Possible Misscariage??

[Sue679]

Although I am trying to hold it together, I am very perplexed as to whether or not I am going to have a miscarriage. I am 42, IVF pregnancy. I was pregnant with two gestational sacs but one was determined at 7 weeks with u/s that it would not be a viable pregnancy. At 8 weeks I began to bleed (bright red) and had an ultrasound that determined that the sac had collapsed. I bled for about 3 or 4days after and then it ceased. The other sac was fine with a HB of 165. At 9 weeks, just last monday, the HB was 173 and considered good. The NP said that the cervix was closed although I had a little discharge which she said was normal due to PH changes.

Today, I am 10 weeks and and began spotting brownish almost membrane clotts approx. 2 days ago. Today, it is more of a dark red and is only visible when I use the restroom and while wiping on a napkin. I have very little cramping yet but don't know if that will change. Of course, I will go in on Monday first thing to get an ultrasound or hear if there is still a heartbeat. Geez, why does this sort of thing have to happen on a weekend when offices are not open?

I realize that a concrete answer cannot be given here but would like to have some input if possible.
Frustrated and sitting around worried at home over this.
Thanks,
S!

[adgal]

I bought my doppler on ebay.  I paid about 100.  I got one with a digital readout and I can tell you it is the best $100 I ever spent!  I can't remember the name (I have lent it out to a co worker right now), but it was the only one available in orange, pink or blue.  I took it to my OB to have her teach me to use it.  Anytime I felt any worry or stress I would use it (lol, daily..).  It helped soooo much.  170 isn't overly high for this stage. Ryder's always came in mid to high 160's if I remember correctly.  I think it's a far bigger worry if the heartbeat is slow.

I wasn't on estradiol, but I was on progesterone, and took it to about 13 weeks.  

I am so glad all is going so well.  Please keep us posted!!

[Sue679]

My physicians instructed me to continue taking Endometrum (progesterone) and Estradiol until the 14th of this month. Did anyone also continue taking these meds until 11th week of pregnancy? If so, what are your thoughts on this?

[ChristineMP]

So very glad your baby is still going strong :)

[Sue679]

Thank you,,,,,,,,,,,,, this is a great response. I did some research myself and you very much parallel what I have read. I too have already had so many U/S due to my history so I know exactly what you are referring to. Also, where did you rent or purchase your doppler? I am contemplating one myself as I think it would help things out mindfully?

I actually live near Annapolis Maryland and I know that there are a couple of facilities in Baltimore where they can be purchased but quite a drive. The Heartrate is still kind of high close to 170s but hopefully it will calm down a bit as I don't need anything else to worry about. LOL How was your HR at 10 weeks?

Geez,,,, this forum is so wonderful as it helps to put my mind at ease. I just moved here not too long ago and not knowing anyone to talk to is frustrating. Therefore, I would like to extend a sincere thank you for your support and understanding.

PLease make it a great day!!!
Smiles,
Sue

[adgal]

When I was pregnant with my son I had an awful lot of u/s due to a history of miscarriage.  Not that it changes anything, but they did it for my personal peace of mind.  Sometimes there was lots of activity, other times not.  It never seemed to be an issue.  He is fine.  I read somewhere once that they sleep a lot in utero, particularly during the day because of mommies movements.  It sort of rocks or lulls them to sleep.  Supposedly they are more active at night when we are laying still.  That certainly proved to be the case in later stages when I could feel the movement..lol.  I don't know how much truth there is behind that as I cannot remember the source of the article and of course I don't trust everything I read on line.  But no question..some ultrasounds lots of movement, other times not.  I had ultrasounds at 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 and 13 weeks in first trimester.  After that I could use my home doppler for reassurance so only had the normal ones.  

In my experience OB's are pretty blunt if there is a problem.  If the heartrate was strong and your Dr. is not overly concerned, I wouldn't be.  It does sound like all is fine.  And I would bet anything the continued bleeding is due to the miscarried twin.  

[Sue679]

I saw the Doctor yesterday and had a sonogram. He did not know what was causing the bleeding other than it may be a subchorionic sac lingering. However, we did see the fetus but it was not moving as it never has with each u/s. Concerned, I asked if that was an issue at 10 weeks and 2days. He said that it could be but we would wait a few minutes to see if there was any activity. Thank goodness the fetus moved for about 7 seconds at two different times in a 5 minute period. Therefore, the Dr. was glad to see some movement. He stated that if there wasn't any activity he would be concerned about abnormalities due to lack of oxygen or low blood supply that could lead to retardation etc. YIKES!!  

My question: Is it ever normal for a fetus to not have any movement at this time frame? I was a bit scared when mentioned this. Did any of you experience a fetus that did not move or move much at all in your 10 weeks period of pregnancy? Just curious.

Otherwise, everything else went ok.

