Should I or shouldn't I?

sweetie · Jul 16, 2008

My fiance and I are wondering if pregnancy is too risky for me....My FEV1 is around 48% at best and weight has always seemed to have been an issue (not sure if it is due to block intestinal surgeries in the past). I am 35 y/o and this is a decision that must be made soon if we are going to do it at all. It seems that everyone on the forum seems to have really good FEV1 pre-preg. Any thoughts?
cindy

sweetie · Jul 16, 2008

My fiance and I are wondering if pregnancy is too risky for me....My FEV1 is around 48% at best and weight has always seemed to have been an issue (not sure if it is due to block intestinal surgeries in the past). I am 35 y/o and this is a decision that must be made soon if we are going to do it at all. It seems that everyone on the forum seems to have really good FEV1 pre-preg. Any thoughts?
cindy

sweetie · Jul 16, 2008

My fiance and I are wondering if pregnancy is too risky for me....My FEV1 is around 48% at best and weight has always seemed to have been an issue (not sure if it is due to block intestinal surgeries in the past). I am 35 y/o and this is a decision that must be made soon if we are going to do it at all. It seems that everyone on the forum seems to have really good FEV1 pre-preg. Any thoughts?
cindy

sweetie · Jul 16, 2008

My fiance and I are wondering if pregnancy is too risky for me....My FEV1 is around 48% at best and weight has always seemed to have been an issue (not sure if it is due to block intestinal surgeries in the past). I am 35 y/o and this is a decision that must be made soon if we are going to do it at all. It seems that everyone on the forum seems to have really good FEV1 pre-preg. Any thoughts?
cindy

sweetie · Jul 16, 2008

My fiance and I are wondering if pregnancy is too risky for me....My FEV1 is around 48% at best and weight has always seemed to have been an issue (not sure if it is due to block intestinal surgeries in the past). I am 35 y/o and this is a decision that must be made soon if we are going to do it at all. It seems that everyone on the forum seems to have really good FEV1 pre-preg. Any thoughts?
 cindy

rubyroselee · Jul 16, 2008

I believe most doctors recommend having an FEV1 over 50% and to be fairly stable CF-wise. But it all depends on how often you get sick, how difficult it is for you to gain weight, etc. Everyone is different.

Pregnancy is pretty hard on the body because it has to support not only you but the baby as well. My FEV1 pre-pregnancy was around 85-90% and it has stayed there the entire pregnancy. I have only gained 10 lbs the entire pregnancy, although that's not really a big concern since I had extra weight on me anyways.

It think it has to do with how comfortable you feel with getting pregnant too. If you're worried about your meds affecting the baby's health, that might be something to consider. I know a lot of IV meds and other CF meds are safe during pregnancy, there is still the risk that if you needed something to keep yourself heatlhy that might be a risk to the baby, would you want to do that? Other questions might be if you're working, would you be able to take off work during your pregnancy to care for yourself? And of course the tougher questions...like what will you and your SO do if you got very sick after the baby was born and were unable to care for the baby? Etc, etc...

My pregnancy has gone very well and I have really enjoyed the experience. The thing that surprised me the most was how tired I was the entire pregnancy. I was very scared prior to getting pregnant wondering if I would continue to stay healthy after the pregnancy and how it would affect my health.

I think the best thing is to discuss your wishes with your CF doctor and see if getting pregnant is an option for you. They'll be able to give you all the risks and hopefully give you a good idea if it's something you want to do or not.

rubyroselee · Jul 16, 2008

I believe most doctors recommend having an FEV1 over 50% and to be fairly stable CF-wise. But it all depends on how often you get sick, how difficult it is for you to gain weight, etc. Everyone is different.

Pregnancy is pretty hard on the body because it has to support not only you but the baby as well. My FEV1 pre-pregnancy was around 85-90% and it has stayed there the entire pregnancy. I have only gained 10 lbs the entire pregnancy, although that's not really a big concern since I had extra weight on me anyways.

It think it has to do with how comfortable you feel with getting pregnant too. If you're worried about your meds affecting the baby's health, that might be something to consider. I know a lot of IV meds and other CF meds are safe during pregnancy, there is still the risk that if you needed something to keep yourself heatlhy that might be a risk to the baby, would you want to do that? Other questions might be if you're working, would you be able to take off work during your pregnancy to care for yourself? And of course the tougher questions...like what will you and your SO do if you got very sick after the baby was born and were unable to care for the baby? Etc, etc...

My pregnancy has gone very well and I have really enjoyed the experience. The thing that surprised me the most was how tired I was the entire pregnancy. I was very scared prior to getting pregnant wondering if I would continue to stay healthy after the pregnancy and how it would affect my health.

I think the best thing is to discuss your wishes with your CF doctor and see if getting pregnant is an option for you. They'll be able to give you all the risks and hopefully give you a good idea if it's something you want to do or not.

rubyroselee · Jul 16, 2008

I believe most doctors recommend having an FEV1 over 50% and to be fairly stable CF-wise. But it all depends on how often you get sick, how difficult it is for you to gain weight, etc. Everyone is different.

