Mid-Term Miscarriages....Desperate for Answers?

Question

I'm 34 and have had numerous miscarriages over the years...all of them starting with my water breaking at 17 weeks exactly then labor being induced because the baby could survive without the amniotic fluids. I'm never dialated when my water breaks so it's not my cervix. The doctors have run many tests and everything shows normal but obviously something is wrong. Has anyone else experienced this or do you know anyone who has? Any suggestions on what it might be. Giving birth to these babies at 17 is emotionally traumatic and I'm afraid of trying to get pregnant again. I would really appreciate any information you might have.

Answer 1

I'm so sorry for what you've been through - I cannot imagine carrying the baby for that length of time and then losing it....and going through the heartbreak again!

Repeated late miscarriages are usually caused by structural abnormalities like incompetent cervix. Since you've had that checked out, I would look at other causes like metabolic diseases (such as diabetes) or vaginal infections or even cancer, all of which can cause fetal death. Rarely, late miscarriages can also be caused by a malfunction in the mother's immune system or disorders like antiphospholipid syndrome.

Bloodwork and other special testing may be necessary to get to the bottom of this mystery.

Have you considered seeing a high-risk OB or a perinatologist? Late miscarriages are a whole different ballgame than early miscarriages and should be looked into by a specialist.

My prayers are with you.

Answer 2

I am very very sorry to hear of your losses. I found this article that may help answer some of your questions. Good luck and I hope you carry to term if you choose to try again.

http://www.ivillage.co.uk/pregnancyandbaby/pregnancy/losspreg/qas/0,,19_161090,00.html

Embryonic abnormalities where chromosomal defects occur are very common. In this group splitting and rejoining of genetic material at the time of fertilisation may be at fault. The new foetus contains material genetically foreign to the mother. In any other area of the body this would cause a rejection of such foreign material - a normal immune reaction. However, in most, but not all, cases the foetus is not rejected and the baby continues to grow and develop. It's thought, therefore, that sometimes the usual 'protection' of a newly formed foetus is not present, causing miscarriage. Up to 30% of spontaneous miscarriages have been attributed to this reason.

Some spontaneous miscarriages at a later stage are caused by an insufficiency in the placental bed where poor structure and function prevents proper development of the foetus. Similarly, if the maternal uterus (womb) has a minor fault that has been present since the time of its own development, this could contribute to the non-support of an early pregnancy. The cervix, or neck of the womb, may also have a structural weakness. This could be congenital (from birth) leading to recurrent miscarriages, or it may be acquired. In the latter case it could follow a previous over-stretching of the cervix at a dilatation and curettage procedure (a 'D&C' operation) In either of these two cases the miscarriage is normally at a much later stage of pregnancy - say 12 weeks.

Answer 3

Im not suggesting you have any of these but I have looked this up before for my friend. Just some things you may want to rule out if you haven't already.
STD infections can cause second trimester miscarriage, genital herpes and facial wart related viruses. Late miscarriages are diagnosed when a pregnancy loss appears within 12-20 weeks of pregnancy. They are caused by a variety of factors with the rate being lower than that of early abortions. There is no way to prevent a natural abortion since it occurs spontaneously. STD infections can cause second trimester miscarriage, genital herpes and facial wart related viruses.
Second trimester miscarriages happen not as aften as a miscarriage in the first trimester and can be the result of cervical cancer or other severe disorder of the mother. Most early pregnancy losses are due to genetics and cannot be prevented. At 35 the chance of miscarrying rises to one in four. Most of them occur in the first 13 weeks, or first trimester. Second trimester miscarriages happen not as aften as a miscarriage in the first trimester and can be the result of cervical cancer or other severe disorder of the mother.
Sorry to have to write the above but its best you know everything, before you take the next step. Im trying to help not be mean or scare you Good Luck with Everything :)

Answer 4

The Republicans had a masterful media campaign and voter turnout effort which the Dems neglected. That is all that makes the difference because people are gullible. I have no idea why Dems did not vote especially seniors when social services were on the line, would vote for Republicans at all. They must be confused like they were in Florida with the butterfly ballots and they all voted for Pat Buchanan lol Most people on YA are right-wing definitely so they will agree with you. The real world is one of hard luck and no jobs. Do you think that is because of too much regulation or taxation? That is a myth.

Answer 5

a very close friend of mine continues to miscarry, late in the pregnancy, also. She was dx with a blood clotting disease. See if your OB/GYN can run some blood work, just to make sure everything is okay. a CBC can reveal many things. I wouldn't give up, just keep having doctors run tests. don't give up.
Good luck & baby dust!

Answer 6

are they checking your progesterone levels when you get pregnant?
maybe your uterus isn't able to sustain the pregnancy cause it is week.
this is what happened to me at 18 weeks, my water broke and i wasn't dilated or anything i was able to hold till 23 weeks then had to deliver.
with my next pregnancy we found my body didn't produce enough progesterone and since ihave beent aking it have been able to carry to full term.
just somthing to ask i guess.
good luck

Answer 7

nope