40 and 3 miscarriages in the last year

40andtrying · 11-05-2008, 06:28 PM

I am 40 years old and have experienced 3 m/c's since Oct. 2007. The 1st was a blighted ovum and the last 2 were spontaneous m/c's. I had my 3rd m/c yesterday w/o medical intervention. My husband and I have been trying for a baby for 1 year since we just got married. I have no trouble getting pregnant having gotten pregnant 3 times, probably more had it not been for my husband being in the Coast Guard and away from home 6/12 mos. I was wondering if anyone has had similar experience to me and still had the blessing of a child. I have successful given birth to my beautiful daughter, 22 years ago when I was only 18 but my husband has never fathered any children. During my 2nd m/c my OB performed testing to detect the most common disorders (hormonal imbalance, blood clotting, autoimmue, thyroid, etc), all normal. My husband and I have yet to test for chromosomes in either of us or in our lost babies. I guess that's our next step but I assume I'm okay as I have produced a healthy daughter. I'm feeling alone b/c I feel our condition is less common. Because we get pregnant easily, do we have a fertility issue and what kind of treatments may help us? I don't think IVF would help us? Any advise, comments, support is greatly appreciated.

jersey05 · 11-05-2008, 08:46 PM

Hi. I am under 35, but have had similiar issues. I had one chemical PG in 05. I had one blighted ovum in 2/06 and then I had a 8 week fetus that had no heartbeat suddenly. After the D& E they realized it was Trisomy-18. My husband and I did undergo testing, but nothing. I started seeing a specialist and they did clomid first and then I did injections. during this I had 2 very early miscarriages within 5 months. I am now happy to say I a 24 weeks pregnant with a little girl. They never found any reason for my problems, but here I am pregnant. There is hope for you! If you are not seeinga specialist, it might be a good idea to get the testing out of the way.

Best of luck. Michelle

Tia38 · 11-06-2008, 06:34 AM

Hugs. I am so sorry for your losses. I don't have any wisdom for you -- you say you did all the standard testing -- are there other tests they can do? I'll see if I can find one of the 'recurrent m/c' threads to point you out, although I don't think I've seen one for a while.

There's a weekly thread here -- join us if you like. It tends to get more traffic than some of these stand alone (new) threads. There's also a "ttc #1" on the 40+ board, although some of the women there have one (or more) children already. They may have some insights for you on testing options or follow up treatment.

It does sound like your challenge is staying pg, rather than getting pg... although if it's chromosomal issues (you may be fine, but at 40 your eggs are older than they were with your first DD) IVF with PGD (I think that's what it's called?) could potentially help.

But I've had luck with IUI (one at 39, currently at 41) so I don't have first hand IVF knowledge. Only one m/c (at 38) as well... so I'm not very knowledgeable on the testing side either.

Best of luck,
-tia

chris04 · 11-06-2008, 04:29 PM

Hi 40andtrying - I am 42 and currently 22 weeks pregnant with my first...DH and I married in 2004, and started trying then when I was 38. Like you, I had no problems getting pregnant - just staying pregnant. We had 3 m/c and D&C's, 2 chemical pregnancies and went to IVF about 2 years ago. We've done genetic testing on ourselves as well as on 2 of the embryos after our D&Cs. The genetic tests came back normal on DH and I, but they diagnosed chromosomal abnormalities in the fetuses. My RE was convinced that since I could get pregnant and all of my tests came back normal, that it was age related (your eggs have a higher chance of chromosomal abnormalities as you age since they are more fragile and the chromosomes often do not separate properly). We did 2 rounds of IVF with PGD with my own eggs, and although they said they had embryos that were genetically sound, they did not take. We finally made one last effort, and did IVF with a donor egg in June - I'm happy to say that we're expecting in March! It's been a long road, but I think we're finally there.

I'm sorry for your losses and know how frustrating it is. I would speak to a fertility specialist to find out what your options are - you may want to try IUI or IVF, or they may recommend you keep trying naturally (although at 40 yrs. old with 3 m/c, I doubt it). I wish you all the best and will keep my fingers crossed that you are finally able to achieve a healthy pregnancy.