Pregnancy is pretty hard on the body because it has to support not only you but the baby as well. My FEV1 pre-pregnancy was around 85-90% and it has stayed there the entire pregnancy. I have only gained 10 lbs the entire pregnancy, although that's not really a big concern since I had extra weight on me anyways.

It think it has to do with how comfortable you feel with getting pregnant too. If you're worried about your meds affecting the baby's health, that might be something to consider. I know a lot of IV meds and other CF meds are safe during pregnancy, there is still the risk that if you needed something to keep yourself heatlhy that might be a risk to the baby, would you want to do that? Other questions might be if you're working, would you be able to take off work during your pregnancy to care for yourself? And of course the tougher questions...like what will you and your SO do if you got very sick after the baby was born and were unable to care for the baby? Etc, etc...

My pregnancy has gone very well and I have really enjoyed the experience. The thing that surprised me the most was how tired I was the entire pregnancy. I was very scared prior to getting pregnant wondering if I would continue to stay healthy after the pregnancy and how it would affect my health.

I think the best thing is to discuss your wishes with your CF doctor and see if getting pregnant is an option for you. They'll be able to give you all the risks and hopefully give you a good idea if it's something you want to do or not.

rubyroselee · Jul 16, 2008

I believe most doctors recommend having an FEV1 over 50% and to be fairly stable CF-wise. But it all depends on how often you get sick, how difficult it is for you to gain weight, etc. Everyone is different.

Pregnancy is pretty hard on the body because it has to support not only you but the baby as well. My FEV1 pre-pregnancy was around 85-90% and it has stayed there the entire pregnancy. I have only gained 10 lbs the entire pregnancy, although that's not really a big concern since I had extra weight on me anyways.

It think it has to do with how comfortable you feel with getting pregnant too. If you're worried about your meds affecting the baby's health, that might be something to consider. I know a lot of IV meds and other CF meds are safe during pregnancy, there is still the risk that if you needed something to keep yourself heatlhy that might be a risk to the baby, would you want to do that? Other questions might be if you're working, would you be able to take off work during your pregnancy to care for yourself? And of course the tougher questions...like what will you and your SO do if you got very sick after the baby was born and were unable to care for the baby? Etc, etc...

My pregnancy has gone very well and I have really enjoyed the experience. The thing that surprised me the most was how tired I was the entire pregnancy. I was very scared prior to getting pregnant wondering if I would continue to stay healthy after the pregnancy and how it would affect my health.

I think the best thing is to discuss your wishes with your CF doctor and see if getting pregnant is an option for you. They'll be able to give you all the risks and hopefully give you a good idea if it's something you want to do or not.

rubyroselee · Jul 16, 2008

I believe most doctors recommend having an FEV1 over 50% and to be fairly stable CF-wise. But it all depends on how often you get sick, how difficult it is for you to gain weight, etc. Everyone is different.
 
 Pregnancy is pretty hard on the body because it has to support not only you but the baby as well. My FEV1 pre-pregnancy was around 85-90% and it has stayed there the entire pregnancy. I have only gained 10 lbs the entire pregnancy, although that's not really a big concern since I had extra weight on me anyways.
 
 It think it has to do with how comfortable you feel with getting pregnant too. If you're worried about your meds affecting the baby's health, that might be something to consider. I know a lot of IV meds and other CF meds are safe during pregnancy, there is still the risk that if you needed something to keep yourself heatlhy that might be a risk to the baby, would you want to do that? Other questions might be if you're working, would you be able to take off work during your pregnancy to care for yourself? And of course the tougher questions...like what will you and your SO do if you got very sick after the baby was born and were unable to care for the baby? Etc, etc...
 
 My pregnancy has gone very well and I have really enjoyed the experience. The thing that surprised me the most was how tired I was the entire pregnancy. I was very scared prior to getting pregnant wondering if I would continue to stay healthy after the pregnancy and how it would affect my health.
 
 I think the best thing is to discuss your wishes with your CF doctor and see if getting pregnant is an option for you. They'll be able to give you all the risks and hopefully give you a good idea if it's something you want to do or not.

littlemisskris16 · Jul 17, 2008

Hi Cindy-

I was at my drs on monday, with my husband, talking about having a baby. I too am in the high 40's and when I am at my best 50% FEV1. We are concerned that my health will decline, and so we sat down with our CF team and spoke.

The general rule of thumb for us, was that pregnancy was not ruled out. My CF dr said he thinks I could handle a pregnancy well, that they do treat lung infections very aggressive and for me, all my numbers are stable. Weight, FEV1, o2 and has been for a few years now. He also told us that it is the after care that we would need to be concerned about. Sleeping, waking up a few times ( or more)at night, all the things that come with a newborn.

My husband was looking for a clear cut answer. He wanted to hear that a baby would not progress the disease. My dr said, that baby or no baby, CF progresses. That it is only something we can decide. And like anything else, it is taking a risk.

He mentioned that he has patients who have a lower pft and get pregnant and do fine. again, it is what we decide as a couple and that he would support any decision we make.

