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Newly Pregnant and on 6MP

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/30/2008 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
I just got a surprise pregnancy last week. My DH and I are very happy, but we had planned on waiting a few more months until I got a few things sorted out with all my doctors. However, now that I'm pregnant, I'm wondering how many of you stayed on your full dose of 6MP (or other medications) or did any of you reduce it slightly?

I've been taking 50 mgs of 6MP one night and 75 mgs the next. I take Colazal too, folic acid, prenatal, and Omega 3 capsules. My GI absolutely thinks I should maintain my current medication, because he said the risk of me going off them is much greater than staying on. I hear him and understand what he's saying, but it's still scary being on all this medication considering my first pregnancy I didn't so much take a Tylenol. I've been feeling great UC wise and my last pregnancy my UC got better while pregnant so I'm optimistic. So far I've taken all my meds, but am curious what others have done.

Thanks for your advice and experiences.
Posted 7/30/2008 6:38 PM (GMT 0)

I took 100mg of aza throughout my whole pregnancy. Everything was wonderful and I now have a healthy baby boy.

My Dr's pretty much said the same thing. It was better for me to take my meds and be healthy than to go off of them and chance a flare which would/could harm the baby.

Congrats on the pregnancy! I hope everything goes well for you and your family.

Kat

Posted 7/30/2008 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Kat for the reply. That is so good to hear. My doctor has said the same thing, but it's better to hear it firsthand from others. He even said from his perspective and in the IBD world that being on 6MP doesn't make me a high-risk pregnant patient, but that my UC alone if not controlled would be what could make me high-risk.

Congratulations on your baby boy! Wonderful news. Do you mind if I ask if you are nursing him or if you considered it? I've heard that one shouldn't breast feed while on 6MP.
Posted 7/30/2008 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks.

I did nurse for a bit when he was born, but I had to stop when my c-section incision became infected. I was put into the hospital for 9 days so it was easier to put him onto formula. Plus I personally didn't feel comfortable with him having the chance of getting anything that they were putting into me. Plus I also began to flare at the same time... so it was all in all just easier.

But I was told that the aza would not hurt the baby if I did breastfeed. I checked with the GI and my OB and they both said the same thing. I think more and more research is being done and it seems like the drug is not as bad as once believed.
Posted 7/31/2008 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
That's encouraging. I haven't heard that before and have always hear breastfeeding was not recommend when on 6MP.

Theoretically, I've been thinking of weaning myself off the 6MP in order to nurse by the time I have the baby. I know that is putting the cart before the horse and a healthy baby is most important, but it makes me a bit sad if I am not able to breastfeed. I really enjoyed it with my DD.

I completely understand about not doing it when you're in the hospital though. I was admitted to the hospital 12 weeks postpartum with DD and it was such an effort and struggle to pump and feed. I started supplementing with formula at that time too.
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