40andtrying · 11-07-2008, 11:55 AM

Thank you all for your kind words of support and encouragement. It helps to know I'm not alone in my experience and there is hope, although it may require help. Your posts have been educational and I am trying to educate myself too, as much as possible. I guess I was under the impression that I did not have an infertility problem since I get pregnant easily and I've been successful 22 years ago. Also I do not have a family history of infertility with several family members starting families later in life. My sister, 39 will be having her first child, a son, this Dec. Although I am so happy for her blessing, it also hurts because she and I had gotten pregnant around the same time, last April, and the thought of us experiencing the wonders of pregnancy and child-rearing together was so wonderful. Sadly, my pregnancy ended in my 2nd m/c. After 3 m/c I know it's now time to see a specialist since we don't have a lot of time to waste. It's difficult though because my husband is only home half the year, due to work (he's in the CG) making our timewindow for trying to get pregnant limited. But where there is a will there is a way and I'm not ready to give up, at least not until I understand our options. I did not realize that IVF was practical for us b/c I thought that was for couples having problems conceiving, but I guess if they do preimplantation, genetic testing then that could improve the chances of a normal pregnancy. Again thank you all soooo.... much.
All The Best...

wintergirl · 11-07-2008, 10:30 PM

I don't know if this will be any help to you, but since Chris04 brought it up, I thought I'd share that I was an egg donor once (when I was 31) and it was a wonderful experience. I'll never know or meet the child, and all I know about the couple is that the woman was 40 and a teacher and the husband was a fisherman. The fertility clinic called me back to be a donor again and told me the first couple was "very pleased" with their results, meaning that they got pregnant. It made me feel so good, even though I know I'd never meet the child, it just was great to know for some reason. So maybe if you need to consider donor eggs in the future you may want to be open to it.

vesta · 06-18-2009, 11:27 AM

I am 36 and have had 6 m/c, YEP 6, all at different weeks from 6 to 11 weeks. both my husband and I have had every test done that exists. The test always came back normal.. I got really mad at my doctor and requested blood work to be completed once i popped positive for my 7th pregnancy. they found that I was + for factor 5 laiden and MTHFR, but only when pregnant, really not normal but it explained alot. To correct the issue I was imediatly placed on Lovenox, HCG injections and progesterone in oil. It worked ......I have a little girl now 6 month old.

Get mad , get to the point with your doctors if you have too. Listen to your gut. You know if something is just not right.

linden · 06-23-2009, 07:56 AM

Hi--I'm 34, and started TTC at 28. Even at that young age, I had the eggs of a 40 year old. It took me 6 years to finally get pregnant (through fertility treatments) and then I began having multiple recurrent miscarriages. I had D&Cs with all of my miscarriages and all were due to chromosomal abnormalities. Finally we tried IVF w/ PGD. All of our embryos were tested for chromosomal abnormalities before certain ones were selected for transfer to my uterus. I am now 21 weeks pregnant as a result of IVF w/ PGD after many years of IF and many miscarriages.

whitley · 06-23-2009, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tia38

although if it's chromosomal issues (you may be fine, but at 40 your eggs are older than they were with your first DD) IVF with PGD (I think that's what it's called?) could potentially help.

I think Tia is very right with this statement. My OB says that at 40 years old 1 out of every 2 of a woman's eggs may be abnormal. You were 18 with your DD...so, of course, that was a non-issue. (And I say this as a 39 year old woman whose mother had her at 39...so I have family history as well, but I don't know that family history outweighs 50% abnormal eggs.) So my suggestion is what Vesta came up with...

Quote:

Originally Posted by vesta

they found that I was + for factor 5 laiden and MTHFR, but only when pregnant, really not normal but it explained alot. To correct the issue I was imediatly placed on Lovenox, HCG injections and progesterone in oil. It worked ......I have a little girl now 6 month old.

Women over 35's bodies progressively make less and less natural progesterone and you start to see more women in this age range with progesterone problems. I have a friend who has had 2 m/cs between age 38-40 and they never put her on progesterone supplements which they should have. Because progesterone supports pregnancy lack of it can cause m/c. Not sure if you have talked with your doc about this but it simply can't hurt to be on them the moment you have a BFP. (For me, I started taking them after I knew I had O'ed just in case that cycle the egg got fertilized and it paid off a couple months ago.) I also did immune testing (that is what Vesta referred to) and I was on Lovenox as well (not for the same disorder has her but still a clotting issue nonetheless). So if your doc has not done RPL testing (which would be shocking since most OBs will do it after 2 losses and you've had 3) I would demand it immediately.

DeAnne1 · 06-27-2009, 02:13 PM

I have a history of similar problems. My ob did start putting me on supplemental progesterone (vag. suppositories) when pg. after 35.

