Baby aspirin ttc after miscarriage

[summer15]

I suffered a miscarriage a couple of weeks ago. I was only 6 weeks along and opted for a natural miscarriage under the GP's advice that it would probably just be like 'a bad period'. Unfortunately this was not the case, I suffered severe cramping and had practically passed out from the pain by the time my husband called an ambulance, I don't remember an awful lot except I was given Gas & air to pass a large clot (about golf ball size). When this passed my pain eased almost instantly.
I also have polycystic ovaries (not the syndrome just the cysts) and poor circulation in my hands and feet (permanently cold) I'm fully aware I'm self-diagnosing here but seeing as my gp isn't interested until I've had 3 miscarriages!! (this was my first pregnancy) I'm looking for ways I can help myself next time (Not sure I could go through it 2 more times!)
Aside from the above mentioned, I am fit, healthy and prime baby making age. But given the symptoms above I've come to realise I fit the profile for women who have benefited from taking baby aspirin daily to prevent miscarriage (there's a lot of literature about it online if you've never heard about it - Google 'baby asprin to prevent miscarriage').
I'm happy to try it on the proviso that 'it might help, but certainly won't hurt'. The only debate seems to be whether you start taking it after BFP or after ovulation? Some say it can prevent implantation, others say it helps implantation.
Anyone on here have any advice or opinions on it - more specifically when is best to start taking it?
Xxx

 

[cocosherbie]

Hi Summer,
Ive been thinking the exact same as you on this subject.
Ive just had 2 mmc in a row and although I am scheduled for a blood test at the end of December to check about the clotting issue, I was wondering if I fell pregnant again in the mean time, should I take baby aspirin just in case?
I figure too if it doesnt hurt, then why not, but I too dont know the details of when to start etc. Also, Id want to get the go-ahead from my midwife or dr before going ahead just in case.

Also, I was wondering if you need to take it through the entire pregnancy?

If you get some more info, definately update this thread as Id be interested in the outcome.

 

[lisey]

Hiya,

Sorry to both of you for your losses. I have had 3 losses and its just devastating. I have had all the miscarriage testing done which has found no reason for the miscarriages. I just thought that I would mention that the consultant at the clinic specifically told me not to take aspirin...I didn't even mention it, he brought it up. He said that if there is no clotting issue then taking aspirin is not needed and can increase the chance of miscarriage by 20%. He also said that if there was a clotting issue then heparin (I think that's what its called) would need to be taken alongside the aspirin. I know there are loads of success stories but he said this was part of his specialised area and lots of doctors advise it with not enough information. I know people have the 'it won't hurt' opinion with it but I think its worth mentioning the advice I received too to know both sides of it xx

 

[cocosherbie]

Hiya,

Sorry to both of you for your losses. I have had 3 losses and its just devastating. I have had all the miscarriage testing done which has found no reason for the miscarriages. I just thought that I would mention that the consultant at the clinic specifically told me not to take aspirin...I didn't even mention it, he brought it up. He said that if there is no clotting issue then taking aspirin is not needed and can increase the chance of miscarriage by 20%. He also said that if there was a clotting issue then heparin (I think that's what its called) would need to be taken alongside the aspirin. I know there are loads of success stories but he said this was part of his specialised area and lots of doctors advise it with not enough information. I know people have the 'it won't hurt' opinion with it but I think its worth mentioning the advice I received too to know both sides of it xx

wow, thankyou so much for posting that. Its so tempting to think something so simple as aspirin might be the answer to our prayers! But its good to hear both sides, especially from a dr that specialises in that area.
I think Ill wait until my tests are done and go from there

 

[babyscotcher]

Quite probably coincidental but i was taking it the month i got my bfp as thought it was worth a go. I took it once AF stopped. Good luck with whatever you choose. X

 

[summer15]

