NHS recurrent miscarriage support - post pandemic

[Shesellseashells82]

Evening everyone - wondering if anyone has recent experiences of early pregnancy after recurrent miscarriage? I know there used to be additional NHS support for us through EPUs (open access to early reassurance scans eg). This was suspended during the pandemic. I’m struggling to get info about whether this has in general been reinstated now - or if nhs capacity pressures means we don’t get any extra support in early pregnancy. Does any one have any recent experiences to share? I know it varies by region and hospital - I’m in London if that helps. Thanks!

I’m sorry I don’t but bumping for you

Thank you!

Bumping again to say you’re welcome…!

Hey OP, I’ve had 4 MCs since Nov 2020 from IVF, and had all the blood tests for recurrent MC as well as genetic testing on the last two (I had a MMC from my only natural pregnancy getting on for 20 years ago which they counted as number one so were able to kick in the support after two of the IVF losses, so after Easter last year) The consultant at the EPU started looking at my notes after the third one (August), I kind of rushed into the 4th try without doing anything different as number 3 had a genetic defect, but she is going to prescribe steroids and progesterone for my fifth attempt, as number 4 (January) was perfectly normal so my body is clearly doing something odd at around 6 weeks every time, despite the progesterone my fertility clinic had me on. She’s at RUH in Bath, but it kind of proves there are definitely consultants out there doing support so do push for it if you need to.

I've lost 7. Currently 11 weeks.

I self-referred to midwife as soon as I found out and she referred me to EPAU for a scan. The EPAU scanned me at 7 weeks and confirmed heartbeat then prescribed me progesterone which I take twice a day I think until 15 weeks.

I have a toddler so midwife remembered me from last time (technically 3 babies ago) which helps. She's rushed everything through quickly. I got my letter for my 12 week scan when I was 6 weeks.

Sorry should clarify I called GP after loss number 7 and she wouldn't do anything until I was pregnant again

Thanks so much for sharing sunbird. What a lot you’ve been through - I hope you’re doing ok. Did you self refer to the EPU or need a GP referral? And when you become pregnant again - will you go back to the bottom of the queue or be able to access that consultant support immediately / directly do you know?

Thank you ohcarp - and hope you’re doing ok. So it sounds like there isn’t one clear route to access that support - it could be via GP or directly via midwife? The thing that makes me nervous is how time bound it feels - I think I would feel a lot calmer if I knew what I’d need to do to get help ASAP when I get pregnant again. Rather than losing precious time going to the wrong place or getting lost in the system while the days tick by.

I just rang the GP to ask. They might be able to signpost you so you know what to do when the time comes. My GP advised I stop trying for 3 months and "give my body a break" which obviously I ignored 🙄 then said if I got pregnant again contact midwife straight away.

So although the GP was no help herself she did point me in the right direction. Give it a try and see what they say? I'm not London but not far from it so it could be similar for you.

@ohCARP one of my friends finally got a miracle after 7 MCs, hopefully you will be the same. 🤞for your 12 week scan and every week after that too…

@Shesellseashells82 I self referred to the EPU after each viability scan with the fertility clinic as they had to confirm and book surgery etc, and the nurses there pretty much did everything to get me under the consultant once they’d seen me a few times. My GP surgery have been lovely but not really involved in the process apart from doing some of the pre-ivf blood tests to save me a bit of money, but the consultant at the fertility clinic also works as a consultant at the EPU so I think he and the consultant I’m now under might have had a chat at some point too. I’m moving up to the East Midlands next week with work, but seeing this consultant one last time the week after for my latest blood test results and that prescription for all the drugs. The nearest hospital when I move doesn’t have a great reputation so hopefully that will be enough.

Hi OP,
I have had 3 recurrent miscarriages between Nov 2020 and Oct 2021 and am currently pregnant again (only 7.5 weeks so very early).

I am based in Birmingham and have had amazing support since Nov 2021 with the Tommy’s team. They have ran lots of tests and since being pregnant again have given me Aspirin, Progesterone Pessaries & Blood Thinners. My first scan is today. I am not holding out hope but they have told me all being well I will be scanned every 2 weeks. So it may be worth contacting the Tommy’s main email account and seeing what they can do to support? I can’t fault them at all I emailed to say I was pregnant again and someone called me the following day and booked me in for an appt 3 days later.

Hope this helps?

I've had 8 miscarriages and a missed miscarriage,
Currently 9 weeks pregnant
I'm based south Shropshire and have to go to Shrewsbury hospital for scans and midwifes but Telford for birth!

I rang the doctors up to tell them I was pregnant (about 5 weeks )and I just got told to ring the midwifes at Shrewsbury hospital!
I rang Shrewsbury hospital 4 times and could get through so I self referred myself on there new app. 2 days later I had a phone call and appointments have been made for my first midwifes appointment and 12 week scan.
Was suppose to have my first midwifes appointment today but it got cancelled this morning and now rearranged for April! They should be fully aware of my mc"s as it was Shrewsbury hospital that dealt with me. But I've not been able to contact them about getting a Reassurance scan "due to covid" so I've actually booked myself a private scan for next week.
Never mind. Suppose it could be worse

Really sorry to hear you've not been able to access the services you've needed, that's stressful. That's not been my experience throughout covid period (in London), things have functioned as normal with EPU access. They accept self referrals and gp referrals, I did both during pandemic and was able to get early scans. I was put on list for recurrent miscarriage clinic after my last loss (august) and my appointment is 1 April. Although I'm pregnant now and they can't do the required tests. In my experience the epu respond same day/ next day to self referral or gp referral.

Congratulations! It has been very stressful but I also think there's a reason as to why its be so hard to access epu's. With the added stress of covid and low numbers of staff I can't really be angry with the midwifes as they all are trying there bests! The main thing for me is that my private scan goes OK on Tuesday. Everything else can wait I suppose. Its just annoying that there is help out there but at this moment everything's much harder to access. . Never mind we'll get though it xx