I would love more than anything to be a mom, but I know that my health comes first. We are going to TTC, and see where it takes us. Plus, it will be fun trying!! lol!

This is just our expierence, I hope it helps!

Kris
31 NY'er with CF/rD.

littlemisskris16 · Jul 17, 2008

Hi Cindy-

I was at my drs on monday, with my husband, talking about having a baby. I too am in the high 40's and when I am at my best 50% FEV1. We are concerned that my health will decline, and so we sat down with our CF team and spoke.

The general rule of thumb for us, was that pregnancy was not ruled out. My CF dr said he thinks I could handle a pregnancy well, that they do treat lung infections very aggressive and for me, all my numbers are stable. Weight, FEV1, o2 and has been for a few years now. He also told us that it is the after care that we would need to be concerned about. Sleeping, waking up a few times ( or more)at night, all the things that come with a newborn.

My husband was looking for a clear cut answer. He wanted to hear that a baby would not progress the disease. My dr said, that baby or no baby, CF progresses. That it is only something we can decide. And like anything else, it is taking a risk.

He mentioned that he has patients who have a lower pft and get pregnant and do fine. again, it is what we decide as a couple and that he would support any decision we make.

I would love more than anything to be a mom, but I know that my health comes first. We are going to TTC, and see where it takes us. Plus, it will be fun trying!! lol!

This is just our expierence, I hope it helps!

Kris
31 NY'er with CF/rD.

littlemisskris16 · Jul 17, 2008

Hi Cindy-

I was at my drs on monday, with my husband, talking about having a baby. I too am in the high 40's and when I am at my best 50% FEV1. We are concerned that my health will decline, and so we sat down with our CF team and spoke.

The general rule of thumb for us, was that pregnancy was not ruled out. My CF dr said he thinks I could handle a pregnancy well, that they do treat lung infections very aggressive and for me, all my numbers are stable. Weight, FEV1, o2 and has been for a few years now. He also told us that it is the after care that we would need to be concerned about. Sleeping, waking up a few times ( or more)at night, all the things that come with a newborn.

My husband was looking for a clear cut answer. He wanted to hear that a baby would not progress the disease. My dr said, that baby or no baby, CF progresses. That it is only something we can decide. And like anything else, it is taking a risk.

He mentioned that he has patients who have a lower pft and get pregnant and do fine. again, it is what we decide as a couple and that he would support any decision we make.

I would love more than anything to be a mom, but I know that my health comes first. We are going to TTC, and see where it takes us. Plus, it will be fun trying!! lol!

This is just our expierence, I hope it helps!

Kris
31 NY'er with CF/rD.

littlemisskris16 · Jul 17, 2008

Hi Cindy-

I was at my drs on monday, with my husband, talking about having a baby. I too am in the high 40's and when I am at my best 50% FEV1. We are concerned that my health will decline, and so we sat down with our CF team and spoke.

The general rule of thumb for us, was that pregnancy was not ruled out. My CF dr said he thinks I could handle a pregnancy well, that they do treat lung infections very aggressive and for me, all my numbers are stable. Weight, FEV1, o2 and has been for a few years now. He also told us that it is the after care that we would need to be concerned about. Sleeping, waking up a few times ( or more)at night, all the things that come with a newborn.

My husband was looking for a clear cut answer. He wanted to hear that a baby would not progress the disease. My dr said, that baby or no baby, CF progresses. That it is only something we can decide. And like anything else, it is taking a risk.

He mentioned that he has patients who have a lower pft and get pregnant and do fine. again, it is what we decide as a couple and that he would support any decision we make.

I would love more than anything to be a mom, but I know that my health comes first. We are going to TTC, and see where it takes us. Plus, it will be fun trying!! lol!

This is just our expierence, I hope it helps!

Kris
31 NY'er with CF/rD.

littlemisskris16 · Jul 17, 2008

Hi Cindy-
 
 I was at my drs on monday, with my husband, talking about having a baby. I too am in the high 40's and when I am at my best 50% FEV1. We are concerned that my health will decline, and so we sat down with our CF team and spoke.
 
 The general rule of thumb for us, was that pregnancy was not ruled out. My CF dr said he thinks I could handle a pregnancy well, that they do treat lung infections very aggressive and for me, all my numbers are stable. Weight, FEV1, o2 and has been for a few years now. He also told us that it is the after care that we would need to be concerned about. Sleeping, waking up a few times ( or more)at night, all the things that come with a newborn.
 
 My husband was looking for a clear cut answer. He wanted to hear that a baby would not progress the disease. My dr said, that baby or no baby, CF progresses. That it is only something we can decide. And like anything else, it is taking a risk.
 
 He mentioned that he has patients who have a lower pft and get pregnant and do fine. again, it is what we decide as a couple and that he would support any decision we make.
 
 I would love more than anything to be a mom, but I know that my health comes first. We are going to TTC, and see where it takes us. Plus, it will be fun trying!! lol!
 
 This is just our expierence, I hope it helps!
 
 Kris
 31 NY'er with CF/rD.

sweetie · Jul 17, 2008