Multiple Miscarriages - Omaha,NE

I had trouble conceiving (took 5 years,) then I had 2 healthy pregnancies, followed by a miscarriage, then a few more years trouble conceiving, then another miscarriage, followed by 2 healthy pregnancies. You never know what can happen--hang in there! K.

My mother had 3 early miscarriages and then they were well into the process of adopting. Then she got pregnant again and had a healthy baby. In the end she had 4 healthy kids. They never gave a reason for the miscarriages. Best of luck, I hope the next pregnancy is successful!

I had the same problem. Don't let them tell you to wait until a third miscarriage before they do testing. I went though many tests after my second MC and it was only because I insisted. I had a blood clotting disorder that was clotting the blood being carried to the fetus. I was put on blood thinners and I now have two beautiful children! This disorder is becoming more common... not because it is new, but because doctors are just finding out about it and starting to test women for it. I see one reply from someone that was put on baby asprin... this condition is why she was put on it. The asprin thins the blood. Using the asprin is a safe low dose "fix" without having to do the bloodtest. Good Luck!

Hi, I also have had 2 miscarriages in the past. Both between 5-6 weeks also. My problem was not chromosonal or anthing like that. What I was told is that the lining of my uterus was not stong enough to sustain a pregnancy. Maybe you should mention the drug Letrosol to your OB. It worked for me. I know have a beautiful 8 month old girl and am 16 weeks pregnant with baby #2. Hope this helps but please know that you are not alone.

M.,

I have had 2 miscarriages. My 1st pregnancy ended in miscarriage at 6 weeks, my second resulted in a healthy baby boy, my 3rd pregnancy was twins and ended in miscarriage at 10 weeks, and I am currently 33 weeks into my 4th pregnancy.

It is very hard not to beat yourself up over "why" it happens and no matter what anyone tells you, you will analyze it over and over and over again.

My advice is to do whatever will put your mind at rest; if you want to pursue hormonal or blood testing, go for it. I would recommend talking out with your spouse and support each other- you might be surprised what his thoughts are (I was- my husband totally blamed himself and if I'd never asked I would have lived forever thinking he blamed me) and as painful as it can be, know that it has happened to a lot of us women regardless of how well we take care of our bodies. Nature is never in our control and is certainly not always fair. But here is what gets me through the night; if I hadn't had that first miscarriage- I wouldn't have the wonderful little boy I have right now- and I can't imagine my life without him. I feel the same way about the baby on the way.

Good luck to you!

M., ask your doctor to perform a workup on your blood. There are many different reasons why you may have miscarriages. If you doctor tells you that he would rather wait until your third miscarriage tell them no and request blood work or a switch doctors. Good luck to you and god bless.

I have also had 2 miscarriages. I had one between my first and second boys, then another between my third and fourth boys. I was about as far along as you were. I don't know what went wrong, but mother nature did. I now have four happy, and healthy boys ages 7,4,2,18months. Just keep trying. When it's meant to happen it will. Good luck.

I had three miscarriages in a row all at 6-9 weeks. Then I had a perfectly healthy pregnancy and baby girl. This is really common. A lot of people don't talk about miscarriages when they happen so early, so you don't know how many women have them. Once I started talking, it turned out that every woman on my block had experienced one or two miscarriages.

I'm a believer in the idea that our bodies know when things are going right or wrong with a pregnancy, especially that early on.

I had trouble getting pregnant, and then had a miscarriage. I read a lot online and in a couple of books about a B12 deficiancy and pregnancy problems. My levels were low in the past, so I had them check it again sure enough it was low again. Once I started getting them again I was pregnant in a couple of months. I'm not really sure if that what the problem was, but I thought it was too much of a coincidence.

My story was the exact same as your - my son was same age as your daughter. I had two miscarriages- devastating. So much confusion about what is going on. I never had my progesterone levels tested- but I did use progesterone suppositories with my successful pregnancy. I cut caffeine out of my diet and started juicing- which I would drink lots of veggie juices including spinach so I think that really helped with folic acid. I changed the prenatal vitamin I was taking as well. The other thing is- I didn't wait but I also wasn't trying. I got preg #1 in Feb, miscarried April, preg #2 in July, miscarried Sept- preg #3 in November, delivered in August.

