Pregnant after IF/loss - Page 2

[no5no5]

Originally Posted by WeasleyMum

I haven't done any kind of treatment except the progesterone (and aspirin and folic acid on the grounds that they can't hurt and could help, and put DH on a boatload of supplements). My REs seem to think my ovulation is ok-- I'm not sure what they're basing that on but I do ovulate regularly and get pregnant easily. They did an ultrasound where they looked at my ovaries, and an HSG to see the whole system, so to speak. That was neat. To be honest, I've had so many blood tests done that I'm not sure about all of them anymore-- I can't remember if they did TSH. I think they did. I know they did the thyroid one (twice actually), as I was very interested in that because my mom has hypothyroidism and it caused her at least one miscarriage. EVERY test they did on me except the prog. came up normal-normal-normal.

I had the ultrasound and HSG and they both came back totally normal too. But my RE still wanted me to try fertility drugs. Maybe he's crazy, but it's worth a shot. In fact, I would probably have tried it in 2 months or so if I hadn't gotten pregnant. Anyway, it is at least worth thinking about.

Wrt the thyroid thing, I would go back and check, especially if you have thyroid issues in your family. Many REs say your TSH level is fine even if it is slightly high, but even a slightly high TSH level can mess your cycles up. And most REs don't check antibodies unless the TSH is off, which is dumb because your TSH could be totally normal and you could still have Hashimoto's thyroiditis (which is what I have). My TSH did test within the lab's definition of the "normal" range, but it was actually high because the real normal range has been revised downwards. But it still didn't look like a huge issue until my doc also tested my antibodies, which were through the roof.

[Critty]

I also have Hashimotos and had been getting my doctor to check my thryroid for YEARS because I didn't have any energy. Finally when I came down with another autoimmune disease, I was checked for Hashimotos (antibodies) and it was positive. Also, within that time, they changed what is considered normal for an underactive thryoid. Now I am on a pretty high dose of Synthroid and am finally losing weight and keeping my hair in my head.

[WeasleyMum]

Originally Posted by BlissfullyLoving

Has you dh had a SA done?

Actually no. We've both had done a genetic karotyping (blood test) but they didn't do the SA on him mainly because we've gotten pregnant so many times, so easily. They did suggest an amazing number of supplements for DH, though, just in case. If something goes wrong with this pregnancy, I think I'm going to insist on an SA...

Originally Posted by Critty

I also have Hashimotos and had been getting my doctor to check my thryroid for YEARS because I didn't have any energy. Finally when I came down with another autoimmune disease, I was checked for Hashimotos (antibodies) and it was positive. Also, within that time, they changed what is considered normal for an underactive thryoid. Now I am on a pretty high dose of Synthroid and am finally losing weight and keeping my hair in my head.

Shoot. I've been checked for a LOT of different antibodies, but I don't remember all their names. (I just remember watching vial after vial filling up with blood and thinking, "I could have donated with this amount!") I THINK the Hashimotos was one of them but I'm not positive, I'll have to check my paperwork at home. Outside of these miscarriages, though, I'm really quite healthy; with the exception of a few allergies and stress headaches, I have no "symptoms" in my day-to-day life that would point to any other conditions. (Whenever I read symptoms lists and see "weight gain" I get excited, but then it says "unexplained" and mine could be fully explained by Ben and Jerry. )

MAN it would be great if this pregnancy sticks and all of this speculation could remain an interesting, academic exploration... instead of notes for next time.

[ann_of_loxley]

I can totally relate.... I am not even here yet but am hoping to be. If there is one thing I have learned from all of this is not to be naive. However, I dont want that notion causing me to live in fear and glum until a baby is in my arms! We are currently trying after a m/c...I was worried about m/c when I found out I was pregnant last cycle but you never think its going to happen to do...and then it did (my worst fear at that time)... Now I am thinking that if I get pregnant this cycle I dont even want to tell anyone because of all the things I felt last time. It was a real loss to me - a death. And I felt so stupid and silly for even telling close friends I was pregnant because not even a week after that did I miscarry. I think when I get pregnant again I will have even more worries!...its crazy!

[BlissfullyLoving]

Originally Posted by WeasleyMum

Actually no. We've both had done a genetic karotyping (blood test) but they didn't do the SA on him mainly because we've gotten pregnant so many times, so easily. They did suggest an amazing number of supplements for DH, though, just in case. If something goes wrong with this pregnancy, I think I'm going to insist on an SA...

MAN it would be great if this pregnancy sticks and all of this speculation could remain an interesting, academic exploration... instead of notes for next time.

