Recurrent Miscarriage:  Brihony and Michael

Michael and Brihony were both under 35 when they decided to start trying for children, and neither thought they would have any difficulties. Brihony conceived easily, but her first pregnancy didn’t last. While upset about miscarrying, Brihony coped because she thought most women have at least one miscarriage.

Brihony became pregnant easily a second time, but was a little anxious as to how things would go. At six weeks a scan showed only a faint fetal heartbeat, and a week later she had another devastating miscarriage that required hospitalization to remove the pregnancy.

It took longer to grieve for this pregnancy – the sense of loss was enormous even though Brihony only carried the baby for a short time. She felt guilty for failing twice and began to wonder if she and Michael would ever have children. Brihony lost a third pregnancy within the space of a year. Her sense of isolation was immense, even with the support of Michael, friends and family.

After the third miscarriage Brihony and Michael were referred to the Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Clinic. All their tests came back clear; there was no explanation for the miscarriages. There was no reason they couldn’t go on to have a successful pregnancy, but there was no miracle cure either.

The decision to try again was an emotional one. Brihony really wanted a baby but was scared about the chance of miscarrying and how she would cope. She became pregnant again, but every day was scared that she would lose this baby. Every little cramp or small change in her body couldn easily set off the anxiety button.  Brihony and Michael were lucky this time; their first baby was born on December 14th, 2006 - a little girl called Hannah who weighed in at 3614 grams.

The SPIN study is aimed at improving treatments for couples, like Brihony and Michael, who have unexplained recurrent miscarriage. The study will help to determine whether aspirin and heparin, in addition to intensive monitoring at a recurrent miscarriage clinic, improves the chances of a successful pregnancy.

To read about the SPIN study, please click here