Good luck!

I've also had several miscarriages early on like you too.I was healthy and only 21 years old when I miscarried. I've gone on to have 2 normal pregnancies though.

I always make sure when ttc that I'm taking enough folic acid and my prenatal vitamins and I just kept trying. I didn't wait either when I had a miscarriage since my body was ready to go again so to be speak I tried again right away and it worked for me.

I also had a similar situation. I had one completely normal pregnancy and then I had 3 miscarriages within about a year and a half (one of them was ectopic). My doctor was a good friend of the fertility specialist, so I got into her right away. They did a number of tests and didn't find anything wrong. I remember she said I was a habitual aborter (didn't sound so nice). I was also having trouble with progesterone levels being high enough. Anyway she put me back on birth control for one month and I was going to start fertility shots, and low and behold... the next month I got pregnant on my own. I also used the progesterone suppositories during the beginning of this pregnancy. I don't know if the pill help to regulate things or if I just stopped being so stressed about it. I went on to have a normal pregnancy and a 3rd pregnancy with no problems getting pregnant. So as hard as it can be, hang in there. It's so difficult at the time when you are going through the miscarriage, but when you do finally have a successful pregnancy, you will know that is the child you were meant to have. My prayers are with you.

As soon as you find out you are pregnant have them check your levels. Make sure they are doubling like they should. Also make sure they check your progesterone levels and that those numbers are high enough. Low progesterone can cause miscarriage. It can be a hormonal thing. Make sure they do early untrasounds and that everything looks ok. Having one healthy baby and pregnancy does not mean that later pregnancies cannot be problematic. Many people have only been blessed with one baby because of problems after that. Keep trying and keeing the faith.

I had a very hard time having my second child. It was surprising because my 1st was conceived on the first try and was an effortless pregnancy. However after my first child I developed thryoid issues and my hormones were out of wack. It took many different doctors and years to finally have a second healthy baby. I had two MC. The second was very late and my doctor too said just keep trying. I researched my symptoms on my own and found a doctor the would test my for many different issues. Look for a different Dr. You should not have to have the magic #3 mc before you get help. I am so sorry you are going through this. It is so hard to have a sweet little cherub waiting for a sibling through all of this. I remember feeling so guilty. I know it can be hard just to make it through the day. I now have a 8 year old and a 3 year old and they love each other so much. It will happen for you. I don't know if you feel up to joining a support group but I joined a pregnancy loss group it really helped. I learned a lot from the women in the group. Many had gone to lots of extremes to try to conceive and carry to term and had lots of resources. If you would like I could try to look up my old resources. I am glad to say that I no longer have all of that info in my brain but can find it if it would help.

First of all, I am sorry for your losses. I know how devastating and frustrating they can be. I have had 3 m/c--one at 12 weeks (found out at my ultrasound), one at 8 weeks (started bleeding), and another at 10 weeks (found out at ultrasound). I could get pregnant fairly easy (I know I am lucky) but have a hard time maintaining a pregnancy. I have 2 healthy, happy sons now and I am grateful for them every single day.

I don't know old you are which might have some insight on this, but here is my advice. Make your doctor give you a metabolic panel--checking your thyroid levels and your glucose levels. Both can impact pregnancies. I would also look into going on progesterone suppositories as soon as you find out you are pg. There is no conclusive evidence that they help, but I was on them for both of my sons (from the day I found out I was PG to 10-12 weeks) so I am a believer in them.

Also make them check your blood sugar earlier than usual. I did this with my son (now 3 mo old) as soon as I found out I was pg. because I had gestational diabetes w/my 1st son--turns out my blood sugar was high. They would not have checked it until week 20--and this can cause m/c. too.

I would also have them do an ultrasound of your uterus to see if there are any structural abnormalities. I had a uterus w/a septum in it (which was discovered pre-pregnancies by accident)--I had surgery to remove the septum.

So, without knowing your history and medical situation of what you have/haven't tried already, I would start there. You could also try some things like acupuncture and chiropractic, if you are open to that I would recommend it.

