Looking for info on MTHFR

Ski&Sail09

A few people suggested I post over here to look for some info on MTHFR. I was diagnosed this week with compound heterozygous. We've been TTC for three years but have not had any losses yet. My Naturopath tested me on a whim and I meet with my RE on the 21st as we getting ready to start IVF in January,. What I want to know is if any of your doctors believe your loss is associated with MTHFR?  Should I ask my RE to do further testing for other blood clotting and auto-immune issues before stating IVF? Any input and advice is greatly appreciated. TIA!

Brosis

I was diagnosed w/MTHFR after my 3rd loss.  I was tested for other clotting & autoimmune disorders too, which were negative.  I was placed on extra B vitamins, folic acid and baby asprin.  I have taken lovenox injections (an anti-coagulant) during my last pregnancy & this pregnancy.  So far, these 2 medicated pregnancies have been my only successful ones.

I would definitely recommend having a full clotting disorder & autoimmune disorder work-up prior to starting IVF.   Your RE should be very familiar w/the lab panels to order.  GL & hope to see you back here soon w/great news!

Holly TH

Scout,

It is not only speculation.  MTHFR does interfere with your ability to metabolize synthetic folic acid.  The MTHFR enzyme, which breaks down folic acid to its active form, L-methylfolate, works at 30% capacity in women with homozygous MTHFR and at 70% capacity for women who are heterozygous.  This puts you at risk for folate deficiency related pregnancy complications.  

I was talking to a friend of mine who is an OB a few weeks ago about MTHFR.  She is a huge believer that MTHFR causes RPL.  She was really astonished when I told her that most of your OB's do not believe there is a connection.  She says the mechanism has not been proven but in her clinical practice, when she treats her MTHFR patients with active L-methylfolate, they are able to carry to term.  She put my best friend on it after 4 losses and she is now in her third trimester with no other intervention.  She told me that 100% of her RPL patients have the polymorphism.  I have read far too many stories like yours Scout to believe it is not a factor in miscarriage, stillbirths and pre-term delivery.   

It is definitely a controversial subject but the treatments are so safe that it seems like it should be worth trying.  Scout, I am so glad you found an RE who was willing to try everything to help you become a mother.   

Ski&Sail09

Thank you ladies for the response.  Talk to me about this no caffeine situation? My cup of cooffee, or two every morning is the one thing I have not stopped. I stopped alcohol and all gluten and dairy. What't the caffeine connection?

Ski&Sail09

Ahh, thank you. I will start to slowly slowly take myself off coffee. I don't drink anything else with it. It can't hurt so why not. Thanks so much.

sarahandeddiejune212008

I was dx with MTHFR and Factor V Leiden after my 1st loss.  I was told my loss was more likely related to the combo of the two or the Factor V alone.  I was told to take BA every day while ttc and I started lovenox injections once I was pg.  Your RE should be able to help stear you in the right direction.  You may also want to see a hemotologist.  I saw a hemotologist my entire pregnancy.  I had to go in once a month to have my blood checked, but it was just a finger poke - so no biggie.

Holly TH

That is really interesting.  I am going to have to read more about it.  Caffeine was the one thing I found impossible to give up during pregnancy but I am a terrible addict.  I have a venti cappucino from Starbucks every single day.  I didn't have one the day of my c-section and they thought I was having a spinal headache after becuase I felt so bad.  Then I realized I hadn't had my coffee.  Oh, the money I waste.

Holly TH

LOL - ugly cried!