My sister has been TTC for about 8 months. She got pregnant on her 2nd cycle trying this summer and then miscarried. At 12 weeks, she was spotting and had an U/S and the fertilized egg hadn't developed past 4 weeks. So it was labelled a blighted ovum and she had a D&C in August.

She waited one cycle and then got pregnant again the very next cycle. Everything seemed normal, no spotting, lots of symptoms (morning sickness, weight gain, tired) but the midwife couldn't find a heartbeat at about 9 weeks and the midwife said she was measuring small. So she went for another U/S today - almost 11 weeks - and they said there was the beginning of a fetal pole but that was it. So she's only measuring 5 weeks along and there's no heartbeat. She's supposed to wait a week and then go for another U/S to see if there is any further development.

So we wait a week. But after this week is over and there is no further development, what should she do next? What testing should she ask for? What should her OB suggest? Or should they just try again on their own?

Could it be something as simple as low progesterone?
She can obviously get pregnant pretty easily. She just can't seem to keep them.

It could be several things. Low progesterone will typically not support a PGY past 3/4/5 weeks so I would doubt that is the problem. After three documented m/cs, the doctor should to a connective tissue test (simple blood testing). The fix is simple - treated with heparin. The blood is not thin enough to properly nourish a placenta and development is arrested...sounds to me like a possible cause. I wish your sister the best of luck!

I don't have advice, but a quick story to share...one of my closest friends had 2 m/c in fairly close succession and she is now 30w pg. For good or bad, the doctors just said it was "one of those things" and they couldn't find any reason for either m/c. It was really hard on her, but she's now happily expecting her first child in early February.

I'm so sorry to hear of your sisters losses. What happened with this last one? I hope she is still doing ok. If not I agree with Suzi about the connective tissues. They should also run a full work up on her and her DH for genetic disorders. After three m/c in a row she might want to see a RE who would know exactly what to do and what to look for. Hopefully she has insurance coverage for it. After my third m/c I was refered to a RE(Infertility specialist) who was more able to run tests and knew more details then most OB's. If she has coverage or can afford to see one I would highly suggest that. They really are the best at what they do. I hope that was the last m/c your sister will have.

Hi Sarah.

She ended up having another D&C. She started spotting the day she went back for the repeat sonogram. There wasn't any further development. Turns out that was her 3rd miscarriage. She had one at 5 weeks in May, one at 10 weeks in Aug, and a second one at 10 weeks in Dec. However, neither of the 10-week ones developed to the point of having a heartbeat. There was just an empty sac both times.

They checked for genetic issues with the last D&C and it was normal. In January they did a full blood workup (12 vials of blood!) and it all came back normal. I think they checked for the antibody issues and the connectivity test in all of that. They also did an endo biopsy in March to check for an LP defect and that was normal, too. I think they met with a genetic counselor also. She was considering the cystic fibrosis screening but I'm not sure if she had it done.

So, the OB and the perinatologist said to just take baby aspirin and try again. She's been on the baby aspirin for over a month. Last month was their first month of semi-trying again. She thinks she had a chemical pregnancy because AF was late but never got a + test and she wasn't charting so her O day might have been off. This month she's charting again and they are more actively trying.

They've always said that if they can't get pregnant on their own that they wouldn't do any fertility treatments. They would go right to adoption. I'm not sure if this has changed their minds on that but so far she hasn't mentioned going to see an RE at all.

Brooke- I have been thinking about your sister. How is she doing?

She's ok. Trying again and just hoping it works this time. It's so hard on them because all they can do is try, get pregnant, and then wait and see if it sticks.

Thanks for asking.

How is she doing dealing with your pregnancy?

Better. We talked about it via email one day. I was avoiding talking to her about being pregnant but it got to the point where I couldn't hide it anymore. She said that she didn't WANT me to hide it or avoid her because that upset her more.

She said she would just appreciate it if I didn't complain about being pregnant because she'd give anything to be where I am. She said she didn't think me complaining would be a problem, though, because I didn't complain much with Rebekah. Quite honestly, I feel really good so I don't have anything to complain about now so that's not an issue. And I'm not a very "look at me, I'm pregnant" kind of person, so that's not an issue either.

She asked if she could be in the delivery room and I said absolutely yes. And ever since that day we've been doing good. She asks how I am and about plans for the baby's room and such. She really just doesn't want us to treat her differently or to avoid talking about miscarriages or anything else.

I am just praying very very hard that her next pregnancy sticks.

She is lucky to have such a great sister to help her thru this all. I know that I wouldn't be able to do this without my sister. I can understand how she feels about not wanting to have people avoid talking to you. Another one of my cousins is pg again. I am so so happy for her but deep inside it makes me sad for me. But I still feel very happy for her. I'm sure that is how she feels. She is so happy for you. And I think it is great that she'll be there when your baby is born. I hope that she is able to get pg and stay pg. I know how scary that all is. I just wanted to let you know I think you are a great sister!!

Sarah

I just wanted to update here.

My sister found out at the end of July that she was pregnant again after 4 months of actively trying. The only thing she did different was take 1 baby aspirin a day. Everything's gone normally, she's been tired, sick, and her boobs have gotten bigger, something that hadn't happened in her other 3 pregnancies.

Today, at 10w3d, she got to see the baby! This is the first time she's seen anything more than an empty sac on the ultrasound. The baby is measuring 1 day ahead, had a good strong heartbeat, and she got to see little feet and everything. Needless to say, we are all totally thrilled and very relieved.

Anyway, just wanted to update, for anyone who might be in the same situation.

That is wonderful Brooke! Congratulations to her and good luck for a wonderful pregnancy!!! :)
I am also a believer in baby asprin- I have taken it for both of my pregnancies after losing Natalie due to pre-eclampsia and I really think it reduced my risk for pre-eclampsia complications.

That's great news, Brooke!! :) I also had 2 m/c's in a row in 2002. My doctor wasn't nearly as worried about it as I was. He wanted to see if I had a 3rd....then we'd look into testing and all that stuff. I totally understand what your sister has been through....it's heartwrenching. :( In my situation, it was just considered "one of those things....bad luck.". It helped a little...but not much.
I was VERY relieved to have a healthy, successful pregnancy with Alex. Oh, I also took baby asprin with my pg with Alex. It wasn't determined if it would really help me or not....my midwife just figured it wouldn't hurt and might help. :dunno:

That is so awesome! I am so happy for her. I hope the rest of her pregnancy goes the same. Baby asprin really is one good thing for anyone to use. it can't hurt and could really help. I've had to take it for years while trying. thanks for the update it is always great to hear those sorts of things.:)

Brooke, that's great news!! Congrats to your sister!!

:woo: YAY Brooke! Thats wonderful about your sister :)


My *lucky cycle* was the ONLY cycle in 9 months of ttc with Clomid that I conceived - and am where I am today :) So, I too, am a firm believer that low-dose aspirin helps with conception!

That's magnificent! I don't know if you tell her about this board but tell her how happy all of your friends are, especially me! :yippee:

Brooke- That is great news. I am so happy for her.

Congrats to her:) and you for becoming an aunt:)