PA and pregnancy

[yogamom1]

Hi all,

I’m seeking advice on the likelihood of becoming pregnant with this condition. I’m still pretty young in my early 30s. My boyfriend and I are wanting to have children in the future and I’m wondering how possible that is? I was diagnosed with PA back in 2016 (though I believe I suffered a lot longer before being diagnosed) and before being diagnosed suffered with iron deficiency anemia as well for many years (ferritin level was a 2!) — which I also still struggle with. I was diagnosed with Autoimmune Atrophic Gastritis earlier this year after years of searching for answers. I’ve read tons of medical articles and journals and it seems very unlikely to become pregnant with active autoimmune disease and deficiencies (the deficiencies are currently being managed). I SI B12 three times weekly, sometimes more and am on iron infusions. My folate levels have been high since finding out I have PA (I have no idea why? I don’t and never did supplement) but I want to start taking folic acid too. I’ve previously have been pregnant and delivered a healthy full term baby, but it was many years ago before I became ill. Has anyone had a child AFTER finding out they had PA? Or anyone have any ideas on increasing the likelihood of becoming pregnant?

TIA

[pvanderaa]

My understanding, and I’m not medically trained, is that it he baby will take from you what it needs. So you need to be taking prenatal supplements.

Quite often it seems that a B12D arises in the mother from the pregnancy.

I think it is more of a concern on your health and less concern for the baby. You need a good balanced diet with no alcohol or smoking.

[yogamom1 in reply to pvanderaa]

Thanks so much! Yes I read that also that the baby takes nutrients from the mother so it would make sense why some end up with deficiencies especially when dealing this chronic illness. I have a healthy balanced diet, and do not smoke nor drink either.

[fbirder]

The Pernicious Anaemia Society has a leaflet on 'B12 Deficiency in Pregnancy and Newborn Infants'. pernicious-anaemia-society.... However, it is for members only.

The bit you'll really want to hear is - "once the B12 deficiency is corrected the majority of women go on to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy."

I would ask a doctor for advice on folic acid.

[yogamom1 in reply to fbirder]

Thanks very much! That quotation gives me hope, I’ll be speaking to my doctor about folic acid next doctor visit.

[Emmapemma]

I only found out I had PA after my third pregnancy. I think looking back each pregnancy drained my stores and I couldn't refill them. My problem was that I couldn't breastfeed, first baby was fine, second baby he didn't gain weight very well but just about managed, third baby I had no food at all. I think if you have injections of B12 and make sure you are feeling as well as you can I'm sure you will be fine but I'd talk to your GP about the folate intake and b12 and make sure they have checked your thyroid as well. Try not to worry. Good luck!

[yogamom1 in reply to Emmapemma]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I’ll definitely be checking with my GP, especially because a couple of years ago I was diagnosed with sub-clinical hypothyroidism as my TSH was quite high but numbers came back down on their own with medication. They told me at the time it wasn’t Hashimotos but it makes me wonder after finding out that I have PA

[PaintLadie]

I am 33 and currently pregnant with my third. I took monthly B12 injs. with my first. With my second I had to move it up to every three weeks and now with my third I haven't been able to make it to three weeks with out an injection with out nuero. symptoms beginning. Self injecting is the way to go when pregnant. My babies are all about three years apart and it would seem post pregnancy it takes my body about three years to be strong again than BOOM I get pregnant. Take into factor I also have moderate to severe food and seasonal allergies and asthma along with some other absorption problems; so my recovery might differ from yours and I've self diagnosed myself as being long term PA damageds.

I've read about the whole B12 Autism risk. My older two kids do not have Autism and well time will tell with the third, but I've also read many other environmental factors can be in play when it comes to Autism, so in my opinion that is not a good reason for a PA sufferer not to have kids.

[yogamom1 in reply to PaintLadie]

Thank you for sharing your story with me. It’s wonderful to hear that so many with this condition were able to successfully become pregnant. I have dealt with a number of deficiencies and even hormonal imbalances over the years (another huge concern there that may be causing infertility?) I hadn’t heard of the autism link with b12 deficiency but that is something I’m very interested in knowing more about as my boyfriend is on the spectrum and we already have a bit of the risk there.

[PaintLadie in reply to yogamom1]

I had low progesterone problems and was told I could not conceive without help, but apparently hormones must fluctuate also. My husband and started Natural Family Planning, the Creighton Method, so it was helpful in keeping track of hormone fluctuations and when something was off.

I've read that consistently high levels of B12 raise the risk of Autism 17%, but also low levels raise the risk. I've also read different studies have had inconclusive results; all very confusing. Life is complicated and kids are awesome, so I'm trying my best to not worry about things I cannot control. In reality so many things can go wrong, but so many can go right also.

[yogamom1 in reply to PaintLadie]

My issue is also being low in progesterone. I’ve been tracking ovulation for years and have come to realize that I ovulate a lot sooner than I’m supposed to and have a longer luteal phase. Over the years I’ve tried various progesterone methods only to end up with worse than ever pain during my periods. I haven’t looked into the Creighton method but am very curious now.

It can be so confusing how both low and high b12 can raise autism risks. I guess the goal is to stay balanced somewhere in between although I know a lot of us with PA like to be topped up on b12, especially when still having symptoms. Thanks so much again for your knowledge on these topics. Your posts have been most helpful for me, and everyday with PA is still a learning experience.

[PaintLadie in reply to yogamom1]

I tried a progesterone shot and stopped after two doses. I bled for months after, it was a nightmare. I'm also allergic to peanuts and to find out progesterone is delivered in a peanut protein. There is no way I was going to try progesterone anything after that. The Creighton Method is great especially if you have health and hormonal issues. You are welcome. I still have many questions myself, but PA thus far has been a learn through experience kind of thing for me. I am also very grateful for this sight and other sufferers that have shared lots of great information.

[Nackapan in reply to PaintLadie]

Congratulations on your pregnancy