Mostly: if your OB is not responsive, find one who is. So many times the medical community treats this very lightly when those of us who have been through it know the pain. You also have to be your own advocate: no one will do it for you. Read and educate yourself. I wish you the best!

I am sorry for your loss. Please have your thyroid checked by a specialist. A thyroid problem will continue to cause you to have misscarriages.

Miscarriages are very common - I read some statistic that said over 50% of all known and unknown pregnancies end in miscarriage. That being said, it's a shame doctors don't do more tests to determine the causes - especially in multiple situations. My friend has had multiple miscarriages, and it turns out she had an undiagnosed blood clotting condition. Only because her doctor was diligent with testing (after the first) did she find out about this potentially life threatening condition. I don't know if you can convince your doc to do more testing, but it's worth a shot to talk to other doctors if necessary.

i had 3 miscarriages in 2years. my dr did every test imaginable and came up with nothing. I too had a previous normal pregnancy to a healthy boy . decided to wait 1 year before trying again. Miracously became pregnant again with identical twin boys then 2 years later a girl. so as difficult as miscarraige is (which unless you experience it yourself you DO NOT understand) multiple ones are even more difficult to deal with. there can be light at the end of the tunnel. I wish I had some wonderful advice to give you to help you get through it but I don't other than try to remember how blessed you are with the one you have and that there can be a happy ending I am proof of that. A very heartfelt goodluck and although it probaly wont make you feel any better someone out here has been there.

M.,
A friend of mine has a 16 year old daughter and remarried almost three years ago. He has no children and they have been trying for quite some time. She has had several( 3 or 4) miscarriages within a year and a half around the same time or maybe a little farther. The doctors said nothing was wrong as she is still young. They kept trying and are expecting their first daughter together in 2 months. Hang in there and keep trying. I'm sure this must be the same type of scenario for you. Good luck and god bless.
A.

I lost two babie, one at 19 weeks and one at about 8 weeks (which I didn't discover that I lost until 11 weeks...) Needless to say, it sucks! I have 2 healthy boys and I give my chiropractor a LOT of credit. She did a thing called Contact Reflex Analysis (also called muscle testing) to help me figure out which homeopathic supplements my body (and babies) could benefit from. In my opinion, this is a way better place to start than trying synthetic hormones. My doc's name is Jodi Fidler and she practices at Davis Chiropractic in St. Louis Park. I think they also have a clinic in Excelcior or something. The phone number is ###-###-####. I'm pretty sure that she would give you a free consultation. You might want to call and ask. it can't hurt! Good luck!

M.,
My first pregnancy was normal with out any issues too but then I have 4 miscarriage after my first.We would hear the heat beat and then nothing after that. Come to find out my estrogen level would go down instead of up when you are pregnant. I had to go to a specialist to find this out. So when i was pregnant I had to get on the meds as soon as i found out. and after that i was able to carry my son to full term. Tell your OB that you would like to see a specialist to see if any thing is wrong. The best of luck

Eleven years old this happen to me too. I had 1 child 12 years prior to that time & tried to have another child. I also miscarried twice. My doctor told me to wait as my miscarriages were close together like yours. (he said give your body a break) tried again 9 to 12 months later I sucessfully got pregnant, carried & delivered a boy- now he is 10 & just as healthly as ever. I was also high risk. My doctor also told me on of his other patients had 6 kids & wanted another one but miscarried 6 times. He told her to stop & she did not and after the 7th time she carried a health child. Timing is the key I guess. I'll be praying for you!

Hi M.,
It looks like you've received quite a few responses, but I'll give you my two cents worth.
I miscarried at 8 weeks in January of this year. I have PCOS (polycycstic ovarian syndrome)and a low progesterone level can be an issue to maintain pregnancies. I already have a 2 year old daughter and I never had any issues with progesterone with her.
We knew it was because my progesterone level was too low. Even though I was getting shots two times a week my level went form 29 to 11. After the miscarriage, I was told to try again my next cycle because your fertility can actually be higher after a miscarriage. I was given a prescription for Prometrium, an oral form of progesterone. I was to start taking it at three days after my peak fertility signs (we use natural family planning and I keep record of my cervical mucus)for 10 days. My nurse practitioner said that it would help the baby implant and maintain a pregnancy. She was right and I got pregnant that next cycle after the miscarriage (February of this year). I then went in as soon as I had a positive pregnancy test and they gave me a shot of HCG and progesterone and checked my levels. I needed to keep getting two progesterone shots per week because my progesterone level lagged behind the curve of where it should be. I had to have these shots until August. I'm now 30 weeks pregnant and due on Dec. 2nd.
This pregnancy has taken a lot more work than the first one with my daughter, but it is completely worth it.
I would definitely talk with a doctor who would be willing to check my hormone levels. Dr. Thomas Hilgers (whom I've seen speak on EWTN and it famous for his work at the Pope Paul VI Institute) and Dr. Catherine Keefe are both in Omaha, NE. I found their contact information at www.fertilitycare.org in case you are interested in checking it out.

