Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: Healthy Pregnancy

Question:
My wife and I have just had a second miscarriage and are just starting to get back to normal. My wife (Jane) is a little concerned that she knows a lot of people who have had a single miscarriage and this greatly helped her the first time. We were surprised just how many people had, I suppose it's not something you bring up over a drink. However since the second miscarriage we have not talked to anyone who has had 2 or three miscarriages and gone on to have a normal pregnancy. If you are one of these people or can offer her any words of encouragement please post or email.

Answer:
Anyway, I have had 2 miscarriages. I, like Jane, went through the same thing after my first miscarriage (Aug. 1996). I found a lot of freinds that had experienced miscarriage and then went on to concieve and have a normal, healthy pregnancy. I felt very alone and scared after my second miscarriage (Nov. 1996). (I should mention that my husband and I have a 2 year old daughter. My pregnancy with her was VERY easy. This made my miscarriages even more strange) Well, believe me, you ARE NOT ALONE!!! However, you may want to have your doctor run some test before trying to concieve again. Some doctors don't start doing blood tests until you have three miscarriages, however, recent studies have shown that no one should have to go through three miscarriages to get the help they need. The blood tests my doctor did on me showed that my body produces thyroid antibodies (that have been linked to miscarriage). I also, do not produce blocking antibodies needed to protect the fetus. I am in good health (my thyroid funtion is fine) and would have never known any of this if my OBGYN had not tested me for immunological disorders. I want to add that other than the possibility of my thyroid somday burning out (not a big deal), these are strickly pregnancy related problems, so don't panic! Immunological factors are the newest thing that is being looked at for the cause of miscarriage. If you look through the support group you will see what I mean. I have found some great info. on the net that you can search. There is a Dr. Beer in Chicago IL that specializes in immunological causes for miscarriage. You can visit Dr. Beer's web site at http://www.finchcms.edu/clinic/beerwww.html. Also if you search INCIID (you may have to try a few different search engines) you will find more info. I don't know where you are, (I am in California) however, I just heard an ad on a local radio station that there is an infertility seminar going around (they will be discussing all sorts of infertility / pregnancy loss situations, including immunological problems). The 800 number to call for more info. is (800) 999-9075. Then again, none of this may apply to you. I would however, ask your doctor to run some blood test and USE A GOOD LAB!!! (some labs are not capable of doing these tests!) Yes, I personally have several friends (at least six) who have had healthy babies after two, and even more, losses! There is much reason for you to be hopeful! As you probably already know, even after two losses, statistically you aren't any more likely to miscarry again than most of the rest of the population. In other words, the odds are definitely in your favor, from what I understand. My sister, for one. She had two children, two miscarriages, and then three more children. Another friend had 3 miscarriages, and then 2 healthy children.