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Pregnancy Not Viable -- Does HCV Cause Miscarriages?

Hi Friends,

As ususal, my good news has a very short shelf life.  I found out today that my pregnancy isn't viable and that a miscarriage is emminent.  Another crushing disappointment.  This will be my sixth time down this road.

Question:  Do you think it's possible that my "mild case" of HCV is causing my miscarriages?  I do know that it has triggered at least one auto-immune disorder: anti-phospholipid syndrome (I have a very high level of the cardiolipin auto-antibody).  

Anti-phopholipid syndrome is indeed tied to to miscarriages. It causes micro-clots in the placenta, but they generally occur in the second trimester --I've never gotten past the first trimester.  Besides that, they're treating me with blood thinners, so it really shouldn't be a problem.

I know there are several ladies on this board who delivered babies while infected with HCV.  I'm wondering if they had any history of miscarriages.  By the way, this miscarriage isn't due to my "old eggs."  We used a donor embryo program (the woman was only 27).

Any insight or wisdom that anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.  I have to weigh whether we should try again, or just abandon this dream entirely.

Susan
41 Responses
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Avatar universal
I was adopted at 10 days old.  My biological mom was 16 when she had me and June and Ward Clever adopted me and are my "real" parents.  The only problem now is that my biological parents are showing signs now with the Hep C and other issues.  I know my biological mother's name but haven't gone that route.  
Helpful - 0
2105146 tn?1334593783
I am just jumping in with an adoption comment.  I was adopted, thank goodness, because my birth mother was a wacko whom I finally met when I was in my 30s.  I am sure my life having been adopted was way better than it would have been with her, although I had the drive to find out my real history, which is how a met my birth mother.  My adoptive parents were my "real" parents.
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Avatar universal
The post you responded to is from 2004.
      I think your Hep C may be causing your auto-immune problems, it does tend to do that.
   Have you had a liver biopsy, and a genotype test?  If not, this is a good idea. If you are Genotype 2, you may only have to treat yourself for half a year, and then you can just get rid of the Hep C.
   My neighbor had her babies, while she was in her fifties. She told me that they removed her eggs, and fertlized them, with her husbands little swimmers, and once viable, they gave her progestrone, and implanted the fertilized eggs back inher womb.  Her body took well, to the pregnancies, and she has two beautiful children. So you see, women are having babies later and later, and for your own health, it is easier to get rid of Hep C, before the age of 50 yrs, according to statistics~
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Avatar universal
Hi Susan,
  I am sorry for your loss and the frustration you are going thru as well! I am in the same boat as you.  I am truly desperate to have a child at 43. I was diagnose with mild Hep C back in 2006 age 36. My first husband and I were devasted and had one miscarrige. In 2008, he died of bladder cancer at 49. We were married 6 yrs. I remarried in 2010 and we have been trying naturally for a year..nothing. My hep C is still mild but, now I also have hypothyrodism (hasimoto disease) autoimmune:(  We tried IVF. 1st one failed, 2nd one low pos preg, but lost it, 3rd one failed. I asked about gestional surrogacy with this dr and he said they dont suggest it because the person will get infected. We decided to go to a new specialist. Waiting to go thru IVF # 4 once we get clearance.As having mild hep c ...can we have a gestional surrogancy? If so, is there an agency for this type of service? All we can do is stay positive... and hope for the best ....that things will turn around for us.... to be a Mom.  

                                                                  Carolyn
Helpful - 0
568322 tn?1370165440
Here's a study that says....

"Our findings suggest greater risk of neonatal morbidity associated with HCV than have been previously reported"


Pregnancy complications associated with hepatitis C

http://www.natap.org/
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Avatar universal
This thread is old but I do wish tallblonde would post as too how she is doing.
She had a very low vl and chose not to tx.
Her vl was going down if I remember correctly and drank tea's medicinally along with some supplements. (White & Roobius were her fav's)
I think about her from time to time and would love to hear an update.
Tallblonde if your out there lets us know how you are doing...
enigma
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264121 tn?1313029456
I am so sorry for your loss.  I think surrogacy is a wonderful option for you, the field has changed so much and has become so much more professional and easier to navigate.  Whatever you choose to do, I wish you all the best.  I know how difficult it is to want to have a child naturally and to have difficulty with it.