Good luck with all of this M.. I wish you the best.

D.

I have not had any miscarriages however I have had medical issues that doctors couldn't do anything about. My medical doctor told me western medicine was done with me and to try accupuncture. She also told me it has been proven to work for firtility issues. Accupuncture totally took care of my issues and I found I was sick much less often.

It is a bit pricy but I highly recommend giving it a try.

Hi M.. I agree on having your progesterone levels tested. I miscarried 6 times - all between 10 and 16 weeks - so know how you feel. I was put on special progesterone shots. They cost a fortune and hurt like crazy, but it might be worth it. Will pray that all goes well.

When we first started trying to get pregnant 6 years ago it took us 1 year of trying to finally get pregnant, then we got pregnant and went in for our 8 week ultrasound and they found nothing in there, we had to have a D&C and found out it was molar - which is no fetus just grape type things growing inside you that grow at a faster rate then a fetus. We were devistated. It took us yet another year to get pregnant again (we went on clomid), this one ended in a normal miscarriage at 8 weeks. 2 weeks after the second miscarriage we had a healthy prenancy (the doctor put us on progesterone to help me carry the baby) and now have a wonderful 2 1/2 year old boy. Since it took us so long to have our first we started trying at 6 months for the second one. After 2 years of trying we started on Letrozole, we got pregnant the first month and had our 3rd miscarriage and they finally decided to do testing and they have found nothing wrong with me. We are now starting the letrozole again and will hopefully conceive a healthy baby once again.

Good luck with you and it will happen, sometimes it just takes more patience then we can muster when you want something so badly.

It sounds like you are low in progesterone. I'm a registered nurse and my husband and I taught natural family planning for 8 years. We've struggled with our own infertility too. After 2 high risk pregnancies and an unexplained early 2nd trimester miscarriage I switched to another doctor through many recommendations. He did a full hormonal work up on me during the post ovulation phase of my cycle and I was deficient in progesterone and a little deficient in estrogen. He also did a follicular study that showed I have premature ovarian rupture (sometimes the follicles rupture immaturely). If conception takes place that will always end in an early miscarriage too.

Let me explain the role of progesterone in the female body. Until you ovulate your estrogen is elevated. Once you ovulate your progesterone level should increace which will build up your endometrium lining (the uterus), which will allow for a healthy implantation when a baby is concieved. If progesterone is low, you can sometimes still get pregnant;however, the reproductive system is in a weakened state. If your progesterone doesn't maintain a certain level once pregnant then you will likely have a early miscarriage, or later complications in your pregnancy, which has been the case for us as well.

There really is a lot more that progesterone is necessary for, I've just given you a very simple explanation.

If I were you, I would switch to another doctor who has been trained in this area.

The only doctor I know of in Omaha who is a specialist in infertility is Dr. Thomas Hilgers. He finds the root of problem and then treats it, instead of putting a band-aid on it, so to speak. He's had years of research in this area too. I don't go to him for insurance reasons. I drive to a physician in Lincoln. His name is Paul Hayes. He accepts most insurances and he studied with Dr. HIlgers for 18 months. He's really helped me with my hormonal issues. I can give you his phone no if you're interested.

Please let me know if you have more questions!

Good luck! my heart goes out to you as I know what it is like to miscarry and it is very painful emotionally!

'k, lots of advice - but truly, you need to follow your heart! Everyone experiences m/c differently! And from momma to momma, doctor to doctor, nurse to nurse... everyone has traveled a different path.

