - wasn't interested in NK Cells, progesterone provision, karyotyping, sperm testing etc, be prepared they may also not "count" your 5 week losses as some clinics consider them to be chemicals. Sadly it's a lottery and the treatment can be insensitive and arbitrary.

I'd ask what you should do if you get a BFP - will they give progesterone or steroids? - many clinics just send you away with a call when you get a BFP and we'll scan you at 6 weeks which by then it's often too late to make any difference to the outcome

Ask Will they do hycosy or HSG scans or just an ultrasound?

Ask Will they refer you to a Tommys clinic who will often provide more support?

Ask will they test any futures miscarriages for genetic issues

Ask what blood tests they are doing? AMH FSH thyroid etc - if they are just doing the one set would think it's just a basic test when some of the hormone ones have to be done at a certain point in your cycle

Thanks this is really helpful. By the sounds of it the GP spoke with the clinic and it was decided they (GP) would do/order the initial blood test and scan before referral onto elsewhere.

@Meadowfield2

Yes that makes sense. The blood test is the "easy" bit and so is the ultrasound - they'll just be looking for irregularities in uterus shape or obvious polyps etc - won't be a HSG as that has to be scheduled at a specific cycle day. I'd then expect a wait of several weeks/months before you get a chance to discuss the results with the miscarriage clinic

Knowledge is power so I'd research and read up as much as possible before the appointment that way you will feel more empowered to discuss and challenge how they may help

Unfortunately the odds are there is probably absolutely no reason for your losses - unless you are say over 39 and so there will be no answer - I found this the hardest and most frustrating part.

Also be aware if you don't currently have children and are likely to go on the NHS IVF referral pathway depending on age etc then they will count a miscarriage as getting pregnant so the clock starts from that point - ie NHS make you TTC for a minimum of 1 year / 2 year / 6 months depending on Local Authority and/or age

Just to update - had a pelvic ultrasound today. The technician didn’t have much to say. I asked what they were looking at/for and he said it was a scan of bladder, ovaries, womb and that results would be back with my GP in a week. Have bloods later this week so hopefully next week will be able to speak to GP and will take your advice and do some research/go armed with questions.

I feel very lucky that this round of tests has come about so quickly and easily, I expected to wait weeks. The long waiting may come for further investigations but it helps that for this first bit I don’t feel too left in limbo.

my expectation is that they will find no obvious cause of the recurrent miscarriages but feels helpful to be having some tests and I have some hope that I might have a future successful pregnancy.