I have heard of this. I did some reasearch on it and they are trying to improve the issue to help decrease m/c in IVF. Go under google and see if you cant pull some info up. If they think thats what it is go for. even if the stupid insurence wont pay. : ) Good luck

First, I want to say I am so sorry for your losses. I lost my first child at 32 weeks, so my doctors tested me for this and the restuls showed that my protein S levels were really low, which indicated deficiency. They say this may have caused my loss, but they can't be sure. From what my doctors have told me protein s deficiency usually causes problems later in pregnancy once the placenta takes over, but it is usually not the reason for early losses before the placenta takes over.

Did your doctor order any blood tests that would make her think you have this deficiency, or have you had a history of blood clots? I would think it is definitely worth having the blood test...if the results show a problem then your doctor could provide you treatment during the next pregnancy. Has your doctor run any other blood tests for recurrent miscarriage? I hope you are able to get some ananswers from your doctor.

Hi there. I was recently diagnosed with Protein S Deficiency. I had a miscarriage in 2005, but delivered a healthy baby boy in 2007. I found out I had protein S deficiency because I developed a blood clot in my leg. Get the testing done. I had mine done last month and it was about $650 (my insurance covered 100%). It may also be a good idea to see a vascular specialist. This is such a rare condition (approx. 1 in 20,000 have it) that many doctors don't know much about it. So, here is what you might want to know about the disorder:

1. Protein S is a natural anticoagulant. Having a deficiency increases your risk for blood clots and miscarriages.

2. The recommended treatment for pregnant women is often heperin injections in the stomach 2x daily.

3. If you develop a blood clot (like me), you will need to be treated with blood thinners for life. (I take tablets, no injections)

4. Protein S Deficiency may be inherited (like mine) or accquired. Pregnancy or birth control pills may cause low Protein S. To determine if it is genetic, you would need to wait until you were off birth control or not pregnant for awhile.

5. Protein S Deficiency is a serious blood disorder! Your insurance should cover it!! My test cost about $650 and my insurance paid 100%.

Good luck, and I hope this helps!

Protein s deficiency is a disorder associated with blood clots in your veins. The disorder can be acquired or hereditary. Protein C is one factor that allows your blood to clot when needed, but when you have a deficiency it can cause your blood to clot when it shouldn't. One of these times is during pregnancy. Clots that block blood flow to and from the placenta can cut off nutrients and oxygen/CO2 exchange to the baby. It usually affects pregnancy in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. If you have this protein s deficiency and MTHFR gene mutation together, it can put you at a much higher risk for stillbirth, therefore you need to be tested for both disorders. At minimum, you need to be on a baby aspirin and 4 mg of folic acid a day to decrease your risk of miscarriages. The longer you are on this before becoming pregnant again, the better (1-3 months before pregnancy). Women with a history of miscarriage almost always have more than one clotting factor that is abnormal.

Individuals with homozygosity for the MTHFR mutation and any other predisposing factor (protein S deficiency, protein C deficiency, antithrombin III deficiency, the thrombophilic prothrombin mutation, factor V Leiden, or antiphospholipid antibodies), high dose folate supplementation beginning preconceptually may have a protective effect.
Those who have had one or more stillbirths and are found to have a thrombophilic mutation (not including MTHFR homozygosity in isolation) heparin and low dose aspirin may be appropriate

Hope this helps, but yes I would recommend the testing as this could not only explain your losses, but could allow you treatment that could help you carry a baby to term. Hugs, Fern

I was just tested for this and a bunch or other stuff this week-- my insurance is paying 100%. I would think since you've had 4 m/c, insurance would pay, but you could call to look into it. I would definitely do it if she thinks you have it because there is treatment to help. Also, I would think she would test you for protein c deficiency and some of the others mentioned. Good luck :)

Hi there, i just got out of hospital from having another DVT. I recently also had a m/c. My first blood clot was 6 weeks post of having my last daughter, since then i have had 2 mc's and 3 bouts of blood clots. they found out i have a deficiency in C & S. I am now on warfarin and clexane and either one of them for life, i am hoping to just have the shots until i am done having my children then go onto warfarin pills (as warfarin is dangerous to the fetus). I think it would be a good idea to have the tests and even have some heprin shots when you next get pregnant ( if infact the results come pack as a deficiany)