Also, in my last pg. (successful outcome at age 44, don't give up hope!!!) I did have a chromosonal study done and found out that I'm a carrier for balanced cell translocation. It's common (approx. 1:600 people) but each pg. is like a toss of the coin, a 50-50 chance on whether or not it's a viable pg. Either parent can be the carrier. It was the long, last missing piece of the puzzle for all my m/c over the years. If insurance covers it, you might want to go ahead and get the testing done, so at least you'll know.

Wishing you the very best.

11-05-2008, 06:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
40andtrying Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CA Posts: 2	40 and 3 miscarriages in the last year I am 40 years old and have experienced 3 m/c's since Oct. 2007. The 1st was a blighted ovum and the last 2 were spontaneous m/c's. I had my 3rd m/c yesterday w/o medical intervention. My husband and I have been trying for a baby for 1 year since we just got married. I have no trouble getting pregnant having gotten pregnant 3 times, probably more had it not been for my husband being in the Coast Guard and away from home 6/12 mos. I was wondering if anyone has had similar experience to me and still had the blessing of a child. I have successful given birth to my beautiful daughter, 22 years ago when I was only 18 but my husband has never fathered any children. During my 2nd m/c my OB performed testing to detect the most common disorders (hormonal imbalance, blood clotting, autoimmue, thyroid, etc), all normal. My husband and I have yet to test for chromosomes in either of us or in our lost babies. I guess that's our next step but I assume I'm okay as I have produced a healthy daughter. I'm feeling alone b/c I feel our condition is less common. Because we get pregnant easily, do we have a fertility issue and what kind of treatments may help us? I don't think IVF would help us? Any advise, comments, support is greatly appreciated.

11-07-2008, 10:30 PM	#6 (permalink)
wintergirl 500-599 post 7 of hearts Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 505	I don't know if this will be any help to you, but since Chris04 brought it up, I thought I'd share that I was an egg donor once (when I was 31) and it was a wonderful experience. I'll never know or meet the child, and all I know about the couple is that the woman was 40 and a teacher and the husband was a fisherman. The fertility clinic called me back to be a donor again and told me the first couple was "very pleased" with their results, meaning that they got pregnant. It made me feel so good, even though I know I'd never meet the child, it just was great to know for some reason. So maybe if you need to consider donor eggs in the future you may want to be open to it. __________________ Cari: 39, Tod 49; Sammy born 1/16/09

06-18-2009, 11:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
vesta 0-99 post 2 of hearts Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: fl Posts: 8	40andtrying I am 36 and have had 6 m/c, YEP 6, all at different weeks from 6 to 11 weeks. both my husband and I have had every test done that exists. The test always came back normal.. I got really mad at my doctor and requested blood work to be completed once i popped positive for my 7th pregnancy. they found that I was + for factor 5 laiden and MTHFR, but only when pregnant, really not normal but it explained alot. To correct the issue I was imediatly placed on Lovenox, HCG injections and progesterone in oil. It worked ......I have a little girl now 6 month old. Get mad , get to the point with your doctors if you have too. Listen to your gut. You know if something is just not right.

06-23-2009, 07:56 AM	#8 (permalink)
linden 800-899 post 10 of hearts Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Summit, NJ Posts: 804	m/c's and preg. mentioned Hi--I'm 34, and started TTC at 28. Even at that young age, I had the eggs of a 40 year old. It took me 6 years to finally get pregnant (through fertility treatments) and then I began having multiple recurrent miscarriages. I had D&Cs with all of my miscarriages and all were due to chromosomal abnormalities. Finally we tried IVF w/ PGD. All of our embryos were tested for chromosomal abnormalities before certain ones were selected for transfer to my uterus. I am now 21 weeks pregnant as a result of IVF w/ PGD after many years of IF and many miscarriages.