For now we are celebrating and all of this talk is exploration like you said. If it turns out that you any of do need further testing because of the worst ( then we have some more info. I would suggest that SA because I have heard anecdotally of people that miscarried because of the sperm. One story in particular was of a woman that had no difficulty getting pregnant, but kept having miscarriages. They could not find anything wrong with her. When they finally tested him they found out he was creating an excessive amount of oddly developed sperm that would lead to their miscarriages. I think it took 5 pregnancies and losses before they even tested him.

Originally Posted by ann_of_loxley

I can totally relate.... I am not even here yet but am hoping to be. If there is one thing I have learned from all of this is not to be naive. However, I dont want that notion causing me to live in fear and glum until a baby is in my arms! We are currently trying after a m/c...I was worried about m/c when I found out I was pregnant last cycle but you never think its going to happen to do...and then it did (my worst fear at that time)... Now I am thinking that if I get pregnant this cycle I dont even want to tell anyone because of all the things I felt last time. It was a real loss to me - a death. And I felt so stupid and silly for even telling close friends I was pregnant because not even a week after that did I miscarry. I think when I get pregnant again I will have even more worries!...its crazy!

That is how I felt too. I have been devastated. I am trying so hard to put my fears aside. Worrying is not going to change the outcome, and it certainly will not make me feel less pain if there is a loss. I decided to just embrace this pregnancy and enjoy it while it lasts. I want all the joy and happiness I can get out of this pregnancy.

[no5no5]

Originally Posted by BlissfullyLoving

Worrying is not going to change the outcome, and it certainly will not make me feel less pain if there is a loss.

It's good to have a backup plan--WeasleyMum, I'm thinking of you here--but not at the expense of experiencing your pregnancy. Bliss, you've convinced me. Hey, I'm pregnant. : After a year of TTC, I should be THRILLED. I'm going to try. Here's to trying. lol.

[BlissfullyLoving]

Originally Posted by no5no5

Bliss, you've convinced me. Hey, I'm pregnant. : After a year of TTC, I should be THRILLED. I'm going to try. Here's to trying. lol.

Yay! : : :

[sonuptosondown]

We've had two losses, our first pregnancy ended at 12 weeks (it was a missed a/b--baby measured 8 weeks). Then another loss, a little boy, at 17w2d, probably because of a cord accident. So I am another one here who can understand that extra level of worry when you've experienced what can go wrong in a pregnancy. I imagine it would be equally worrisome to deal with IF for so long and then finally get pg. You probably feel like so much depends on that pregnancy and that a loss would throw you back into another round of IF? I've never been in that situation, and am thankful.

Originally Posted by ann_of_loxley

I can totally relate.... I am not even here yet but am hoping to be. If there is one thing I have learned from all of this is not to be naive. However, I dont want that notion causing me to live in fear and glum until a baby is in my arms! We are currently trying after a m/c...I was worried about m/c when I found out I was pregnant last cycle but you never think its going to happen to do...and then it did (my worst fear at that time)... Now I am thinking that if I get pregnant this cycle I dont even want to tell anyone because of all the things I felt last time. It was a real loss to me - a death. And I felt so stupid and silly for even telling close friends I was pregnant because not even a week after that did I miscarry. I think when I get pregnant again I will have even more worries!...its crazy!

There are some good books out there for ttc after a loss and being pg after a loss--I can recommend some or you can search on amazon. I just found that the "normal" books like "what to expect", etc, didn't address my feelings very well. Something like that might help you deal with your next pregnancy? I also attended a pregnancy loss support group at our local hospital and lived for those meetings for a while. I know there are support groups for pgcy after a loss, too, but don't have any around me.

I pretty much cut off communication with all my friends and acquaintances after losing our ds in the 2nd trimester. I barely remember those weeks and months. Now, though, I am able to remember the good things about that pregnancy, like when we found out (it was a little bit of a surprise) and feeling the kicks. Losing a pregnancy doesn't erase the good things about the pregnancy.

Originally Posted by BlissfullyLoving

That is how I felt too. I have been devastated. I am trying so hard to put my fears aside. Worrying is not going to change the outcome, and it certainly will not make me feel less pain if there is a loss. I decided to just embrace this pregnancy and enjoy it while it lasts. I want all the joy and happiness I can get out of this pregnancy.

Sounds like a great idea!! I am having AF-type cramps and a tiny amount of spotting now (15dpo) and I know my prog is low. So I don't know. I'm trying just to enjoy every moment of being pg, like you said.