Sydney
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Avatar universal
My condolences as well.

My wife became pregnant for the first time about six weeks ago and a couple of days ago she had a miscarriage. She has HCV and as far as I know i do not. The doctor informed us that her HCV does put her at a higher risk of miscarriage particularly when her and my blood type does not match.  We don't know our blood types right now but we intend on finding out and seeking prevention in future pregnancies.

Regards,
Mike
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Avatar universal
I'd be happy to talk to you privately about surrogacy and other options for becoming at parent (I've become quite the expert in this).  Email me at:

***@****

Susan
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Avatar universal
is that where someone else gets pregnant for you? mabey that would work for us too. how do you find such a person?  is it expensive? if these questions are too personal please don't feel like you have to answer. your in my prayers and i am so happy for you. it sounds like you found your answer. i hope it goes flawlessly. sandi
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Avatar universal
Please see my earlier response (C32) on this thread.  In it I mention my new plans to pursue a gestational surrogacy.

LvdByGod--If I were you, I wouldn't let any docotor stand in my way of moving forward with adoption.  When my husband and I were jumping through all the hoops to complete our adoption homestudy a year ago,  I didn't even know I had HCV and the doctor I went to for my medical release didn't even run any bloodwork on me.  She simply did a 10-minute exam in the office (listened to my heart, looked in my ears, felt my lymph glands, etc) and that was it.  She quickly signed my medical release and I was good to go.

FullofHope--thank you so much for your prayers.  They mean a lot to me

Susan

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Avatar universal
My thoughts are with you, your husband and family.  Keep your head up - I am not sure how you feel about surrogacy or adoption...but they are options worth taking a look at.
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Avatar universal
I'm so sorry to hear about this sad news. i was so hopeful for you and glad that you could keep trying to get pregnant. I have no clue to whether this is related to hepc but i have a feeling it's not. thier are so many people with hepc that have gotton pregnant. but, who knows perhaps it's a combo of things. I just want you to know i pray that the Lord leads you to as what to do now. i will be praying for you. is there a next step that the docs want to try out on you so you can get pregnant.

i think i told you last time they are making me wait to adopt due to my hepatitus. since i'm in treatment they perfer me to wait until i clear or get a note from my doc as to if i will live long enough to be a viable parent. so i'm waiting. i think they are saying that i won't need that note if i'm clear. i'm not sure what my GI would say. i think he's not a very compassionate person. they said they would have to inform the birth parents or orphanage that i'm hep c if not. and they may not choose me as a parent because of it. so i'm leaving it in the Lords hands. if i am to be a parent i will be if not, i'm sure He will give me peace about it.

i still think that if you have little or no liver damage and concidering age (if your older) you should try to have your kids before tx. esp. if you still want to keep trying to get pregnant as apposed to adoption. because tx takes 48 months and then you need to wait at least 6 months before you get pregnant. there are some of the opinion that people should wait even longer. and some say tx messes everything up down there. i'm really not sure about any of these opinions. i've heard people say them but i've seen no testing that points to it. i pray that the Lord will give you your baby soon,your in my prayers, sandi
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Avatar universal
Judi, thank you for your kindness and compassion.  I'll get through this (although these gray February skies sure don't help).  

I'm already working on "Plan C" -- using a gestational surrogate to carry our remaining frozen embryos to term.  I never in a million years thought I'd consider something so radical, but here I am -- and I'm definitely considering it.

I'll keep you and the rest of the gang posted on how that progresses.  Again, thank you for thinking of me and keeping me in your prayers.

