Pregnancy

[paige1991]

Has anybody gone through a pregnancy whilst dealing with active behcets I recently found out I was pregnant and I was terrified any experiences will be helpful

[andreafm]

I want to say congratulations to you and although as far as I know I haven't been in active behcets whilst pregnant. My son was born 33years ago and I didn't have a diagnosis then and the symptoms were somewhat different then.

However, I know quite a few of us here have gone through it and some feel a lot better and have even gone into remission whilst pregnant, but that doesn't account for all. I will let others tell their personal stories which may help.

Maybe relevant or not but I am due to go to my Behcets specialist in London on Friday...his specialism is Lupus which is another autoimmune disorder which is quite similar to Behcets. On the clinic wall is a massive board filled with Baby and family pictures and cards thanking the clinic for such a wonderful gift.

Every time I go there are more and more pictures and it does make me feel heartened that normal life can go on despite this horrible condition.

Hope this helps a bit and others will join in with some more positive personal stories

[billi]

Hi and yes I went through two of my pregnancies and all was well. The pregnancy and about ten months to 18 months after were more or less symptom free. I did breast feed for most of that time. Also I have many friends with Similar autoimmune diseases and they too had remission. The doctors say it is probably to so with hormones. Both my boys are men now and in good health.

Hope this helps to ease your mind as just now you need to relax and be happy!!!

And.....congratulations!! If you ever need to chat or have more private questions I would be happy to help, just email a private message.

Hugs

Billi

[CrystalAngel1]

I don't have any personal experience but just wanted to say both congratulations and that I am thinking of you. I'm desperate to have a family of my own but Behcet's has got in the way but I'm sure there are lots of people out there who have successfully had babies whilst managing BD. There is a BSS fact sheet written about BD and pregnancy and I understand that a lot of women's disease is somewhat better in pregnancy. I guess finding out you are pregnant anytime is a bit terrifying let alone when you are battling with such a difficult illness. I would get in touch with your BD specialist ASAP if you haven't already and talk things through with them as I'm sure it's a scenario they will have come across before. Above all.....look after yourself....more than ever and shout out on here for support if you need it - best of luck. X

[sian35]

Congratulations on your news.

I understand that when u r pregnant your immune system is naturally damped down so that you can tolerate the part of your baby 's genetics that comes from your partner. Sometimes it is after the baby is born that symptoms can bounce back - the inflamation in the stiches I had was such an example. Ouch!! Not good!! However, I had no diagnosis at the time so these things happened but now your drs will be able to be proactive. I would say having my son has been welll worth it all!!

I think blood clots is an area drs always like to be careful about in pregnancy (for all women ) and I am sure your drs will have this in mind. Do speak with them as soon as I am sure they will want to do everything to help.

good luck with everything

[poshcat]

Hi there,

Massive congratulations on this exciting but scary time. My little one is 19 months old so this is all very fresh to me!

Overall my pregnancy wasn't to bad my joints hurt more because of the extra weight and I had to have claxane (blood thinning) injections daily and for 3 months after but there really not so bad. Because of the claxane and the fatigue I suffer it was decided it was safer for me to have a c section and even that was fine and they used special stiches so I was less likely to react. I stopped all of my meds against advice other than the claxane but that was my own issue many are safe to take. Unfortunately for me I had a major flare as soon as bubs was born and really suffered for a bit but it was well worth it as I now have a beautiful HEALTHY baby girl. Feel free to pm me if u have any questions and ask your dr/nurse anything and everything as stress is not good for either of u.

Take care

Ps ginger biscuits make u feel less sick xxx

[Lanclass]

Hi I'm new to the site but thought I would share my experience. I was lucky to have an amazing specialist during my pregnancy who was brilliant. like most people have said normally Bechets calms down during pregnancy however mine flared up very badly. My uveitis was terrible and I nearly lost my sight. During my pregnancy I had to inject Clexane but my specialist now tells me that this no longer needed due to new research. at the end of the pregnancy I was put on steroids which meant I had to stay in after the birth to check my daughter was ok. In the end I had to have an emergency cessarian because my blood pressure went crazy, not sure if this was Bechets linked. However since my daughters birth my Bechets has been amazing with no flare ups! I was given a specialist paediatrician during my pregnancy and I would make sure your bechets consultant makes sure you have the best available. Good luck xx

[Meep]

Congrats!

I had a pretty unremarkable pregnancy 11 years ago. I was not diagnosed at that point. I had a remission until the third trimester, and then a minor flare. Mostly sore and stiff joints, minimal ulcers. My daughter is strong and healthy, and I bounced back quickly. I did have a lot of fatigue though.

Best of luck!

[JMC90]

Congratulations!! I have 2 healthy wonderful boys (5yrs and 3 yrs) and if anything during and after the pregnancies, BD went into remission. It was great actually...no pain or 'other' issues. The drs did say it's probably due to the hormones. My blood pressure did go up in the second pregnancy at around 38 weeks but was managed with medication and no ill effects to me or the 3yr old. It can happen in any pregnancy about blood pressure and can be safely controlled (usually) with medication. I did breastfeed them both. So enjoy your pregnancy and your newbie!