Thank you for all your replies! Lisey - especially thank you for sharing your consultants advice. I know it's silly to self diagnose I'd just read so many success stories and so many peoples doctors of the 'can't hurt / might help' opinion I was tempted ... But if there's even the slightest risk that it could INCREASE miscarriage then I don't think I'll take the chance. I've only had 1 miscarriage and it was my first pregnancy - I don't know how women go through recurrent ones! The strength astounds me. The most sensible option is to get blood tests to rule out clotting problems but my Doctor seems so casual about the 'we'll test you after a year or if you have 3 miscarriages'?! I don't want to wait a year but terrified to try again and risk having 2 more before anything is even looked into - especially if they could be saved by something so simple!! Paying for private blood tests it is I think!! ...
Xxx

 

[lisey]

You're welcome, I am the same, I researched and I did consider aspirin at one point but after what the consultant said, I decided I wouldn't take it.
The three miscarriages rule is just horrible, I wish I had paid privately and had the tests earlier, even just to ttc with a mind of knowing that there was no reason for them happening.
There is every chance your next pregnancy will be just fine xx

 

[summer15]

You're welcome, I am the same, I researched and I did consider aspirin at one point but after what the consultant said, I decided I wouldn't take it.
The three miscarriages rule is just horrible, I wish I had paid privately and had the tests earlier, even just to ttc with a mind of knowing that there was no reason for them happening.
There is every chance your next pregnancy will be just fine xx

Thank you, I hope so. I know it's so easy to over analyse every detail and look for a reason when sometimes it's just 'bad luck' but I can't help still thinking I have a few indicators that fit the profile for a blood clotting disorder when I opted for natural miscarriage my gp just told me to go to A&E if the bleeding became heavier than 1 pad/per hour. My complication was the opposite - I was hardly bleeding at all! I was in a lot of pain but thought I was just being a bit of a wuss in all honesty as so many women miscarry naturally at home. It was only when I all but passed out from the pain (I don't actually remember most of it) that hubby panicked and called an ambulance. The reason was that I had a very large clot blocking my cervix so body was in full contractions trying to expel it (managed to with gas & air). Is this unusual for 6 weeks?? Gynaecologist didn't seem overly concerned at the time ...

- I have always had bad circulation in my hands and feet, never worried about it, just wear extra socks/gloves have a hot water bottle on my feet in winter etc. last night I spoke to my mum and she said that when I was younger it was actually confirmed as Raynauds through a blood test! But didn't require any treatment.
- Whenever I have blood taken they always seem to struggle and they sometimes have to ask me to pump a ball in my hand to get it going. My blood pressure is always fine, My husband jokes that Im just 'stingy' with my blood!
I'm no medical professional but it just seems like a few little insignificant things added together could point towards a problem? ...

I'm looking into private blood tests but they are SO expensive I want to be sure I'm requesting the right one. Anyone who's already been through the testing process nhs or private - is it called 'thrombophilia screening'? - this seems to be the general test for identifying blood clotting problems but don't know if there's any more specific relating to pregnancy/fertility?

xxx

 

[lisey]

I always think, if instinct is telling you something then go with it. You may be wrong and there may be no issue at all but if you feel strongly and it will put your mind at ease then paying privately may provide you with the reassurance you need.
I have had a few things during my ttc journey that I have instinctively known were wrong and the doctors fobbed me off, in the end I was right.
It is easy to over analyse, especially after a miscarriage and as horrible as it is, miscarriages are so common and often down to bad luck so there is no reason to worry at this point but like I say, if you feel strongly and you have these doubts then do what's right for you.
I didn't pay privately for my tests but I am having private fertility treatment now and at my clinic the test is just called 'miscarriage testing', I think its £700 so pretty pricey. I would email some clinics and see if they will do them, they may refuse on the basis of having one miscarriage but they may not have restrictions on that xx

 

[nicejuicypear]

Just to say, I had the opposite advice from Lisey, from a private fertility doctor and an NHS one. They were in the 'can't hurt' camp. Not saying Lisey's doctor is wrong, just that there does seem to be a divide of opinion amongst professionals as to the best course of action.