Susan
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dear Susan,
I'm away from home and this has been my first chance to log on. I wanted you to know that you and your husband are very much in my thoughts. I'm not sure that hcv infection could be the factor that's causing the problems with your pregnancies. I had one miscarriage before contracting hcv, two more after I got it and then carried my son full term. I agree with Indiana. There could be other totally unrelated reasons for this to be happening. The disappointments and the not knowing and the uncertainties of having this disease can really play games with our heads. All I really wanted to say is that my thoughts and prayers are with you. You are strong and determined, and you've proven your resilience after so many disappointments. We are all sending our love and support to you and your husband.
Be gentle on yourself.
Judi
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Avatar universal
so sorry about the loss.  you have really tried hard and it doesnt seem fair im sure.
   i know what a void i felt after a misscarraige many years ago at 5 months along. took a long time to smile again.  each child/pregnancy is so unique and you begin to make plans. even though  i did carry 4 others to term with HCV unknowingly!  they are all fine and HCV free today for which i am so thankful.
   will say a special prayer for you....
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Avatar universal
I send my thoughts of sympathy to you for your loss.
Positive thoughts your wya, Annette
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Avatar universal
I also want to offer my condolences.  Take care and may God bless you and your family.
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Avatar universal
I am very sorry for you. Take care. LL
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Avatar universal
I adopted my son 8 years ago.  I could never get pregnant.  However, we went through the exact same thing - found a birth mom, she agreed, we paid all her expenses, on the date of the birth, she changed her mind.  Luckily, I called another adoption agency, told them our paperwork was in order and we were ready to go to China.  They called me back 2 hours later and said they had a little boy due in 2 weeks and if our paperwork was in order, we could adopt him.  Only stipulation:  He was biracial.  Oh, as if I cared!  I jumped all over that and I am happy to say adopting my son was THE BEST thing I have ever done.  I know that the disappointment of one failed adoption is enough to sour you, but when you are ready, maybe give it another consideration.  My heart goes out to you with everything you are going through.  If you ever want to discuss adoption, I'll be happy to.
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Avatar universal
Thank you all for your kind words of support.  It really means a lot to me.  In some way, I feel like I'm finally facing the reality of my disease.  I was diagnosed with HCV last September (only 5 months ago), and I've been able to defer coming to terms with it by focusing on trying to have a baby.  Without that dream to hold on to, I'm forced to look this ugly ******* straight in the eyes.  It's robbing me of a family and I wonder what else it'll take before it's all said and done.  I'm really scared for the first time.  

I keep thinking...all THIS because some stupid manicurist or dental hygenist didn't bother to clean her instruments well enough? THIS is the price I have to pay?  How on earth am I supposed to deal with the utter absurdity of THIS?

By the way, my husband and I did pursue a traditional adoption a year ago.  We considered ourselves incredibly lucky (at our ages) to be chosen by a birth mother (in the United States).  As the day of the birth approached, we went out and bought everything we'd need to care for a newborn.  It all seemed too good to be true -- and of course, it was.  The birthmother decided to keep the baby.  

My luck sucks.  

Susan
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Avatar universal
I'm not sure about HCV and miscarriages, but I would like to say I was diagnosed almost a year ago and I have also never been able to get pregnant.  Been married 25 years with no birth control ever used.  Adoption is a wonderful opportunity for you and a child.  We have 2 sons, a 23 year old we adopted when he was 2 and a 7 year old we adopted as a newborn.  Never having any biological children, I don't know if my feelings would be different, but I can't imagine loving any other child as much as I love my two boys.  They are a Godsend to us.  You're hurting now, but take some time and consider all your options.  A child is a child, no matter who gave birth to them.  They are worth everything you go through for them!  I am sorry to hear about your difficulties and hope and pray God gives you peace.  Take care.
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Avatar universal
Susan, this makes me so sad. It's so difficult to pin down the factors in this but I admire your perseverance and courage and hope you have success with this one day soon. I did conceive a child while infected, but had hoped for more with no success. Without any medical knowledge on the subject, I still feel it was unrelated to my HCV. My heart goes out to you.

Kathy
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Avatar universal
Sorry to hear about your miscarriage.  According to my dr, Hep C can affect your ability to carry a child but in order for that to happen you would have to be further along in the disease.  In other words I don't think your mild status is the problem.  To be sure I would gather all your lab work and biopsy results and consult a good heptologist who can evaluate your situation.  If your dr determines that your HCV does not have an impact on your pregnancy (which I'm sure is the case), work w/ your reproductive dr. to find out what else may be happening.  

Signed a mother with "old eggs" and HCV also in the mild stage who delivered two healthy boys (both negative)
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