In response to Jane, whose sister in law has a history of miscarriage, ovarian cycsts, placenta that 'breaks up' and fibroids, and whose doctor wants to do a hysterectomy [Issue 45]:
I will offer two things that she might want to look into. This comes with a prayer for hope and encouragement from someone who has been down that road of suffering also.
First, if her miscarriages are in early pregnancy, she may have a progesterone deficiency, also known as luteal phase defect (LPD). With low progesterone levels, the growing placenta never builds up enough to nourish the growing baby. There is literally not enough oxygen or nutrition getting to the baby for it to survive. A simple prescription of natural progesterone supplements (oral, or vaginal suppositories) during the first trimester may make all the difference in the world. (It has for me! I have had three healthy babies after losing three.)
An endometrial biopsy can help diagnose LPD, but it is also helpful to know when ovulation takes place in relation to onset of menses. A short post-ovulatory phase (i.e., less than 14 days from ovulation to menses) would be suspect, especially if the post-ovulatory phase were typically 9-10 days. Several months of record keeping using a "fertility awareness" approach, such as the Creighton or Billings model, will be especially helpful in confirming such a diagnosis. In my personal experience, all of my medical tests came back "normal" but the Creighton model charting showed my LPD quite clearly: a typical 9-10 day post-ovulatory phase.
The second issue I want to mention is nutrition. I have worked extensively with Dr. Tom Brewer in recent months putting together a web site that reflects his years of research and experience with nutrition in pregnancy. I would venture to guess that his first question to Annie would be about her diet. Some women seem able to get pregnant despite terrible nutrition; yet there are some who, in spite of a pretty good diet, find that eating better really does make a difference. Dr. Brewer has said that during times of stress the body doesn't assimilate the good food we eat as well, and assuming Annie is under stress over this issue (and I'm speaking from personal experience), it could put her at risk even if she is eating a good diet.
According to Dr. Brewer, the placenta is like all other organs in that it needs adequate nutrition to survive and thrive. In his practice he virtually eliminated placental abrubtions (among other problems) simply by counseling women on what to eat during pregnancy. So if the placenta is not functioning well and there is no medical reason to indicate why not, then it may be that it isn't being nourished well enough, and of course the baby is not getting enough nourishment either.
With or without a medical reason for her losses, it certainly can't hurt for her to be eating the best possible diet during this time. If nothing else, it's a proactive step she can take, and she can rest assured that she's doing all that she is able to do. Dr. Brewer's simple diet ensures that a woman gets all the protein, calories, vitamins and minerals that she and her baby need, in perfect balance, throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
You can find Dr. Brewer's Blue Ribbon Baby pages at: http://www.kalico.net/BlueRibbonBaby The diet is available there to print and distribute freely.
One final resource Annie may appreciate and one that helped me so much is the book I'll Hold You In Heaven by Jack Hayford. This touching little book offers support and reassurance for those who have lost a child through stillbirth, miscarriage, abortion, or SIDS.
-Marci
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I think she would benefit from reading The Hysterectomy Hoax by Dr. West. It's written for the laywoman and gives treatment options instead of hysterectomy as well as the drawbacks of hysterectomy (which are usually downplayed). I agree, she needs to find out what the underlying problem is, not give up so totally on her reproductive years by yanking out her uterus. Even if she decided to quit trying for children, that's no reason to take out her uterus.
-Debby S.
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There are some amazing all-natural herbal products that could help her tremendously and possibly reverse the need for a hysterectomy. Please email me at ezannino@yahoo.com for more information. I can put her in touch with professionals in the medical field if she so desires.
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I recently underwent a new procedure for advanced uterine fibroids called arterial uterine embolization. My fibroids were over 18 weeks size and had been resistant to extensive alternative treatments. Basically, this procedure blocks the blood flow to the arteries. Without blood supply the fibroid dies, shrinks and either disappears through reabsorption or is passed. There have been cases documented where women went on to give birth to healthy babies, although post-procedural fertility is not guaranteed. However, where there is a healthy uterus (as mine now is) there is at least hope. Have your sister-in-law find a facility that does this new procedure. It is much safer than surgical options but it's newness means it is not available everywhere.
-Cynthia Gerard, CPM, LM
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There is some good current research about immune issues that can cause placental failure and subsequent miscarriage. She may want to check out some of the resources at: http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/getPreg.html and http://repro-med.net/
-Ronnie
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Jane Responds:
Aren't women wonderful? I am so pleased with the responses so far. I will be sending all the information to Annie. She'll be so proud and touched that women all over the world are thinking of her and are willing to share their experiences and knowledge.
Thank you at Midwifery Today for this wonderful forum in which to air concerns and queries without fear or embarrassment.
Thanks also go to those who have been interested enough to respond so quickly.
Love,
Jane
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 1 Issue 46, Nov 12, 1999)
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