Pregnancy

[Robyn92]

Hi I’m 27 recently married and looking to start a family. I’ve lived with PCD my whole life and not really let it affect me. I’m scared that with my reduced lung capacity and condition that I will harm the baby and whilst I’d love the baby unconditionally I’d hate to harm the baby as a result of me carry her/him. Has anyone had a pregnancy and gone on to have a healthy baby with no complications.

Thanks in advance.

[Lucym712]

Hi Robyn. how exciting!

I felt I could reply as I have just had baby number 3 she’s 5 weeks old and healthy (I am now 33) but was 28 when I had my first son. All 3 healthy! I’d say if anything consultants were more worried about keeping on top of my condition during all pregnancies (any pseudomonas flare ups I was warned I may have to have IV antibiotics) but I’d say with more vigorous physio and regular exercise throughout (even if just walks) I managed to avoid any need for antibiotics. Baby’s have been monitored more closely under consultant with more scans towards the end but I found this just added reassurance that everything was ok. And 3 natural deliveries. I was just grateful to have conceived naturally.

I hope this helps put you at ease as far as I know babies are not harmed by condition at all and I was told they wouldn’t need testing for having PCD as it skips generations (I knew this but always helps to hear it again) sounds like you’ve got an exciting new year ahead! Wishing you all the best!

Lucy

[Robyn92 in reply to Lucym712]

Thank you so much for your comment and sharing your experience, it really does mean a lot. It’s nice to get the a perspective from people who experience PCD rather than a doctors statistic. Rx

[TerryBun Administrator]

I had twin girls and have PCD. No problems with the pregnancy and my daughters are now grown up and healthy.

There are plenty of us with PCD who have gone onto to have successful pregnancies, some have required fertility treatment and some with no fertility problems at all.

All the best.

[Morrison10 in reply to TerryBun]

Hi. I had two daughters in my early 30s, first before my PCD Kartagener diagnosed. No real problem but she kept turning, think now know why! Neither of course have PCD. Good luck

[Robyn92 in reply to TerryBun]

Thank you so much for your comment and sharing your experience, it really does mean a lot. It’s nice to get the a perspective from people who experience PCD rather than a doctors statistic. Rx

[WindsurfJo]

Hi, I’m 44 years old. I have PCD kartageners type and colonised with pseudomonas for many years. I have 3 children. One who has just turned 7 and twin girls who are 4. We had difficulty conceiving so had ivf which obviously worked but it did take a long time with several attempts. My pregnancy with my son was great I enjoyed my pregnancy and had a natural delivery and recovered well. My twin pregnancy was another thing. My twins are identical they were both breach ( head up) most of the pregnancy. From about 20 weeks I struggled not do much breathlessness but energy and walking were difficult. I suspect my vascular system struggled to circulate enough blood flow. I needed pressure stockings which may have helped but didn’t get them in time. This can be a common problem in pregnancy for anybody but obviously if you have PCD it can be more of a struggle. My lungs did struggle because I struggled to clear them adequately as the babies were wedged under my diaphragm. I had my twins by c section as they were breach they decided to come at 33 weeks, 7 weeks early ( normal for twins) The c section was fine and I recovered very well. All my babies were fine during pregnancy, they don’t have PCD and are all very healthy. My advice is make sure you are fit, exercise well, have good chest clearance routines. Healthy diet which supports your health during conception, pregnancy and into parenthood. Good luck and keep positive. Jo

[Robyn92 in reply to WindsurfJo]

Thank you so much for your comment and sharing your experience, it really does mean a lot. It’s nice to get the a perspective from people who experience PCD rather than a doctors statistic. Rx