I took it for most of this pregnancy. The NHS doctor advised to start from BFP so that I'm not constantly taking aspirin while TTC, but the private one said from ovulation. So I started sort of halfway in between, then tapered off to one every other day around 34-35 weeks before stopping completely at 36 weeks.

If I were you, I'd do some research into Raynauds, miscarriage and aspirin to see if there's any link there, just in case.

As for miscarriage tests, they are so expensive privately and the danger is that you don't even get any answers at the end of it. I got some done on the NHS and they didn't find anything wrong. It kind of left me up in the air, because then you wonder if it's just going to go on forever and they can't even give you anything to help prevent it.

What I would say is that, as heartbreaking as it is, one miscarriage is fairly common and most women go on to have a healthy pregnancy next time around. I know you don't want to risk going through it again but the odds are heavily stacked in your favour of it going well next time.

 

[summer15]

Just to say, I had the opposite advice from Lisey, from a private fertility doctor and an NHS one. They were in the 'can't hurt' camp. Not saying Lisey's doctor is wrong, just that there does seem to be a divide of opinion amongst professionals as to the best course of action.

I took it for most of this pregnancy. The NHS doctor advised to start from BFP so that I'm not constantly taking aspirin while TTC, but the private one said from ovulation. So I started sort of halfway in between, then tapered off to one every other day around 34-35 weeks before stopping completely at 36 weeks.

If I were you, I'd do some research into Raynauds, miscarriage and aspirin to see if there's any link there, just in case.

As for miscarriage tests, they are so expensive privately and the danger is that you don't even get any answers at the end of it. I got some done on the NHS and they didn't find anything wrong. It kind of left me up in the air, because then you wonder if it's just going to go on forever and they can't even give you anything to help prevent it.

What I would say is that, as heartbreaking as it is, one miscarriage is fairly common and most women go on to have a healthy pregnancy next time around. I know you don't want to risk going through it again but the odds are heavily stacked in your favour of it going well next time.

Thanks for sharing your experience - it's definitely a big debate even between doctors. I see from your ticker that you are almost there! congratulations! May I ask, was this successful pregnancy the only one you took aspirin with? And we're you prescribed it as a result of something that showed up on tests, or just on a 'try it and see' basis?
Miscarriage investigations are very expensive and I wouldn't be looking into everything at this stage - I just have a niggling anxiety about the clotting thing due to Raynauds and the clot complication I had during my miscarriage. From googling - there does appear to be a link between ladies with Raynauds and ladies with a clotting disorder detrimental to pregnancy. But there is always a flip side - a colleague of mine has Raynauds and 6 healthy children / 0 miscarriages! Still, a thrombophilia test alone is still £250 - not a small amount of money! I'm already 2dpo this cycle though and we haven't 'wasted the oppurtunity' so to speak - so not really time enough to have tests done this cycle. I know everybody's right about statistics being on my side, I will just be kicking myself if the same happens again and I didn't act upon it. I suppose only time will tell ... Xxx

 

[nicejuicypear]

Yes, the aspirin was in this time around. I didn't take it at all in my last two pregnancies. It might not have been that, it might have been the change in donor or just a fluke, can never tell I suppose. It was suggested to me just in case, because the tests showed up nothing to indicate the need for aspirin but the doctor said I 'might as well anyway'.

I understand your concerns about the circulation problems and a possible link, I think I'd be focusing on that too, it seems quite plausible.

It's easy to say about the statistics but I do remember being in your position and the statistics are a little hard to cling to when you're dealing with the raw emotions of loss. I say, do whatever will cause you the least regret in retrospect. Think of the likely outcomes and the 'what if's you will have for each one and see what you can live with the most... if that makes sense?

