In the months that followed, we pursued a range of tests including trio exome genetic testing. Our doctors concluded that, while the cause had not been identified, the risk of recurrence was very low.
Last year my husband and I lost our first pregnancy at 28 weeks. We had complications from a CVS (water breaking) and there were minor abnormalities identified from the 13 week scan (talipes and a hyper extended knee) but things seemed OK and we were optimistic. Unfortunately, the 26 week ultrasound identified issues with baby’s brain that were then confirmed (and worse than expected) in MRI. The cause was not identified during the pregnancy or post mortem, but the prognosis from the extent of changes was that baby would likely not leave the NICU (if she made it to term). In the months that followed, we pursued a range of tests including trio exome genetic testing. Our doctors concluded that, while the cause had not been identified, the risk of recurrence was very low.
We got pregnant again late in 2022. Everything looked good. Amniocentesis (microarray) did not identify any genetic issues and ultrasounds were all clear. Devastatingly, our 26 week ultrasound again showed issues with baby’s brain. Two MRIs strongly suggested it was the same thing as our first pregnancy. We spent the next few weeks doing every test we could, but ultimately lost the baby at 29 weeks in February. We still don’t know the cause. The doctors we saw at Jessie McPherson were fantastic, and are turning over every stone for us to try to find an explanation (that can be excluded via IVF for subsequent pregnancies). If not, it seems we have to just get pregnant naturally with a 1/4 or 1/2 chance that the same issue will arise, and we won’t know until 26 weeks. Whilst we are awaiting test results we are also exploring other options to continue our family.
- Kristen