We struggled immensely with our first pregnancy's 11 1/2 wk miscarriage. We'd not been exposed to m/c and, as a result, were devastated.

We struggled with subsequent conception and pregnancies - never really determining what the causes for each were. As a result, we underwent as many tests/procedures as our OB would administer. When ovulation was a factor, we tried clomid with numerous ultrasounds... tried insemmination... tried and tried... (practiced and practiced)... and with seven pregnancies, have three precious babes to have and hold. First was m/c at 11 1/2 wks, no cause determined, and all of the others were with progesterone suppositories... all but the last with fertility intervention. - 2nd pregnancy - first son, third preg = mc at 4 wks, fourth preg = 37 1/21 week stillbirth - no certain cause, fifth preg = m/c at 8 wks, followed by a d&c, sixth preg = our 4 year old daughter, and then... I chose to breastfeed her for forever... thought she'd be our last try at the hormones and emotions and financial side of things... (insurance didn't cover our expenses... so at times, we worked supplemental jobs to cover 1200.00 monthly billings) - and then I became pregnant with our youngest daughter.

During our journey - we encountered mommas suffering similar circumstances - and chose to help develop a pregnancy and infant loss support group at our church. We met monthly - and the group is now in the sixth year! Helping mommas. Helping daddys.

So, back to where I began - every baby's conception creates a parent! And for every person, the experience is different. You need to find what it is that works for you - whether it's a group - a new doc - or even a consult with the doc you have... just really talking through your options.

Best of luck to you! (oh, yeah - our stillborn baby was devastating... just as the m/c's were... but somehow made such a huge impact because of the funeral, etc... but having our son helped soooo much... to have him, to hold him, and to love him... and he talks frequently (six years later) to his friends about how many sisters he has. He's always saying he has two sisters getting in his things, and four more in heaven!)

Blessings!
T.

Hi M.,
I'm sorry for your loss! I also had two miscarriages, one at seven weeks and one at nine weeks. Then my OB performed a cervical biopsy to see if I had a Luteal Phase Defect. This means you do not produce enough progesterone for the baby to survive. Between ovulation and your period, your body gets "screwed-up" and thinks it's day 14 when actually it's day 20 (for example). You will never know you have this unless you have this test, because you probably have regular periods, as I did. My OB said they used to wait until after three miscarriages until they performed this test, but now that women are waiting until later in life to have children, they do it after two. Hopefully, you don't have to wait until then! I know other women that have LPD have had one child and then had miscarriages before they find out the problem. What I did to correct this problem is take progesterone suppositories twice a day for the first 12 weeks. There's more to the process than that, but I'm sure your OB can explain it. Now, I have a beautiful baby girl and am trying to get pregnant again! Good Luck!

Has your Dr. tested you for a clotting disorder? I know of a few women with similiar storiws and they were diagnosed with clotting disorders. They have to take asprin for life (not when pregnant) and heprin injwctions when pregnant to prevent clots in the umbilical cord from starving unborn baby. just one of the links I have heard of for misscairge after having 1 sucsessful birth. I wish you luck. M.

Both of my miscarriages were caused by my progesterone level was too low. You can always test for this. When you find out your pregnant again have you level checked. If its low you can be put on supplements. It helped me.

Hi M.,
Have you ever considered alternative medicine? In particular, Chinese medicine can be very helpful in issues of fertility, pregnancy, and gynecologic health. Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture have been used for mellenia with great success. They help restore balance to your body where imbalances may exist. I personally know several women who have had successful pregnancies with the help of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). I just thought I'd throw it out there!
Good luck to you and your family.

I don't know what test it was but discovered I had a bacterial infection in my uterus which was causing my miscarriages. Most of the Dr.s would just say miscarriages were normal and just keep trying but my husband and I found a OB who was willing to run some tests and had 4 beautiful, healthy children after that. I had one more miscarriage after it but believe it was due to a long, stressful none stop trip from NY to WI. I was only about 10 weeks along. Try to stay calm and relaxed and if you believe in prayer ask for clarification.