[BlissfullyLoving]

Originally Posted by sonuptosondown

We've had two losses, our first pregnancy ended at 12 weeks (it was a missed a/b--baby measured 8 weeks). Then another loss, a little boy, at 17w2d, probably because of a cord accident. So I am another one here who can understand that extra level of worry when you've experienced what can go wrong in a pregnancy. I imagine it would be equally worrisome to deal with IF for so long and then finally get pg. You probably feel like so much depends on that pregnancy and that a loss would throw you back into another round of IF? I've never been in that situation, and am thankful.

I pretty much cut off communication with all my friends and acquaintances after losing our ds in the 2nd trimester. I barely remember those weeks and months. Now, though, I am able to remember the good things about that pregnancy, like when we found out (it was a little bit of a surprise) and feeling the kicks. Losing a pregnancy doesn't erase the good things about the pregnancy.

Sounds like a great idea!! I am having AF-type cramps and a tiny amount of spotting now (15dpo) and I know my prog is low. So I don't know. I'm trying just to enjoy every moment of being pg, like you said.

I am so sorry for your losses.

Are you taking a progesterone supplement? I am sure you already know cramping and spotting can be a very normal experience of a healthy pregnancy, but I want to remind you. I had a lot of spotting when I was pregnant with ds when af was due and again at 8 weeks. It does not always indicate a problem, but I know when I saw I was spotting last night I could only think the worst.

[sonuptosondown]

Originally Posted by BlissfullyLoving

I am so sorry for your losses.

Are you taking a progesterone supplement? I am sure you already know cramping and spotting can be a very normal experience of a healthy pregnancy, but I want to remind you. I had a lot of spotting when I was pregnant with ds when af was due and again at 8 weeks. It does not always indicate a problem, but I know when I saw I was spotting last night I could only think the worst.

Thank yous
I was started on Prometrium 200mg 1xday last Friday, 12dpo, as soon as the results came back. That's what I was prescribed last time, too, so I hope it does the same good work. I'm also slathering on the natural progesterone cream I bought at the health food store. I get re-tested this Friday to make sure the level went up.
I've never had spotting at this point. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[heatherh]

WeasleyMum - I really hope you get your LO this time.

Originally Posted by BlissfullyLoving

I decided to just embrace this pregnancy and enjoy it while it lasts. I want all the joy and happiness I can get out of this pregnancy.

I am setting my fears aside and enjoying every moment, too. So far I've been remarkably calm but very emotional. Focusing on the hopefully-will-bes instead of the what-ifs.

And I guess I can introduce myself a bit. This is my 3rd pregnancy and we've been TTC since April 2006. It took us 7 and 8 cycles to get pg the first times. I had some thyroid issues (slightly hypo) that we discovered right before I got pg the 2nd time and corrected but still m/c (related? who knows.). Anyway, this time I got pg way faster - only 2 cycles!

[BlissfullyLoving]

Originally Posted by heatherh

I am setting my fears aside and enjoying every moment, too. So far I've been remarkably calm but very emotional. Focusing on the hopefully-will-bes instead of the what-ifs.

:

me: I took another test this morning. Still positive and came up faster and darker then last time. Yay! I was nervous (after the spotting) that I was not going to make it through the week, past when af was due, but I am starting to feel confident I will. I will test again on Saturday when dh is home.

[heatherh]

Originally Posted by BlissfullyLoving

:

me: I took another test this morning. Still positive and came up faster and darker then last time. Yay! I was nervous (after the spotting) that I was not going to make it through the week, past when af was due, but I am starting to feel confident I will. I will test again on Saturday when dh is home.

Yep, fast dark tests sure are comforting, huh? I'm so excited for both of us!

[BlissfullyLoving]

Originally Posted by heatherh

Yep, fast dark tests sure are comforting, huh? I'm so excited for both of us!

Me too! It is so great that you are here with me. I wish we could bring everyone over.

[no5no5]

Originally Posted by sonuptosondown

I imagine it would be equally worrisome to deal with IF for so long and then finally get pg. You probably feel like so much depends on that pregnancy and that a loss would throw you back into another round of IF?

Yeah. I hope that it wouldn't, but my RE said that he didn't think the synthroid I am on now would have an effect on my ability to conceive. So basically, I disagree and think that it is the reason I am now pregnant, but he could be right. And if he's right, it might take another year or more to get pregnant again. I am still fairly young (29) but I have an older husband (40) and a 2 1/2 year old daughter who needs a sibling. Plus my dad and DH's parents are getting up there. So there's a lot of pressure to procreate asap. I told my mom when we started trying and she called two weeks later to see if we were pregnant yet.

