Confusion about Metformin - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Message Board

ems_mum · 04-12-2007, 03:06 AM

My husband and I had been 'actively' trying to get pregnant with our 2nd child for 18 months with no success. I have always had really irregular periods and was originally told it was due to the amount of sport I played (when I was younger, I'm 34 now). In December 2006 I found out that I have PCOS. It was actually a relief to find out why I wasn't having periods, and gave us hope for the future. My doctor put me on Metformin and within a month I was pregnant. Unfortunately I lost my baby 2 weeks ago, I was 11.5 weeks but was actually only 8 weeks because that's when my baby's heart stopped beating. This was devastating, having been trying for such a long time only to lose the baby. It took us over a year to get pregnant with our daughter, so I believe that I've had PCOS for a very long time, but only found out about it recently, and obviously we were very lucky conceiving our daughter. My doctor told me to stop taking Metformin when I found out I was pregnant, however I've been reading alot of stories where 'they' (health professionals) say that Metformin reduces the risk of miscarriage, so I'm confused! I had a d & c and have started taking metformin again and once I have my check up with the dr (which will be 2 weeks after the d & c) we will start trying again, but I'm scared of having another miscarriage - scared of going through the heartache and the pain again. We don't have health cover and it's expensive to keep seeing a specialist, but I will go and see him in the next month or so. Does anyone know much about Metformin, and whether I should have kept taking it when I found out I was pregnant in the hope of preventing miscarriage? I don't blame myself for what happened, I'd just like to know. Thanks for listening! Melissa

duzford · 04-12-2007, 06:35 AM

You should not take metformin after you now you are pregnant, it hinders fetal development. If you get pregnant again, do not continue the metformin. Good luck and sorry to hear of your loss!

mattysmamma · 04-12-2007, 11:15 AM

I have to disagree with your DR and PP about discontinuing the Met while you are pregnant. I have a history of early miscarriage, usually the pg ends by 11 weeks. And I feel your devastation on losing your pregnancy. Its a horrible end to a dream.
I have had 5 mc's total. And a horrible time even getting pg! Ovulation is hard for me! I have also had 2 live births to perfect, healthy babies. My pregnancies with my daughter and son were flawless. The difference with these two is that I took the met to concieve and took the met until I was 12 weeks along. 2000mg daily. I also took progesterone suppositories until 12weeks just to be safe. I strongly believe that had I not taken the met/progesterone in my first trimesters, I would not have my babies today.
Ulitimatly, the choice is yours. You need to do whats right for you. Taking the met in pg was right for me. Good luck in the future, and I am so sorry for your loss.
((((BIG HUGS!!!))))
~Janelle~

mattysmamma · 04-12-2007, 11:17 AM

Also, I forgot to mention.....I had a horrible time TTC. When I went on the met, both times I was pg the first month. Good luck again!
~Janelle~

FirstPregnancy · 04-18-2007, 07:49 PM

I disagree with your doctor. Studies have shown that continuing metformin use during pregnany reduces miscarriage. (2001, Gluek et al. Fertil Steril, 75:46-52)