I am so sorry. I also have had two preborn babies die. I am currently pregnant. I went to the Pope Paul VI Institute in Omaha. They take every miscarriage seriously. Most Doctors won't do anything until you have had three. At any rate. It was discovered that I have a thyroid problem and my progesterone is low. I would encourage you to contact them. It is very hard to get in to them, sometimes taking 3-5 months for an appointment. They have train other doctors and you may be able to find one in your area. I think there is a link on their websight.

I had two miscarriages between my first two children. I don't know why. I didn't have any problems with my following pregnancies. They were different types, however. One was a "chemical pregnancy" where they said that most women would not have even known they were pregnant, just had a late period. It didn't even show up on an at-home test but I went in for a blood test because I knew something was weird. The HCG level was so low. The other one, however, I miscarried at 9 weeks along - but it had stopped growing at 5 weeks. I let it naturally happen instead of having a D&C. I still don't know why but I just figure now that it was supposed to happen for some reason. Definitely talk to your doctor about your concerns though and get some testing if you want it. Good luck in the process! It can be so frustrating and heart-wrenching trying to emotionally heal after a miscarriage.

After my miscarriage, it seemed forever before getting pregnant again (even though it really wasn't). It seemed as though when I stopped thinking about it so much (getting pregnant) is when it happened for me. I had something else to preoccupy my mind (my dog had unplanned pups). I was so engrossed in helping her and the pups... a few weeks later, I was pregnant. Maybe the stress of it didn't help the body.
Long story short... maybe concentrate on something else for now and try again later.
I hope you get good news soon. I'll be thinking of you.
~SR

Hi M.-
Sorry to hear about that-it's rough. I had only one but have a girlfriend who had 5. The reason I think I only had one is we chatted and she told me about a book- the yeast syndrome. She changed her body pH with this technique and had 4 successful pregnancies.
I started to take caprilic acid tabs (after unsuccessful attempts even the docs said go to invitro) and after one month got pregnant with my twins. The did put me on progesterone to retain just in case.
My girlfriend unsuccessful was attempting invitro- got some good nutritional shakes from me also did the book techniques- and had 2 successful invitro pregnancies.
The yeast syndrome- check it out - can't hurt and blessings

About me- 48 yo med prof., wellness coach and mom to 7yo twin girls

B. J

I had 2 miscarraiges before having a baby...Both of them I had no Idea anything was wrong until I went in for my 12 week check. Then on the ultrasounds they said I was only six weeks along (which I knew wasn't possible) I don't kow what happened, but the babies were not alive. I had to have D&C's with both. My doctor did a million tests on me and my husband and they found nothing wrong. It really hurts to have to go through that, I know. But after it happened to me I could not believe all of the women I knew who said the same thing happened to them as well. I feel for you, but hang in there and just keep trying, you'll have another baby. (My doctor did have me take a baby asprin, low dose 81 mg until I was like 20 weeks along with my 1st successful pregnancy. I don't know what that was supposed to do, or if it is what worked, but that is the only thing I did that was out of the ordinary.) Good luck!

I second on getting your progestrone checked...I was on clomid with two pregnancies and carried two babies to term. the pregnancy i was not on clomid i had a miscarrage....clomid has progestrone in it...doesnt hurt to ask...and if you think your doctor is dismissing the problem, go to a specialist.

I'd request they check progesterone levels... while 1 in 3 pregnancies end in miscarriage, since you've had 2 I'd check it. Should be at least 15 after ovulation to carry pregnancy-- mine was between 5-8. I supplemented suppositories fir first 10 weeks with no problems. Good luck!

Hi M.,
My youngest daughter had 3 miscarriages in 2 yrs before giving birth to a beautiful baby boy that will be 2 yrs old in November. It is a hard thing to go through both emotionally and physically. Keep trying, stay positive and maybe give your body a full year to heal before trying again though. That advice came from my daughter's doctor to her and it seemed to work the 3rd time around.

Good luck and God Bless!
D.

My grandmother had 3 pregnancies that went to term without complications and 4 miscarriages spread throughout the term pregnancies. Many women have miscarriages, some don't even know they were ever pregnant. The truth is a miscarriage is more commen in the 1st trimester then some people think. There could be many reasons for one to occur so try not to get discouraged The doctor is right keep trying.