[mumwbubs]

Hi Everyone,

I am wondering if there are any other ANA (antibodies) positive mums who have had successful pregnancies? After having 2 m/c I was told after my last d&c that I am positive for ANA and this is the reason due to my m/c's.

I am now almost 8weeks preg (this will be our 4th)and have been instructed to take low dose asprin by my OB untill 36wks. I have had an u/s and everything looks great so far along with a healthy hb. Although it is okay atm I am still worried I will still m/c.

What methods/meds worked out for you and how did you manage the worry?

Many thanks for your advise.. Congrats to all the expectant mums

This post has been edited by mumwbubs: 20/12/2012, 09:59 AM

[Natttmumm]

I had aca antibodies which I think is similar. Also lost 2 pregnancies.
We went onto have clexane and aspirin up to 34 weeks. Both babies were born full term and healthy. This is number 3 and we did all the tests again as its been 6 years. All came back negative so just aspirin this time. I'm at 32 weeks now.
Congrats on the pregnancy and try not to worry as I was told its easily treated with great outcomes.
Hang in there

[Sunshiney]

I tested ANA positive after losing my last bub, but have tested ANA negative this PG. Apparently your levels can change and you should be re-tested in 3 mths to see if you're still positive.

For this PG, my doc put me on lots of immune support supplements and herbs while TTC (I go to a natural fertility clinic, hence the perhaps unconventional treatment) and I've gone into this PG really healthy and all is going well. I also had my HCG and progesterone monitored 2x week for weeks 5, 6 and 7 before they decided everything was progressing well so I didn't need any more testing. If my progesterone levels hadn't been good though, they were going to put me on pessaries.

As for managing the worries, I have my EB ladies who are PG post mc who have been supporting and encouraging me through this PG because they understand the fears of being PG again Plus, I also remind myself that every PG is a new event and I can't base my expectations on my history of loss because this PG is in no way influenced by what has happened in my journey. Also this PG 'feels' different so I try to use that as a reminder that the outcome will be different. It is hard to stay positive all the time, but I set small milestones and just focus on getting through each day.

Best wishes for your PG! FX that 2013 is a wonderful year for both of us!

[KRT]

I'm ANA +ve, with a diagnosis of SLE. My last pregnancy I was on nothing at all, and I have a lovely DS from it. I didn't get in to see my specialist until I was around 12 weeks, and he said that the important time to be on aspirin was up to 10 weeks while the placenta developed, and it was too late to start!

I did miscarry in my first pregnancy, with a mmc at 12 weeks after seeing a nice heartbeat at 8 weeks. I was told, despite my SLE, it was almost certainly due to a chromosomal issue and just bad luck.

I had extra blood tests every month or so to keep an eye on things, and some extra scans. My OB was a little more attentive to blood pressure etc, but really, nothing more than I think would have happened anyway. Other than the aspirin and clexane, some ladies are put on cortisone - but usually when there's a clear reason to do so. But it's there if it's needed.

I was induced at 40 weeks because my OB was not willing for me to go over, and I think that was the right call as the placenta wasn't looking great and my DS looked very overdue even though he was basically on time.

As for managing the worry - well, you just have to hope for the best. Really, a +ve ANA is pretty common, and most babies are born safely. Easy to say, hard to believe

Congratulations on your pregnancy!