Vanessa, if your doctor actually told you that your PFTs would drop significantly because of pregnancy and no other reason, he is VERY misinformed. This is NOT backed up by ANY current scientific research. I have built a website around current, accurate information regarding parenthood for people with CF. I encourage you to check it out (<A href="http://www.geocities.com/MurrensNatureMama">www.geocities.com/MurrensNatureMama</A>). You will find answers to much of what you are concerned about and will direct you to other sources from which you can get more information. The current findings are as follows: Each person's CF has a basic trend. Whatever YOUR basic trend is will not be altered by a pregnancy. This means that if your health is on an up-swing, you will probably be healthier after pregnancy than before (I experienced this and several other women with CF that I know have also). If your CF is basically plateaued, then your health will be approximately the same poat-partum as before. If you are on a decline, then your health will be lower after pregnancy than before. Your lung function is well within the "safe range". Researchers have found that outcomes for women whose PFTs are in the 60s or above are much better than those whose PFTs are below 60%. This does not mean that a woman whose PFTs are 55% or 50% cannot have a healthy pregnancy and do well afterward, it just means that the chances for complications and deterioration are greater. Many doctors mistakenly inform their patients that CF-related infections cannot be treated during pregnancy or breastfeeding. On the contrary, many medications and procedures are safe for pregnant or lactating women. There are things you can do to increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and birth and of being healthy post-partum. Getting your body as healthy and strong ahead of time as possible is a good start. After you have become pregnant, there are many choices you can make to increase your chances of a healthy, safe pregnancy and delivery. Many women with CF find, however that pregnancy does not happen "just like any other woman". Many of us, in fact most of us, are "sub-fertile". This means that though we are technically capable (having all the proper parts in working order) of conception, but it rarely happens as easily for women with CF as women without. There are also things you can do to improve your chances of conceiving naturally. Much of that information is also available on my website. If you do not find what you are looking for or you have other questions, feel free to email me. I am happy to discuss them with you. If you begin researching on your own and find good current information that is not on my website, PLEASE email me so I can update my website to help other adults with CF.Start now educating yourself. You are the only person who can know what is best for you and you cannot know what is best if you do not know what the facts are.
