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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 11/12/2007 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,
I am new to this site but I've already been comforted by all the supportive messages. I'm in need of some guidance about pregnancy, breast feeding and 6MP. I'm 31, and I've been on 6MP since I was first diagnosed with CD in 3/05. It's been extremely effective for me so far. My husband and I want to start a family soon and I can't seem to make a decision about whether to stay put with 6MP or change to a class B med. My GI advised me to stay on my current track, as his goal is to keep me healthy. However, I recently consulted an OB-GYN who basically looked at me like I had 3 heads when I told her I was considering staying on a class D med. Although there is not a lot of definitive research on this topic, recent studies are coming out in support of 6MP during pregnancy. I feel like I'm slowly going crazy! Can anyone help??? THANKS!!!
Posted 11/13/2007 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi!

I'm new to this forum as well, but I found these articles that might be of interest to you. (I hope it's okay to post them here!, and if it isn't, I'm sorry!)

http://gastroenterology.jwatch.org/cgi/content/full/2003/325/1
http://health.ivillage.com/digestion/colon/0,,6cqr,00.html

I have the same concerns as yourself. It's not a definite science, and no one (especially physicians) will tell you if it's safe or not due to fears of malpractice. My OB does understand *somewhat* what our bodies go through, and the malnutrition issues/etc that arise with our CD. I have friends that have other OB's that seem to not understand our issues and how they define our health, especially when it comes to being healthy enough to support a pregnancy. I suppose it just depends on your physician and their view of CD.

I hope the information helps slightly ease your mind. Best of luck!

~Sway
Posted 11/13/2007 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry I don't have any concrete documentation for you, HOWEVER.... I have a 15 month old son and when I got pregnant with him my GI wanted me to stay on 6mp. He explained to me that the latest studies show that women on 6mp while pregnant have no greater incidence of birth defects/abnormalities/etc. than women who don't take 6mp while pregnant. I stopped taking it anyway for personal reasons, but there are a handful of women on this board who have had successful, healthy pregnancies and babies while on 6mp. As for breastfeeding on 6mp - it is a no-no. Dr. Thomas Hale is "THE" expert on medications and mother's milk. This link will put you on his website where you can search out your meds. He puts out a book every year with current info.

http://neonatal.ama.ttuhsc.edu/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi?pg=topics&access=guest
Posted 11/13/2007 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
I've been told to try first without 6mp (going off a while even before trying to see how I do). My GI is fine with a pregnancy on 6mp, but only if I really need it. I think others will come along with better information.
Posted 11/13/2007 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
I was on low doses of pred and pentasa and insulin when pregnant. My baby was born healthy, but struggled in the womb. I hope my child will always stay healthy too.

Who can say for sure about meds and preg? A baby can be born healthy and then have health problems years later that may or may not have to do with the mother's meds while preg.

I think the number one thing we crohnies should do while pregnant is eat a diet that is easily digested and provides adequate nutrition. Lots of fruits & veggies (pureed if obstructed), yogurts, sourdough grain breads, meats, etc. No sugar or processed food.

Best wishes.
Posted 11/13/2007 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
I don't post much on this site (I'm in remission due to surgery) but I was on 6mp while pregnant. I was not in remission when I conceived and my pregnancy was a breeze. My child is 6 1/2 (you know how important that 1/2 is! LOL) and has no ill effects. I was told not to breast feed but I've read articles since that time that suggests that it is okay. I was on pentasa as well and I'm pretty sure another drug but cannot remember which one--too many to remember over the years! Also, about 3 months prior, I had had an infusion of remicade. I hope this helps.
Posted 11/13/2007 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
The Mother Risk Program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto is one of the leading research programs on the effects of medication during and after pregnancy. Hope it helps: http://www.motherisk.org/index.jsp

 

Posted 11/13/2007 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
All of this always makes my head spin! I read one place that Prednizone is unsafe (also Immuran and Remicade), then hear somewhere else that it is not! It is enough to make your head spin!!!! eyes
Posted 11/14/2007 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
Tell me about it! It's enough to drive me crazy sometimes. I'm hoping that I'll come to terms with my own personal decision after doing the most research I possibly can... while maintaining my sanity. :) I think it takes time. Thanks for all of the replies so far. They've been so helpful!
Posted 11/15/2007 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
My daughter is 3. During my pregnancy with her I was on Remicade, imuran, prednisone, lortab, bentyl, and ambien. I saw a high risk OB to monitor baby closely. She was born perfectly healthy...although mildly addicted to ambien. I am currently 24 weeks pregnant with my second and on remicade, imuran, prednisone and bentyl. I did have different drs. tell me different things. I would suggest seeing a dr. who specializes in high risk pregnancies....they know a lot more about the meds. during pregnancy. Hope this helps.
Posted 11/19/2007 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
I am new to this site, but am feeling reassured by the previous posts. I am 27, married with a 2 year old daughter. I had misdiagnosed medical issues since 1996 but wasn't officially diagnosed with Crohn's until Jan 06. I was very sick while pregnant because they had NO idea what was going on and couldn't do too many tests. Now, after a resection in July 07, my husband and I are considering having another child. I am currently only on Remicade to keep my Crohn's under control..this is the only medicine that worked for me. I am scared to go off the med in order to have another baby (my first pregnancy was AWFUL because there was no diagnoses at that time) but afraid to continue taking the med because there have not been very many studies of Remicade and pregnancy. Just looking for reassurance from personal experience I guess. thanks in advance.

Chasity
Posted 11/19/2007 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Chasity - welcome! I've had 2 remicade babies and I plan on having 2 more. I'd be happy to share my own personal experiences with you if you want. I've posted it all a million times, but if you click on my username you can get my email address. Email me if you'd like. I know this can be scary. It helps to know there are other people out there going through the same thing.

Stef
Posted 11/19/2007 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck Chasidy! I'm still deep into my research on 6MP and pregnancy, and having the same problem...not a lot of definitive studies. I found that a google search under the 'scholar' option is REALLY helpful. It opened up a new batch of research articles that I didn't know were there. I've heard from many sources that staying on meds (6MP specifically) to maintain remission is considered better for the pregnancy outcome. The risk of a flare while pregnant is well documented. Again, I've been looking at 6MP so not sure about remicade. Hope you have good luck with your search for answers!
~H
Posted 11/21/2007 1:29 AM (GMT 0)

I have a 4 month old baby born perfectly healthy . . . I was on 6MP and Remicade throughout my pregnancy.  My GI and several OBGYNs felt it was safe to take both medications while pregnant.  I could not have done it any other way (I miscarried while off medications prior to becoming pregnant with my daughter).  I know it is SO scary, but you have to keep in mind that there is really no guarantees . . . just make the best decision you can and never look back . . . the "what ifs" can drive you crazy.

Best of Luck!

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