Pregnancy Questions

[Jacbar]

Hi everyone,

I’m provisionally diagnosed with Behçet’s and being treated with Imuran 100mg twice a day. Not feeling much benefit as of yet but it’s only been 3 months. I was previously on colchicine but I had awful side effects so had to stop that.

On top of Behçet’s I also have hashimotos and no thyroid, severe rls and endometriosis so I am on a lot of medications.

I just turned 40 and my partner and myself really want to try for a baby, brother of us have had a family, but I’m terrified about what all the medications might do to the baby.

Can I get pregnant on Imuran? What about breastfeeding?

I have my rheumatologist end of April so I’m hoping to go with a list of questions about getting pregnant. I have a gynaecology follow up shortly after so hoping we can start trying in May if I get the green light.

Any advice greatly received x

[Legomum]

Yes I was on low dose pred and Azathioprine in both pregnancies. Often Behçet’s patients report feeling better during those 9 months. The risk of flare is after delivery so need close monitoring for a couple of weeks then (and I had extra steroid to cover that).

Can breastfeed when taking Azathioprine but evidence was less clear 8 years ago so I chose bottle feeding as did not want to put baby through blood tests.

This factsheet is helpful behcets.org.uk/wp-content/u...

My advice is probably relevant to any flaring chronic disease, which is to build up your support system in preparation and for when baby arrives. Know who could babysit at short notice, shop, cook meals and provide practical support plus emotional support.

Sorry I cannot answer about the thyroid problems or how much age would be a factor in your pregnancy chances and risks.

Good luck to you all!

[Beckhalliday]

I can't offer much help, I just wanted to say best of luck to you. My husband has Bechets, and my neighbour. She had 3 pregnancies and said all her symptoms disappeared during pregnancy. Seems to be a thing with immune diseases!

The best resource for what you can take during breastfeeding is here: breastfeeding-and-medicatio...

I find most doctors are not up to date on this and often tell women they can't breastfeed when they actually can.

Best of luck again x

[Legomum in reply to Beckhalliday]

Such a helpful website, thanks!

[Expectthebest]

I thought long and hard about that as well. We decided not to have biological children as passing these possible genetic defects of auto immune issues would be cruel.