KarenC- Looks like you have been doing a lot of research. I spent at least a year looking for info on MTHFR. I did see anything related to Down's or Depression. I am extremely interested in the depression info. Most of my mom's family suffers from depression (although they don't see it) and I have had boughts of it over the years. Although, I'd say it is somewhat normal with all the losses. Can you direct me to a specific site? Article? i've also never heard anything about affecting growth. Everything I've read and heard was related to NTD due to lack of Folic Acid.--Thanks for posting and Good Luck with your pregnancy! ↑
her: jop.sagepub.com/cgi/conten-t/abstract/18/4/567?ck=nck-.- Another: jop.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/19/1/59. Do a google search on MTHFR and depression (or folic acid and depression) for more. ↑
As for IUGR my MFM doctor was the first to mention it to me. That's why he wants to do a sono every 4 weeks to check the growth of the baby. However, here are a few links: clinchem.org/cgi/content/full/49/9/1476. Another: pubmedcentral.nih.gov/artic-lerender.fcgi?artid=520832.- ↑
A caveat on the above links ... Like all studies dealing with MTHFR it is possible to find other studies that contradict each other about the effects of MTHFR and these various issues. So in reality, no one knows for sure, but at least some studies on the issues show a correlation. ↑
Of course, there's also the links between MTHFR and NTDs and MTHFR and miscarriages, but those had been covered thoroughly by others so I didn't include them in my post.(s) I've also seen passing mention of MTHFR and placental abruption. ↑
KristieJ and Karen C ~ Welcome to the site! I'm sorry that you have had the same misfortune as many of us here. It's so surreal when you realize that something that seems so easy for many others can turn into something so tough and seemingly impossible. :( Kristie - you will find a lot of support and info. here for sure. *****Karen C ~ I was so excited to see that we have exactly the SAME due date! I guess you probably read that I have also had 2 m/c, one of which was a little boy with Trisomy 22. I was told after genetic testing the the tri 22 was a fluke, but your info about the correlation b/t MTHFR and trisomy disorders is so interesting! (and a bit scary I must say). However, the more info that we are all armed with, the better in my opinion. I, too, have had very freqent sonos, but my doctors wanted to do them every two weeks until week 26 and then discontinue them. So, it seems to be like the reverse of what your docs want to do. It makes me wonder if I should keep getting them right up until the end. It's interesting the way that philosophies differ. Who do you see in NoVa? My husband and I were at Shady Grove Fertility. I was so afraid to 'graduate' to a regular OB, but so far my OB practice (in Columbia, MD) has monitored me very carefully. Thanks again for all of the links! I will surely check them out. Please keep me posted on your progress. :) AMY ↑
Amy - my regular OB is Women's Physician's of Northern Virginia. They are based out of Reston although they also have offices in Ashburn and Arlington. They're ok. I thought they were great during my first pregnancy, but it was a normal healthy pregnancy. After my 2 miscarriages I wasn't too happy they weren't willing to run tests unless I'd had three of them. So I went on my own to Dominion Fertility (in Arlington). They did the full workup and found the MTHFR. Before I got pregnant, they put me on an extra .8 mg of folic acid (my prenatal had 1 mcg) for a total of 1.8 mg. They did a good job and did a couple of early sonos to comfirm pregnancy and verify the heartbeat. Then I saw my regular OB at 10 weeks. I was disappointed that they didn't suggest the NT test. I had to ask for it. They gave me a referral to Maternal Fetal Associates of the Mid-Atlantic (in Sterling) to get the NT test done. Dr. Hassan did a good job of explaining the MTHFR and put me on the foltex (2.5 mg folic acid) for a total of 3.5 mg. The NT test was at 12 weeks. Then they didn't want to see me until the "big" sono at 19 weeks. And now they want to see me every 4 weeks. So I saw them yesterday (23 weeks) -- It's a girl !!! -- and I have another appt for 27 weeks. The MFM docs are the ones that are concerned about IUGR and I think that that is usually diagnosed in the late 2nd and 3rd trimesters so that is why they want the sonos every 4 weeks. ↑
Shady Grove is very very good place. Many years back before I found out about the MTFHR I donated some eggs for them and they were so professional there. I know they are a bit pricey also. I don't know if you have heard of this place but I am going on 4/18 to the genetics and IVF institute in fairfax to have my nuchal test done there. I just thought I'd say hi since its a small world! ↑
