WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for June, 1998: Testing for recurrent miscarriage

Testing for recurrent miscarriage

From: anonymous@obgyn.net
Mon, 29 Jun 1998 07:56:41 EDT

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...Laura wrote:

<<I am currently experiencing my 3rd miscarriage. I have had no successful pregancies so far. Obviously, I am emotionally devastated beyond words. My dr. appears slightly concerned, but not much.

What sort of testing at this point should I request? My miscarriages were at 14, 5, and 5 weeks respectively.>>

Laura--

I'm sorry for what you are going through. I know the pattern of hope and despair. I've had 4 miscarriages at 4-5 weeks (2), 8 weeks, and 15-16 weeks. I had a live birth in 1992 and *hopefully* will have my second live birth in July.

Due to the fact that our parenthood attempts have taken 10 years (and we've had three cross-country moves during that time), plus the full realm of infertility treatments, I've seen docs in LA, San Diego, DC, NJ and Chicago! (Now in DC region). Want any names? :-)

First, if your OB is not as concerned as you are, this is the perfect time to get a second opinion or a complete workup with a Reproductive Endocrinologist. They are OB-GYNs who have completed an RE fellowship and attained certification.

After 3 miscarriages a workup will likely include hormone studies on you, possibly a semen analysis on your husband (that's the easy one!), karyotyping on you and your husband (looking for a genetic cause for the losses), and a study of your uterine cavity such as an HSG or ultrasound. They may also run some autoimmune testing. Was a pathology report issued on your 14 week loss?

I've read several of the miscarriage books and my "favorite" is Motherhood after Miscarriage as it takes a balanced approach to testing and moving forward. I highly recommend this one. I believe the author's name is Pam Diamond. It's published by Bob Adams Press and is about $10.

You may also want to post or get involved on the alt.infertility newsgroup where you will find others who have experienced multiple miscarriages. I also highly recommend that you find a miscarriage support group in your area. I've participated in the groups sponsored by the hospitals where I had my losses. It's helpful to know others who are going through the same emotions.

Be cautious when it comes to the experimental work that's being done in the area of recurrent miscarriage. I will share that I had over $20,000 in experimental testing and treatment on prior losses, but did none of that on this now 36-week pregnancy. Be a critical consumer.

I wish you well. Feel free to contact me directly or through the list.

Luanne

Next message: Barbara: "Re: Just a little confused...postpartum."
Previous message: Lisa: "Re: endometrioma and hyst...1 more question?"

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