Azathioprine and pregnancy

[Soph19]

I have been taking Azathioprine for nearly a year now. I was taking 75mg to begin with then I found out that I was pregnant about 2-3 months after starting the treatment (4weeks until due date now) and my rheumatologist then lowered my dose to 50mg as I was nervous about carrying on taking medication whilst being pregnant as it can cause miscarriage, birth defects and premature labour. My Behcets symptoms seem to have almost disappeared which I don’t know if it’s down to the azathioprine or pregnancy? But I have been virtually mouth/genital ulcer and eye sore free my entire pregnancy, touch wood! I have been having my blood test done regularly and my last two have come back with my white blood count is high. My midwife did not pick up on it but when I see the dermatologist about 6 weeks ago she mentioned that it was high and this time the rheumatologist said it was again but he didn’t seem to concerned and said pregnancy can cause WBC to be high? Has anyone experienced this or no why the results are high even though I haven’t got any other illnesses?

Thank you

Sophie

[Legomum]

I know many people with Behçet’s feel better in their pregnancy with less ulcers etc.

I reduced my steroid (prednisolone) then, but stayed on my azathioprine. You need to be v careful about flare-ups in the 2 weeks after the birth and I was given extra “steroid cover” then.

The stress imposed on the body during pregnancy does increase the white blood cell count. There will be a normal reference range the doctors refer to.

There is a pregnancy fact sheet on the Behçet’s UK charity website that may be helpful:

behcets.org.uk/wp-content/u...

[Legomum]

Are you under the care of the Behçet’s Centre of Excellence? They were great at liaising with my obstetrician in both pregnancies. I was under the care of consultant obstetrician (rather than just midwife-led care) due to the “chronic condition” of Behçet’s and planning the delivery and a dose of iv steroids after they were born to reduce that risk of flares. Your body goes through a lot as you can imagine, hence the monitoring of your Behçet’s after delivery. Hope all goes well. Our children are now 8 and 10 years old so time flies once they arrive!

[Soph19 in reply to Legomum]

I’m under a consultant with antenatal who I am seeing on Monday so I can ask him about my care after having the baby if I have a flare up. My rheumatologist has rebooked my next appointment for 4 months time! The doctor wouldn’t refer me on to the Behcets center of excellence because they felt like they had my condition under control but maybe I’ll see how I am after the baby and possibly be referred on to them.