Getting Pregnant with Crohn's
Mon, January 18, 2010 1:00 AM
Hi,
Sorry this is so long...
I am 32 and have had Crohn's Disease since I was 10. I was on Azulfidine and Prednisone as well as a low dose of 6MP for many, many years. About 2 years ago, I went to a new GI because I wanted to get off the Prednisone which I had never been able to do successfully in the past. My GI suggested that I switch to Remicade and a higher dose of 6MP. This seemed to work for a while but after less than a year, I developed antibodies to the Remicade so I stopped using it. I have now been on Humira and Azulfidine for about 4 months and it was going great until I started flaring right around Christmas.
For the past 2 years, my husband and I have been trying to find the right combo of meds to induce remission for a prolonged period of time so that it is safe to try to conceive. I am starting to think that Biologics may not work well for me, but I am scared to go back on the 6MP despite the fact that I do think it was effective for me. 6MP is a Class D pregnancy drug so that deeply concerns me.
Fortunately, I have a wonderful husband who is supportive but we are both frustrated at this point. I really like my GI and he is always trying to find something to help while keeping my concerns in mind. I am the one who asked to be taken off the 6MP after a talk with my OB/GYN. It is disconcerning when your doctors have different opinions.
I would love to hear from any other women or spouses who may be in a similar situation. Have you been pregnant on 6MP and had a healthy baby? Did your OB/GYN and GI agree on this protocol?
Thanks in advance!
Joined Jan 18, 2010
Wed, March 10, 2010 1:00 AM
Reply posted for blueorbit18.
I had my sons within the first three years after my initial diagnosis. Being pregnant was a breeze, it was almost like being pregnant was a remission for me. My disease stayed quiet and I didn't have to take any medications. I was lucky, and I know it.
I don't know what the current point of view on this is, but my GI doctor from way back told me that women with Crohn's have a decreased ability to become pregnant in the most normal of cirsumstances. But when you put these new scary Genetic medications in the picture, there is no way I would risk pregnancy on these medications.
My heart goes out to you honey and you have all my prayers. Good luck, and maybe just maybe they'll find a cure for this mess so we can all have some peace.
bestroikaJoined Mar 10, 2010
Mon, February 01, 2010 12:02 AM
Reply posted for blueorbit18.
I forgot to say... see if you can find an OB who is used to having patients on these types of medications. It does help when your doctors are in agreement and even the OB understands the importance of the medication. You may be able to find a high risk OB who has had experience with these or at least similar med.s. You can also try asking your GI dr. if s/he has a recommendation of an OB (maybe someone other patients of his on 6MP used).
Joined Oct 23, 2008
Sun, January 31, 2010 11:58 PM
Reply posted for blueorbit18.
I was on 6MP when I was pregnant with my son (who is now 14 months). He did perfectly fine. I know it's a really hard decision, but I would strongly recommend sticking to whichever medication keeps your disease in remission. I think that's the best chance of having a healthy baby.
(After many months of agonizing about this decision, I also breastfed the baby on 6MP. We checked his 6MP metabolite level at one or two months to make sure he didn't have any level. He's done great on the breast milk too.)
Good luck.
Joined Oct 23, 2008
Mon, January 18, 2010 1:00 AM
Reply posted for blueorbit18.
I have had 2 children while being treated and 3 children total. I was taking 6mp when I got pregnant with my 3rd and I immediately stopped all meds when I found out I was pregnant. Didnt make my gastro very happy but it was my choice. I actually felt better during pregnancy up until the last month of it. I just went back on pred the last month which in the last month isnt harmful because it actually will help the baby to form their lungs and such. They will give it to women if they know they will be delivering early to help the baby to form a little faster. All my children are quite healthy and have no health issues to speak of. It is a personal choice that each of us have to make when and if we decide to have children. As I stated though my crohns actually went into remission and I felt better during pregnancy than I have any other time and I am a chronic sufferer. I only go into remission for small amounts of time except during pregnancy. I wish you the best of luck and God Bless you!
Joined Mar 21, 2008
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