Pregnancy Not Viable -- Does HCV Cause Miscarriages?

[Tallblonde]

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

[GreatBird]

My condolences. I know this is very hard for you.

My history is that I had two full-term babies with no prior miscarriages. I definitely had HCV then and didn't know it. (Fortunately neither child--nor my husband--have it).

What I've grasped about HCV since I started reading up about it 1-1/2 years ago, is that it affects everyone differently--although there *are* similarities. It affects our bodies balance and chemistry. Some people get diabetic, others suffer depression, some get fibromyalgia, etc. I wonder if this is because of our body's immune responce to the HCV onslaught. Bear in mind, I'm not a doctor but I play one in my own life. ;)

There's probably no telling whether in your case this is a result of the HCV. Women without HCV can have a rough time establishing a viable pregnancy under similar circumstances. Only you can decide what and how much you're willing to do to see if you can make it work.

Big hugs.

[mikesimon]

I have no information on this but wanted to express my sympathy. This must be such a blow to you and your husband. My Mom always told me to look on the bright side and she could always find a bright side. I hope you can find one to look upon. Take care. Mike

[DonL]

Like Mike, I only want to express my sympathy. I can only imagine how hard this has been for you and my heart goes out to you.

[jg2001]

I, too, would like to express my sympathy.

Jamie

[katch20]

I thought for sure this would be the silver lining...  I am so sorry.  I hope you'll be okay.  I know this is not easy.  Be well.

[Foreign girl]

Dear Tallblonde,

I am very sorry about your loss!

I had 2 miscariages before I had my daughter 7 years ago. I had my son 2.5 years ago and knew that I had HCV before I made a decision to get pregnant again. I am not sure whether my miscarriages were linked to Hep. C. My doctor suggested to use Progesterone during my 2 healthy pregnancies and I carried both kids full term.

Good luck to you!!!

[slarso]

I too am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughs are with you and your husband

Steve

[Fubarcat]

I am so very sorry.  Both you and your husband are in my thoughts.  I know this must be an extremely trying time for you and I hope you know that all of us here offer our sympathy and a shoulder to cry on if needed.  Take care.

[tigerpants]

I am also sorry that you are having such sorrow.
With your determination and want for a child..I am sure that you would make a wonderful adoptive mother. Have you ever considered adoption? I know it isn't the same as physically having a child but  there are so many children that need the love you have to  offer.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours,
April

[Oreos]

I echo the sentiments here.  My thoughts are with you and your family and we'll send extra prayers your way.

[ral]

Sorry Susan

GOD BLESS

Bob L

[ms.star]

I am so very sorry that you are going through this again.  I believe that any child would be lucky to have you as a mother with the big heart and endurance that you maintain.  You and your husband are in my prayers.
Starla

[MajNeni]

Hi, Susan, I send my sympathies also. I ditto Tigerpants' remarks.  I recently saw a couple of families formed with adoptions, and 1) their love finally has someplace to go and
2) you'd never know they didn't start life together, after
only a year.  Best wishes to you and your husband,
Maj Neni

[Indiana]

I echo Mikesimons response here. I send you my heartfelt sympathy.
I have not heard anything that links HCV to miscarriages, but after looking at this Dragon for so many years I have learned that "nothing" about it would surprise me. It can affect so many different systems in so many ways that it's hard to say "absolutely not". I have also seen folks try to blame the HCV for almost everything that happens to them once they know they have it. Then they sometimes miss a problem that is really caused by something else alltogether.
I hope you find peace with your God in spite of this hardship. You will be in my prayers this Sunday.

[Ambush]

Susan,  I am so sad to hear this news.  My best wishes to you and your husband.
ambush

[CARUU]

My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.  caruu

[DownThisRoad]

I don't know anything about if hepatitisC is linked in anyway to miscarriages but I do want to send you my heartfelt condolences for your loss.  I know this is another terrible disappointment for you and your husband.  I am sorry that this had to happen, once again.

We are all pulling for you and sending our good thoughts your way Susan.  Keep the faith!

~dtr.

[HepCinLA]

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)

[Tallblonde]

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

[Fubarcat]

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.

[layla]

I am very sorry for you. Take care. LL

[not giving up!]

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.

[kathyf]

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

[n2cats15]

I also want to offer my condolences.  Take care and may God bless you and your family.