Pregnant after 2mmc- serious anxiety

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Hello,

I've never written on here before but I'm struggling to cope with my anxiety and wanted to reach out to others who may be able to understand.

I had a mmc in Nov 2023 (approx 6 weeks- found at 7.5 weeks as what little symptoms I had stopped) took another year to get pregnant,good 8 week scan but sadly baby passed at 9.2 but didn't know until 13 week scan (still had a lot of symptoms but nausea had gone) another mmc in Nov 2024. Both times D&C required.

Was referred to a consultant and just after seeing him I conceived again in Feb 25 (currently 5.4 weeks pregnant). Recent tests show I tested positive for anticardiolipin antibody (aCL but also under the bracket of APS). Based on this my consultant has put me in aspirin, inhixer injections and progesterone.

Whilst I feel I have a better chance this time with medication, Im struggling to control my anxiety, I am convinced it's not going to work out and unfortunately I have really low ovarian reserve for my age (caused by previous chemotherapy treatment) and so I feel I am running out of time.

Whilst I know 5.4 weeks is early for symptoms, last time I had sore breasts straight away and some mild nausea but I don't have any of that right now and I feel it's an indication this pregnancy is not going to work out. I'm trying to hold out until 8 weeks for a scan as I have a bit of PTSD for the early internal ones but my mind is going overdrive.

I know nobody can tell me it will all work out, but perhaps if anyone has any positive success stories after 2 mmc or after an aCL diagnosis that might help settle my nerves.

Apologies for my long rambled message

I had 2 missed miscarriages before my sons and then went on to have 2 healthy boys. All my pregnancies were different. With my first I was still having symptoms. My eldest son I had sore boobs and felt icky but not sick just like I needed to eat. My second my first indication was my very comfy trainers suddenly starting to rub and further on I had horrendous heart burn!

every pregnancy is different. Please try not to compare to one pregnancy to another.

sending positive thoughts and hopefully you’ll be back with a happy new born in 8 months!!!

It sounds like you’ve had a really tough time. Congratulations on your new pregnancy.

Leslie Regan’s book has a chapter on antiphospolipid syndrome and her (high-quality) research found that with aspirin plus heparin (i.e. inhixa) until 34 weeks, the success rate of pregnancies for people with diagnosed APS was basically the same as those without. So the medication really is a positive step. Unfortunately, it can’t prevent MC due to chromosomal or other issues, but the odds really are in your favour on that front. On symptoms, every pregnancy is different, you can’t read too much into it. Maybe the symptoms will hit later and harder, or maybe you just won’t get them as much this time. All you can do is take it one day at a time.

Thank you both so much for replying, really appreciate you taking the time.

It's comforting to know that all pregnancies are different, even in the same person as the difference in symptoms is definitely contributing to the anxiety.

@OurChristmasMiracle I'm so sorry to hear you also experienced losses, but I'm so pleased you had your happy ending & it is encouraging to hear about your success. Thank you

@Melusina123 thank you so much for the information on the research into APS and the success of the medication, that really does give me some hope.

Thank you so much again to you both, it's been helpful to get off my chest how I'm feeling and having someone to listen.

Oh I know how horrible the worry is :( I’ve had two MMCs and a chemical (following an IVF round) and the anxiety when I got pregnant again was unreal.

I was on progesterone, aspirin and high dose vitamin D for that pregnancy and it resulted in my daughter who is now nearly one!

Miracles can happen and I hope this one is yours ❤️

Hey,

I could have written this myself 💓 I had two consecutive mcs at 7 weeks and after tests I have been diagnosed with APS so exactly the same as you.
i am now 18 weeks pregnant and baby is growing well and hoping shes ok. I even feel her kick which I never thought would happen!
ive been taking heparin and asprin from day one.

in total I will have 7 scans on the nhs however ive had one private reassurance scan at 15 weeks and I would say if you need reassurance scans ask your midwife or if you can for private.

my anxiety prior to scans is through the roof but I would say it has got easier as the pregnancy has developed.

I had a stupid midwife question why I had anxiety FFS 🙄 but all other medical staff have been lovely. They have taken my anxiety seriously and looked after me so please make your midwife aware of your worries.
my lovely midwife said take every week step by step which has helped.

APS is rare so there isn’t much out there and most of google gives you horror stories.
however I’ve also read that with meds your pregnancy is as good as someone without APS
you stand the same chance of preeclampsia than a normal pregnancy (on the meds)

I read a research paper that after 13 weeks your chances of having a live birth is 90% which I know if you’re like me you think shit that’s still 10% but this has helped me put it In perspective.

I have exhausted myself with worry and fear and it’s only been recently that I realise it’s a waste of time because what can I do apart from me healthy and take my meds. Try if you can and have faith in your consultant and the meds the more the pregnancy moves forward I’m actually looking forward and getting excited x

I'm so sorry you also had to go through 2 mmc but I am so pleased you got your miracle! Thank you so much for sharing your story and for giving me hope, I really do appreciate it.

Wow we have such similar stories, I'm so sorry you also experienced 2mcs, but I am so pleased that you are currently 18 weeks and looking good- will keep everything crossed for you. It really is encouraging for me to read and also knowing that with the medication, the chances are essentially the same as someone without 🤞🏼

Did you contact your EPU for your early scans? Or did your midwife sort that for you? Just trying to decide whether to contact them in a week or so to try and get an 8 week scan.

I know you are right, worrying won't help me, I think once I get past my previous MC dates I might be able to relax more, but definitely just taking it day by day at the moment.

Thank you again for sharing your story with me, it's so appreciated and genuinely gives me hope.

I hope these positive stories bring you some comfort 💓

with me once they found out the issue I was ‘in the system’ as it were and automatically got a scan at 6 weeks and then again at 9 and 13 weeks which was under the umbrella of EPU. Basically I told the EPU the moment I was pregnant and this triggered the scans automatically

but just a warning me and my husband thought we were in the system so everything would be automatic however after the 9 week scan EPU asked why we hadn’t registered with a midwife and the maternity unit
apparently the two departments aren’t synced up.

anyway I would push to get a scan with EPU and they should absolutely see you no need to wait until 8 weeks
you should also be consultant led too.
I would call EPU tomorrow, explain the situation x

Oh getting past my previous mc dates really helped me mentally xx

Thank you so much for all your advice & info. I did contact the EPU who got me in for a scan when I should have been 6+1, they could only see gestinal and yolk sacs but no fetal pole etc so now I'm really concerned that this pregnancy isn't progressing. Sonographer said it may have just been a bit early but given my lack of symptoms I'm assuming the worst now. I'll update next week once I have my next scan.

Thank you again for the replies and kindness, it's really appreciated.