Hi ladies! I have a quick question about the supplements as I probably won't be seeing a dr. again until I find out I am pregnant (whenever that happens). But I am taking a prescrip prenatal with 1 mg folic in it I also take an additional 3mgs folic in addition (that is prescribed also). I take a baby aspirin daily and the B6 and B12. First, what dosages do you all take of the B6 and B12? I take daily 200mg of B6 and 500mcg of B12 (last cycle I was taking 1000mcg of B12 and worried it was maybe too much so I cut back). Also, if I get pregnant I will continue all of it including the baby aspirin, but I've heard conflicting things--one that you should take the baby aspirin all pregnancy up till a couple of weeks before birth and then I've heard people only taking it up to 12 weeks or so. I'd be afraid that if I stopped at 12 weeks that the change in the blood viscosity could cause a 2nd tri clot or something. Is this a valid fear? Thanks in advance for any insight.... ↑
Stef, as far I know there is no harm in taking baby asprin every day when you are pregnant. You can take it every day even when you are not pregnant it it be okay. I would continue taking it. It only can help. Good luck.Tracy ↑
p.s. also, is there any certain time of the day I should be taking these supplements and should I be taking them with other things? I also take a calcium supplement and omega 3 fish oil capsules, vitamin E and selenium. This is a lot of stuff so I tend to split all the pills up in half and take part with breakfast and part with lunch. I try to take the baby aspirin in the morning with the omegas and the calcium and then I take the prenatal and folic and B's together later in the day because the prenatal tends to make me queasy. I don't take the vitamin E or selenium between O and AF (or hopefully bfp :-) Sorry if this is confusing... ↑
StefKay - I don't think there is a limit on B12. I believe that the prescribed Foltex that I'm on has 2.5 mg folic acid and 1 mg (1000 mcg) B12 and 25 mg of B6. And that's in addition to the 200 mcg of B12 in my prenatal. There is an upper limit of about 1000 mg for B6 (causes possible nerve damage). Depending on on how much calcium you are taking, it should be split up to no more than 500 - 600 mg per dose because your body has difficulty absorbing more than that at a time. I don't know anything about the E or selenium. Time of day probably doesn't matter except that most vitamins are absorbed better with food so you are better off taking them with meals. ↑
stefkay - my prenatal vitamins say it is best to take them on an empty stomach, although if they make you queezy it is ok to take them with food. I was curious about this and did a search a few days ago. Apparently taking folic acid on an empty stomach provides a higher dietary equivalent than when taking with food. I read this at lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/fa/. My extra folic acid tablets (OTC Folgard) say that it is best to take them in the evening. I hope this helps. Lara ↑
Hi Everyone, My name is Carri C and I'm new to this forum. My story is this: At 36 weeks (12-9-2006) I went in to the hospital with a pain to then find out they could not find a heartbeat, and that I had "HELLPS" and high risk preclam. I gave birth( 1st time) to our stillborn Son on 12-10-06. The reason for the death was a placenta abruption and the HELLPS. Later (March) my Dr. wanted me to do more blood work, to then find out I too have MTHFR C677T and A1298C. Then I did a search and found all of you. I'm sorry to hear about all your losses. But thanks for all your storys it helps more then you know. I'm glad I found you. :-) I'll talk to my Dr. in two weeks about the multion. Any major questions I should ask? Thank you. ↑
I'm so sorry I was 32 weeks not 36. I must have be thinking of my Sister in law who is 36 weeks and on bedrest but doing okay. Just wanted to clear that up. Carri C ↑
I am compound heterozygous and am 10 weeks pregnant. I am planning to do CVS because I am 36 and had a double miscarriage diagnosed as Trisomy 21. My doctor told me that there was no relationship between MTHFR and Down Syndrome, but I have read the articles that KarenC provided and am now feeling very glad that I have chosen a diagnostic test instead of the triple screen. However, CVS does not test for neural tube defects, so is there another test I need to test for this? ↑
oh my gosh- i just spent the last 10 minutes posting here, and then accidentally bumped my mouse and my entry is gone. oh how maddening.