 

[scn]

I have had 5 miscarriages and all my tests are normal. I've been put onto aspirin by my consultant as a 'can't hurt' attempt to help. I've also to start progesterone supplements as soon as I get a bfp. They are awaiting the results of a study called PROMISE which was looking to see if progesterone helps with recurrent loss. At the moment, small scale studies have shown that it may be beneficial so my consultant discussed me with her senior colleagues and they've decided I should have the supplements xx

 

[summer15]

I have had 5 miscarriages and all my tests are normal. I've been put onto aspirin by my consultant as a 'can't hurt' attempt to help. I've also to start progesterone supplements as soon as I get a bfp. They are awaiting the results of a study called PROMISE which was looking to see if progesterone helps with recurrent loss. At the moment, small scale studies have shown that it may be beneficial so my consultant discussed me with her senior colleagues and they've decided I should have the supplements xx

So sorry for your losses, I can't imagine going through this 5 times. It must be even more disheartening that nothing showed up on tests - you almost want a problem to be revealed so that you can treat it. I've heard SO many success stories about aspirin - sometimes I wonder if it works but because not enough official trials have been done on it Doctors are'nt sure WHY it works so are reluctant to prescribe it. I really hope it (and the progesterone) work for you. Just to give you a little hope - a lady I work with has been a support to me through my miscarriage. She suffered 5 herself between the age of 23 and 33. She was in fact told that she wouldn't be able to have children. Then at 34 she went to the doctors feeling something was not right and discovered she was 16 weeks pregnant!!! Naturally pregnancy had been the last thing she suspected - she carried to term with a healthy son, and it clearly kickstarted her body because 2 years later she fell pregnant with her daughter first time trying! She couldn't concieve during her typical 'prime years' then suddenly became super fertile at the age of 34.
Xxx

 

[scn]

Thanks Summer, I'm not holding out much hope to be honest, I'm 41 next month and been trying since I was 38. No amount of medicine is going to help my old eggs I'm afraid ....... but miracles do happen and maybe one will happen for me xx
With regards to the aspirin, there is conflicting advice between medical professionals but if you read what you can and make an informed choice whether you want to try it or not you don't need a prescription, you can buy aspirin 75mg over the counter xx

 

[Iwant3]

I had 3 miscarriages at 7+2, 10+2 and 4 weeks! this was while ttc baby no3 and I was 35 at the time. I also read about baby aspirin etc - and my gp would not advise anything or help in anyway = so after the last miscarriage I started taking it = 5 cycles later I got pregnant again, and that baby is now 8 months old! I don't know if it was the aspirin, but I will never know what would have happened if I hadn't have taken it. I took it up to 36 weeks pregnant

 

[summer15]

I had 3 miscarriages at 7+2, 10+2 and 4 weeks! this was while ttc baby no3 and I was 35 at the time. I also read about baby aspirin etc - and my gp would not advise anything or help in anyway = so after the last miscarriage I started taking it = 5 cycles later I got pregnant again, and that baby is now 8 months old! I don't know if it was the aspirin, but I will never know what would have happened if I hadn't have taken it. I took it up to 36 weeks pregnant

Thanks for sharing your experience, I've definitely heard more positive stories about taking baby aspirin than not taking it. The dangers of it seem to be theoretical? I've not heard anybody say that they believe taking it contributed to a miscarriage or prevented pregnancy ...? I actually mentioned it too my gp yesterday and she said it's completely my choice she couldn't advise either way but she didn't think it could 'hurt' ... Ah so undecided!! Xxx

 

[madsticks]

Hi, summer I see since this post you have managed a successful pregnancy-congratulations!-

Did you end up trying with aspirin? X

 

[Iwant3]

I had 3 miscarriages, one was a chemical so docs wouldn't count it! so after reading up I decided myself to take baby aspirin (I had already had 2 children before the losses - but was approaching 35 when ttc the third time! I started taking it after my last loss, it took 5 more cycles to get a bfp, then I carried on taking it until I was 36 weeks pregnant and then gradually stopped, i.e. one every other day, one every 2 days etc until I stopped taking it ready for birth!

I have no proof that it helped, but my baby aspirin baby is now 14 months old