How do I go about being 'montiored' BFP after mc

[origin]

Hi
This may seem like a silly question. I had a missed miscarraige in November (found out at 3 month scan) and had erpc/dc couple days later. I just very exctiedly got a BFP today (bizarely..the due date of my baby angel) which makes me 4w+2
I'm very happy but nervous about what happened last time, especially going so long not even knowing I'd had a miscarraige.
So what do I do know I have my BFP. I want an early scan and would also like to be put on progesterone as preacuation but fear the Drs and midwives will be somewhat reluctant to help. I've booked in to have my HCG levels checked and progesterone levels but no idea how to get the results followed up or how to go about getting an early scan booked and how many weeks I should do that. My midwives and drs were not helpeful at all during my last pregnancy and made me feel silly for asking for help (i knew something was wrong and they kept ignoring it) so feeling a bit like not sure how to go about things. Has anhyone got any ideas about early scan, porgesterone and asprin ( i isually have bloodclots in period and was told by one midwife last time it could be a consideration). any advice or tips. thanks so much
xxxx

 

[KitKatBit]

HI Origin,

I'm sorry for your loss in November and so pleased for you with the Congratulations!!!

My doctor was similarly unhelpful at my first appointment for this preg. I'm going to try contacting my EPU directly to try and get an early scan and regular HCG monitoring. They were really good for my mc.

There are lots of people on here who take aspirin I think - try asking on the TTCAL board if no one here can help, as I know lots of people on there know a lot about it and what is safe.

Congratulations again!! K xxxx

 

[KatyKat]

Hi Origin - congrats on the BFP!

You might find you struggle to get an early scan depending on where you live. I had 2 m/c's prior to this pregnancy, and I was told that they don't routinely offer early scans unless you've had 3 or more losses. The only thing they did say was that if I had any problems during the 1st 3 months, bleeding, unusual/severe pains they would scan me at that point.

You can get private scans, and i think a lot of girls opt for these just to save their own sanity!

Of course, you might live in an area where they have a more relaxed approach - I'd recommend making an apopintment with your GP ASAP and explaining your worries, you might get an early referral out of it!

 

[coccyx]

See what your Gp says. Miscarriage is sadly very common, and usually do not offer early scans routinely. I would pay for a private one. Good luck

 

[ginasgemz]

So sorry for your loss (((hug))) but congrats on the new pregnancy!!!! I think most doctors don't take repeat m/c-s seriously until you've had more than 2 losses After my first m/c they told me it was just a coincidence, and the next time I got pregnant they weren't very helpful to get me in early on for checking my hcg levels..it could have saved me from the emergency and near-death experience since that pg turned out to be ectopic (should they've checked my hcg levels like I requested, they'd see right away that my levels were absolutely abnormal so they would've paid closer attention..) This time around I didn't even need to argue to get hcg levels drawn and as soon as it's possible to see anything, I'll have an u/s hopefully next week..
I think we need to put our feet down especially if we have worrisome symptoms..It's a shame that women need to go through multiple losses before they are taken seriously (I'm sure insurance companies' greed stands behind this too) but at any rate, it's the best thing to do to get your hcg levels monitored..as soon as you reach about 1500 hcg miu, they should be able to see the sac on the u/s, so once you know how quickly your numbers double, you can make a guesstimate together with your provider when to try to have an early scan....That's really the only thing one can do..I know over here they don't offer private scans until you've had atleast one u/s done by your provider I pray they will be cooperative!! Good luck and try not to worry, I know it's easier said than done but repeat m/c-s are not that common..you might see more of it here on this section of the board and it can look like it's very common based on the comments but it's really not that common..Praying you'll be fine!

 

[Smiler13]

Congrats and best wishes for your pregnancy.

In the UK, early scans are generally not offered by the NHS except in cases of three or more losses, and blood tests not offered unless risk of ectopic (e.g. previous ectopic, use of coil) or following IVF. But is worth asking as some units are nice about it and will offer early scans.

Otherwise the digis that show how far along you are are quite good for the first few weeks; and there're always private scans.

My doctor advises not having a scan until 6 1/2 weeks, as earlier than that can be hard to see much, be too early for a heartbeat etc. leading to anxiety.

 

[blondee]

Hi Origin,

So sorry for your loss but so glad you now have your BFP.

I too had an MMC last year, so i TOTALLY know how you feel. I am lucky enough to be abroad with OHs job this year and as such got private medical and they have been sooooo understanding. I got a scan at 6 weeks (they wait til 6 weeks so they can see a heartbeat) and then i got weekly progesterone shots. If i had been back in the UK i would have 100% gone for a private scan - they cost around £100 and i think they are well worth the reassurance they give particularly to ladies who have had an MMC.

Also, my pregnancy has been completely different this time - i got all day nausea from wks 6-11, headaches and nosebleeds wheras with the MMC i was symptom free. I know it is not a sure tell tale sign, but i just want you to take comfort in the fact that chances are this time it will be different for you and you too will be sat typing on BNB one day and feeling your LO wriggling like i am today

Keep as positive and as calm as you can. Ask for the help you think you need and tell them about your anxiety. If they are not sympathetic then try EPU or private scans.

Keep us posted.

Michelle XX

 

[summer rain]

Hi

in most cases a MMC is not due to progesterone problems, they are usually due to a chromosomal or structural defect in the developing baby or more rarely; a structural defect in the uterus itself. I personally think; and this is just my opinion that unless you have found out you definitely have a problem with progesterone or blood clotting problems, then there is no need to be put on progesterone shots or aspirin and it could even have bad results. Being on progesterone can increase your chances of having a normal mc turn into a mmc because it keeps the pregnancy going even if it just isn't viable. So there are some reasons why in this country they do not encourage these things as a first course of action; it isn't just the NHS being cheap but weighing up the benefits and the risks. I had a mmc in September, a miscarriage in 1999 and a possible chemical in December, yet I have three healthy boys as well. Early scans can be reassuring and its always worth asking because in some areas your GP can refer you to the EPAU for one purely based on the fact you've had a recent mc or mmc; in other areas they will give it only if you've had spotting or cramping; due to which I've had two in this pregnancy. Since I had the second one at a stage past when things went wrong last time; I am feeling a lot more hopeful that this one is a keeper. I hope things go well for you and please try to stay positive and remember that an mmc is relatively rare and doesn't carry an increased risk of another loss.

Sophie x