let's try this again: sorry been gone so long. welcome newbies. sela, congrats baby! carrie,( i think) i am so sorry about your loss of your baby. my prayers to you.
forget who said what so here goes nothing: yes, i have heard about genetic abnormalities that are correlated with certain genders. i am having PGS (pre genetic screening) in may with our upcoming ivf and some women have a history of disease running in one gender over another.
fish oil: check for either shark oil or if mercury is in the stuff. shark is one thing pg women should steer clear of. i was once taking fish oil too but then freaked myself out and stopped. i figured i didn't want to add to the list of things to worry about. i have a tendency to do that :o)
stac: i am convinced that you are the women's reference for been there done that. you truly have been through everything and your wealth of information and knowledge is amazing!
guida: sorry about the ectopic. was it nat or ivf? rest your body and come back full force.
as for me, AF just came today. about 6 days late and boy was i raging mad. (i KNEW i was not pg) so, with that, we are starting the bcps for ivf in may. since doing the pgs, need to do the retrieval in may and the transfer in june. (need to freeze embies) however, if they don't find any 'normal' embies, then i won't go back for the transfer, rather will start again fresh soon after. ugh. my life is in a permanent state of limbo....always waiting.
congrats to the pregos! do what you gotta do to keep yourselves and the babes healthy. ---------- i know there are many of us who read this, while yes are very happy for you all, still get a knot in your stomach when someone else gets pg. kind of like hearing all your best friends are moving on while we're still sitting here. for all those knotty stomachs, keep the faith. we are your best allies! as evidence by the ladies here, we too will overcome the odds!!! xoxo lw ↑
Carrie C ~ Welcome to the site. I am sorry for what you have had to endure. Elene ~ Congrats! Liz ~ Welcome back...I have been wondering about you and hoping that you were okay. :) ******Tracy 72 ~ How funny that we have both had experiences with Shady Grove. I HAVE heard good things about the Genetics and IVF Institute in Fairfax; I think that they were one of the first clinics to test embryos for genetic abnormalities. I hope that you get good care there...let me know how it goes. Karen C ~ Congrats on the news about your baby girl! We thought that we were having a girl b/c of the high heart rate, but we soon found out that we have a baby with a 'turtle' as the sonographer called it...it's a boy! I just want a healthy baby like anyone else, but it is definitely fun when you can start planning a bit more. :) Please keep me up to date on your progress!!! *******Before I forget, I wanted to tell you all what my OB just recommended instead of fish oil. It's an OTC form of DHA (the supplement found in fish oil), and it's called Expecta. So, it's an Omega 3 fatty acid, but it is not fish-based. My OB didn't necessarily say anything bad about fish oil, but she said that this is the newest thing out there. ***And finally, I know what Liz is talking about...the knot in your stomach. Everyone else's pregnancy news is bittersweet -- part of you is happy but another part of you just wonders if it will ever be your turn. I have to say that after 2 losses followed by ONE YEAR of absolutely nothing, I was beginning to seriously wonder if I could ever have a child. All the while, I was only getting closer to the Cinderella age of 35. I still worry that something will go wrong with this baby. However, there IS hope for us all; the past couple years of my life have taught me that. So I don't mean it casually when I say to hang in there ladies....you are all so strong, and your pursuit of information, your hope, and your determination will get you very far! :) ↑
Does anyone have any insight on the type of genetic testing that is appropriate for an MTHFR woman aged 36 with a previous Trisomy 21 loss? I am scheduled for CVS on Thursday with a doctor who is supposed to be excellent. ↑
Elene, As far as I know, the CVS will be the only genetic test the baby needs. An amnio would be doing the same genetic tests as the CVS. The only difference is that I think an amnio can check for NTDs by checking for certain proteins in the fluid that the CVS test cannot test for. You can also get blood tests done on yourself and husband to check for any abnormalities that could be inherited. ↑