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11-05-2008, 08:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
jersey05 700-799 post 9 of hearts Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 760	Hi. I am under 35, but have had similiar issues. I had one chemical PG in 05. I had one blighted ovum in 2/06 and then I had a 8 week fetus that had no heartbeat suddenly. After the D& E they realized it was Trisomy-18. My husband and I did undergo testing, but nothing. I started seeing a specialist and they did clomid first and then I did injections. during this I had 2 very early miscarriages within 5 months. I am now happy to say I a 24 weeks pregnant with a little girl. They never found any reason for my problems, but here I am pregnant. There is hope for you! If you are not seeinga specialist, it might be a good idea to get the testing out of the way. Best of luck. Michelle

11-06-2008, 06:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
Tia38 1000-4999 post queen of hearts Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: USA Posts: 3,466	Hugs. I am so sorry for your losses. I don't have any wisdom for you -- you say you did all the standard testing -- are there other tests they can do? I'll see if I can find one of the 'recurrent m/c' threads to point you out, although I don't think I've seen one for a while. There's a weekly thread here -- join us if you like. It tends to get more traffic than some of these stand alone (new) threads. There's also a "ttc #1" on the 40+ board, although some of the women there have one (or more) children already. They may have some insights for you on testing options or follow up treatment. It does sound like your challenge is staying pg, rather than getting pg... although if it's chromosomal issues (you may be fine, but at 40 your eggs are older than they were with your first DD) IVF with PGD (I think that's what it's called?) could potentially help. But I've had luck with IUI (one at 39, currently at 41) so I don't have first hand IVF knowledge. Only one m/c (at 38) as well... so I'm not very knowledgeable on the testing side either. Best of luck, -tia

11-06-2008, 04:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
chris04 0-99 post 2 of hearts Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 35	Hi 40andtrying - I am 42 and currently 22 weeks pregnant with my first...DH and I married in 2004, and started trying then when I was 38. Like you, I had no problems getting pregnant - just staying pregnant. We had 3 m/c and D&C's, 2 chemical pregnancies and went to IVF about 2 years ago. We've done genetic testing on ourselves as well as on 2 of the embryos after our D&Cs. The genetic tests came back normal on DH and I, but they diagnosed chromosomal abnormalities in the fetuses. My RE was convinced that since I could get pregnant and all of my tests came back normal, that it was age related (your eggs have a higher chance of chromosomal abnormalities as you age since they are more fragile and the chromosomes often do not separate properly). We did 2 rounds of IVF with PGD with my own eggs, and although they said they had embryos that were genetically sound, they did not take. We finally made one last effort, and did IVF with a donor egg in June - I'm happy to say that we're expecting in March! It's been a long road, but I think we're finally there. I'm sorry for your losses and know how frustrating it is. I would speak to a fertility specialist to find out what your options are - you may want to try IUI or IVF, or they may recommend you keep trying naturally (although at 40 yrs. old with 3 m/c, I doubt it). I wish you all the best and will keep my fingers crossed that you are finally able to achieve a healthy pregnancy.

11-07-2008, 11:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
40andtrying Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CA Posts: 2	Thank you all for your kind words of support and encouragement. It helps to know I'm not alone in my experience and there is hope, although it may require help. Your posts have been educational and I am trying to educate myself too, as much as possible. I guess I was under the impression that I did not have an infertility problem since I get pregnant easily and I've been successful 22 years ago. Also I do not have a family history of infertility with several family members starting families later in life. My sister, 39 will be having her first child, a son, this Dec. Although I am so happy for her blessing, it also hurts because she and I had gotten pregnant around the same time, last April, and the thought of us experiencing the wonders of pregnancy and child-rearing together was so wonderful. Sadly, my pregnancy ended in my 2nd m/c. After 3 m/c I know it's now time to see a specialist since we don't have a lot of time to waste. It's difficult though because my husband is only home half the year, due to work (he's in the CG) making our timewindow for trying to get pregnant limited. But where there is a will there is a way and I'm not ready to give up, at least not until I understand our options. I did not realize that IVF was practical for us b/c I thought that was for couples having problems conceiving, but I guess if they do preimplantation, genetic testing then that could improve the chances of a normal pregnancy. Again thank you all soooo.... much. All The Best...

06-27-2009, 02:13 PM	#10 (permalink)
DeAnne1 1000-4999 post queen of hearts Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: East of the Mississippi river Posts: 1,433	I have a history of similar problems. My ob did start putting me on supplemental progesterone (vag. suppositories) when pg. after 35. Also, in my last pg. (successful outcome at age 44, don't give up hope!!!) I did have a chromosonal study done and found out that I'm a carrier for balanced cell translocation. It's common (approx. 1:600 people) but each pg. is like a toss of the coin, a 50-50 chance on whether or not it's a viable pg. Either parent can be the carrier. It was the long, last missing piece of the puzzle for all my m/c over the years. If insurance covers it, you might want to go ahead and get the testing done, so at least you'll know. Wishing you the very best.