Take Care, and look forward to your replies.
Sue

[adgal]

I so understand that sense of almost desperation.  I had 5 miscarriages, then had my beautiful boy last year just 1 week before I turned 41.  I am also 42 and now trying for a second child.  I had another miscarriage in Oct. of last year.  We too are sort of at the end of our attempts I think.  A few more months, and if nothing, we are going to try to put actively trying behind us and perhaps focus more on adoption.  We are also considering fostering.

There are so many of us here in our 40's having successful pregnancies.  I hope that turns out to be the case for you.  Stay focused on the fact that you did see a healthy heartbeat.  I know that does not mean you are "out of the woods" so to speak, but it certainly does increase the chance that this is a sticky one for you.  Also, you are past 8 weeks...another big milestone.  And there is a reasonable explanation for the bleeding.  These are all really positive signs.  

What you went through sounds so scary and I am so sorry you had to experience that.  Just remember that no matter what your age things can go wrong.  However, in your case right this minute, things look good!  We have to stay focused on that or we will drive ourselves insane.  I so hope you get that ultrasound tomorrow (or today) and your mind is put at ease.  I will be thinking about you, and can tell you, this forum is full of wonderful women who are here for only one reason.  To support each other.  As odd as it sounds, it can be so helpful to let it out here...just about everyone understands.  Hang in there!  I am betting this is going to be ok.    Amanda

[Sue679]

Thank you so much for your postings. Yes, you are absolutely right in that there is nothing worse than not knowing and to have this occur on a weekend  ARGH!! My husband is trying so hard to stay positive although I know he is concerned as well. He is such a great man and I am very lucky to have him in my life, and by my side during this period.

To be honest with you. He is 48 and I am 42. Therefore, this is the last and final time that we could try to have a child. Due to this, it is a bit more stressful as we know that if something happens with the other fetus, then there are no other chances. I nearly lost my life during the IVF cycle due to severe ovarian hyper stimulation complexities from the fertility drugs I was given which also led to blood coagulation dangers. I was in the 1% category of things that can go very wrong during IVF. Never thought I would be that 1%, go figure !!!! However, I came out of it and want to believe that I had a strong little fetus fighting the whole way as well and made it this far. Each time I see the Dr. I hear that the fetus has a strong HB so it gives me some confidence, but I know that just because a strong HB exists, other abnormalities can occur.

Lastly, regardless of what transpires tomorrow when I try to get in for an u/s or doppler, I will be so thankful for your posts as it will at least get me through today, Sunday. Just reading these comments places some piece of mind by soothing the soul and softening the mindful stress a bit.

Thank you,
S~~~

[adgal]

Yes, it can last quite a while.  Sometimes it stops and starts...it can take your body quite a while to rid itself of everything. It can be incomplete the first time as well, then it starts again. A doppler at 10 weeks will sometimes pick up a heartbeat and sometimes not.  So be careful about doing that as it may cause you more stress.  You can go in and they can often do an ultrasound though.  Depends on the hospital and if they have a tech in on a sunday.  Some hospitals won't do much unless you are bleeding a dangerous amount..a pad an hour.  If that happens make sure you go in.  But unfortunately you may have to wait until monday...and I know how crazy that can make you.  I don't think much is worse then the waiting and not knowing.  

[tracys_40]

I'm so sorry that you are worried.  I have had 3 miscarriages in a row, one of them with two sacs.  They only saw a fetal pole in one of them, never got to hear a heartbeat then had that miscarriage.  I know from experience that it is great news that you heard the one's heartbeat.  And I also know that you can bleed a week or two later after the loss so I think that adgal above is right and you are passing the first sac.  Please keep us posted.  My doc said that I could come in anytime to hear the heartbeat so maybe you can too, after the weekend or at a quickcare clinic?  I will keep you in my prayers.  Tracy

[Sue679]

Thank you for responding. Yes, I thought that as well, but can it continue to happen even after 12 days? I am confused, as it seemed as though I had already passed it withing 4 days after it happened. Then, a few days went by with no evidence of spotting. Then, of course it started 3 days ago.

I am wondering if I can simply walk in to a hospital tomorrow and just ask someone to place a doppler on my stomach to see if there continues to be a HB. What would your advice be?

S~~

[adgal]

I am so sorry you are experiencing this..it's so scary.  It is very possible that you are passing the sac of the non viable twin.  It's not uncommon in this kind of situation for something like that to happen.  If you had a good heartbeat at 8 weeks, that is a really great sign as most first trimester losses happen prior to 8 weeks. Also, once a heartbeat is detected, your chance of loss decreases dramatically.

I wish your Dr. office was open so you could be seen and have another u/s.  That is the only real way to see what is happening. But if I had to guess, I am betting you are passing the non viable sac.  I will keep you in my thoughts.