Carri---First off, I want to send thoughts and prayers your way. I'm truly sorry that you had to go through this...32 or 36wks, it still bites! No one should get that far and then experience a loss. I have a friend who is now 23wks and lost her son to HELLP around 2 years ago. So far she is doing well. Her docs seem to monitor her very closely. If you don't mind me asking, did/do you have high blood pressure or diabetes? My friend has both...lucky her. Elene-----as far as genetic testing during pregnancy, I have a thought/theory. This is for you to answer for yourself (not for us)..if you were to find out that your child had Down's or something similar, would you choose to have the child anyway? If so, I wouldn't worry about the test. This is just my opinion. AmyNog----I just turned 34 this year, so by the time I have my baby (not currently pg) I will be a minimum of 35 and that is the furthest thing from my mind right now. I guess I just don't need anything else to worry about. And, I think you hit the bittersweet nail on the head. Even with as optimistic as I try to be, it's hard to see friends have one baby after another while you (I) continue to loose mine. I still love them and their children but golly jeepers, enough is enough. Lizzy Liz------ I'm sooooo glad to hear that your friend finally came. I will be in touch, I have some venting to do. ----------Take Care Everyone! ↑
Stac- Thank you for your prayers. To answer your question, No I do not have high blood pressure or diabetes. I only had HBP with the HELLPS. I have not been checked for either after the loss. So I guess I don't know for sure. ↑
Hello Ladies, I wanted to update you since I have been on bedrest for two weeks things have changed a lot. I went off heparin when my placenta tore a little bit (read my last post) Then on Sunday I experienced a huge gush of blood (several pads in 5 minutes) we went right to the hospital maternity floor where they again confirmed that the baby is allright. They did keep me there indefinately on hospital bedrest. I was barely 13 weeks. I was just adjusting to the idea of it all being away from my other 3 children and husband..etc...when I went into labor and delivered a beautiful baby boy at 2:10 am. on Monday. The babys heart was beating until he was born. they were doing an ultrasound while it was happening. they had to clamp the cord and everything as if I were further along. I was verey surprised at how they treated the whole thing. I was very thankful. We named him Riley Alexander and he was 4 1/2 inches...they didn't weigh him that I know of. They gave us a memory box and took hospital photos. It is amazing what a baby that size looks like.. He was a perfect tiny boy. They were sure of the gender. You could definately tell. My husband arrived at 6 am and got to hold him aslo. We were on L&D floor and everyonne was very sensitive. I had to have a d&c at 6 am since the placenta wasn't coming on it's own. (I think you can go home sooner that way too). So I am home today and healing. They called today to see what we want to do with the remains. Since I delivered I can take posession and do a self burial or a mass cremation we opted for the self burial since we have a family burial plot. I am just processing a lot of this, so I am sorry if it stirs up pain for some of You. I am a little shocked at how different they handle this vs. my 10 week baby that I had a d&c with. I learned through this that she was in a mass cremation and buried and I didn't even knonw. They don't even treat it like a baby. Suddenly if you deliver it's different. I don't believe so. Apparantly there is a law in Ohio that human remains must all be treated the same way no matter when. After 20 weeks it's a little different but only in registering with the county. Well, we don't know what we are doing in the future. This was our 4th loss in a row. the last two with blood clots causing placenta abruption. I am only 30 but I have stage 4 endo. I can't believe I am even thinking ahead already, I just don't feel like my family is complete...I do have a question for any of you who have been through this...Did you have a memorial service? Did you involve your other children? I know this is all very morbid, but you are all the only ones who know what I am going through. I am sorry this was so long, I do wish you all well. ↑
