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Too soon for a fertility specialist / consult?

898 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  BeeandOwlsMum
This is in a nutshell our story. Conceived ds (1st pregnancy) in about 6 months, uneventful. Still nursing at this time, first period showed last december, luteal phases very short (8-9 days), conceived in April with help of vitex/ B6/ progesterone. Now at 9 weeks, learned that embryo stopped developing at 6-7 weeks, waiting to miscarry. I will be 35 in 3 weeks.
I hadn't even thought about it, but dh suggested we might see an RE, esp. since we would love to have 3 or 4 kids. Would it do any good, or are we just being overly anxious/paranoid? And if we do see one, what to expect?
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First off, I'm so sorry for your loss!

As to how to proceed, it's really a personal choice. But, if I were in your shoes, I don't think I'd see an RE. It's expensive, time-consuming and stressful, and there doesn't seem to be any evidence of a problem at this point. Each of your pregnancies was conceived within 6 months, which is totally normal. An RE can help get people pregnant who otherwise can't, but they can't necessarily make it happen faster for a relatively healthy couple. In fact, with preliminary testing and preparation for medicated cycles, it could take longer than it would on your own.

Also, unfortunately, as we get older the risk of miscarriage increases. There's nothing that an RE can do to reverse this natural trend. A miscarriage at 6-7 weeks is typically due to a random chromosomal problem which also can't be "fixed" with medical help.

I'm not sure what an RE could do other than suggest fertility drugs, which may or may not help you get pregnant faster. Of course, if you'd feel better talking to someone and can afford it, then by all means do.
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Once you are 35, most fertility docs will see you without a long wait (like a year). So you shouldn't have a problem.
Hi Gabry, I'm sorry for your loss too, and I agree with Jeniferm about probably not seeing an RE.

However, you may want to see a naturopath or midwife who knows herbs/nutrition to help your next pregnancy along. Breastfeeding does increase the risk of m/c but many women feel uncomfortable weaning for that reason.

The one test you might want to do is progesterone. Your short lp's may be due to a deficiency. I don't know if vitex if safe while breastfeeding, but if it is, that may help your cycles be more balanced.

Good luck!

M
Thanks for your replies, those are all sensible comments. I'm thinking we'll probably hold off for now. I did just speak with my ob again, who clarified that it looked like there was a chromosomal abnormality (very large yolksacs - two!!), so luteal phase defect would have nothing to do with this m/c. However, nonetheless she said it might be reasonable to try progesterone supps when we're ready to try again.
May-lily, I haven't read that bf'ing increases the risk of m/c. Can you give me more info/links to more info? I don't really want to wean, but I'd like to consider all the facts.
re bf and m/c I have no links to offer but it's something I've heard abd read along the way. Maybe do a search here?
good luck!

M
I agree it's wise to hold off. It really doesn't sound like there is a problem other than the short LP which you can use the progesterone to help with. Good luck and I'm sorry to hear about your miscarriage.
I too would hold off.

You cycles sound like they are just getting back to normal. And if your OB says it looks like chormosomal problems, and agrees to supplementation, I would try again when you are ready and see what happens.

It doesn't sound like you are having "problems" per se, just that your body is gearing back up after getting your cycle back. An RE is an expensive step, and I believe, a last resort. Some acupuncture may help, and some herbal supplementation as well.

Good luck!
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