On a positive note, I saw my (new) OB yesterday and she seems really great. I should hear back this am about my progesterone levels, and if they're okay it will be a huge relief. Plus she scheduled me for a 7-week ultrasound, which I guess is not SOP here (it was back home where my DD was born). And she says she is willing to monitor my thyroid levels every 6 weeks instead of just once a trimester, basically just because I confessed myself to be insanely paranoid.

Hey, have any of you ladies had your FSH tested in early pregnancy? My OB had them test that along with the progesterone, and I can't help thinking it's a mistake. I can't figure out any reason to do that test.

[BlissfullyLoving]

Originally Posted by no5no5

Yeah. I hope that it wouldn't, but my RE said that he didn't think the synthroid I am on now would have an effect on my ability to conceive. So basically, I disagree and think that it is the reason I am now pregnant, but he could be right. And if he's right, it might take another year or more to get pregnant again. I am still fairly young (29) but I have an older husband (40) and a 2 1/2 year old daughter who needs a sibling. Plus my dad and DH's parents are getting up there. So there's a lot of pressure to procreate asap. I told my mom when we started trying and she called two weeks later to see if we were pregnant yet.

On a positive note, I saw my (new) OB yesterday and she seems really great. I should hear back this am about my progesterone levels, and if they're okay it will be a huge relief. Plus she scheduled me for a 7-week ultrasound, which I guess is not SOP here (it was back home where my DD was born). And she says she is willing to monitor my thyroid levels every 6 weeks instead of just once a trimester, basically just because I confessed myself to be insanely paranoid.

Hey, have any of you ladies had your FSH tested in early pregnancy? My OB had them test that along with the progesterone, and I can't help thinking it's a mistake. I can't figure out any reason to do that test.

I have a few friends with thryroid problems, and both of them had fasting bloodwork for their thyroid for their whole pregnancy. From what I have read it is very important to have monthly checks to make sure that thyroid levels are where they should be for the health of the baby and mom. I would ask your endocrinologist about this.

[no5no5]

Originally Posted by BlissfullyLoving

I have a few friends with thryroid problems, and both of them had fasting bloodwork for their thyroid for their whole pregnancy. From what I have read it is very important to have monthly checks to make sure that thyroid levels are where they should be for the health of the baby and mom. I would ask your endocrinologist about this.

Hm. I've actually _never_ done fasting thyroid labs. Do you know where you read that monthly labs are necessary? I tried to find something that would say how often the labs should be done but I couldn't. My OB indicated that if she ordered them more than every 6 weeks my insurance would be unlikely to pay for them.

[BlissfullyLoving]

Originally Posted by no5no5

Hm. I've actually _never_ done fasting thyroid labs. Do you know where you read that monthly labs are necessary? I tried to find something that would say how often the labs should be done but I couldn't. My OB indicated that if she ordered them more than every 6 weeks my insurance would be unlikely to pay for them.

Let me look around and see what I can find. I did not need that knowledge for myself, so I did not bookmark it. I will let you know.

As far as insurance, both of my friends had their insurance pay for the labs. I would talk with your endocrinologist about this. Your ob is a surgical specialist not someone that specializes in thyroid issues. He/She may not know the intricacies of thyroid control (nor do I). I am only passing along my very limited experience and knowledge.

[no5no5]

Originally Posted by BlissfullyLoving

Let me look around and see what I can find. I did not need that knowledge for myself, so I did not bookmark it. I will let you know.

As far as insurance, both of my friends had their insurance pay for the labs. I would talk with your endocrinologist about this. Your ob is a surgical specialist not someone that specializes in thyroid issues. He/She may not know the intricacies of thyroid control (nor do I). I am only passing along my very limited experience and knowledge.

Thanks. I appreciate your help. My endocrinologist is not super helpful, so I feel like I have to work it all out for myself. :

[BlissfullyLoving]

Originally Posted by no5no5

Thanks. I appreciate your help. My endocrinologist is not super helpful, so I feel like I have to work it all out for myself. :

Sorry. Can you find another endocrinologist? In my opinion, with something like this it would be best to have an "expert". On thryoid.org I found a lot of information. It is recommended to having testing every 6-8 weeks, but if there is a change in medication (or in your case a new medication) the testing should be done every 4 weeks. Look around that site under pregnancy, and you will find a lot of information. That is not where I originally saw the 4 week testing, but I think it probably has the same information as what I read.

Keeping you in my thoughts!