Pregnancy, UC and the getting the docs to understand

[15lolly11]

Hi

I have had UC for over 10 years and regularly flare up but have managed to avoid needing steroids since my first flare up - I take Mezavant and azathioprine. I am 28 weeks pregnant now with my first baby and starting to get really worried about the level of understanding I am receiving from my hospital and midwives during my pregnancy. My consultant (who is I see privately) recommended a C section to remove the risk of tearing during a normal delivery which he has advised could affect my chances of an internal pouch in the future which is not unlikely to be needed.

I spoke to my NHS midwife and then consultant who both put considerable pressure on me to rule out a voluntary C section and have basically said they won't agree to one unless I develop serious problems such as a breach birth! They argue that the scaring of a C Section could be as bad as the risk of tearing. Although I trust my consultant's advice, I have resolved myself to trying for a natural birth but am not feeling that the hospital understands how important it will be for complications to be averted. I have put a brave face on during this pregnancy regarding my colitis which has been mis-behaving but this may have back fired on me as I don't think that non-sufferers really understand what colitis does to your body.

Does anyone have any advise on how to ensure my concerns are listened to - especially when I go into labour or if anyone else has had a similar experience...

Thanks for reading my stress!

[8360natalie]

Hi,
It's really interesting to find someone in the same boat as me, I am 35 weeks pregnant and about to go back to GP this morning because my colitis has flared up again- I am still being treated with steroids for it because I became pregnant before my medication was sorted ( because of the effect steroids have on the contraceptive pill).
I am being seen by medi-obs at my local hospital for the colitis/ pregnancy but they really haven't got a clue what they are talking about- and would feel more comfortable being seen by digestive diseases.
Colitiis sufferers are at increased risk of having low birth weight and premature babies apparently but this is all stuff that I have researched off the internet because they just are not telling me anything at the hospital. Although how they monitor that i don't know - they must just look at my stomach and guess!!

Not at any time has it been suggested to me about a c-section regarding the colitis, although I have placenta praevia which if at a scan I am having next week has not moved I will be having a c-section anyway.

I am truly amazed at how differently people are treated at each healthcare trust and that there are no generic policies in place for colitis sufferers.

I hope everything goes well for you ( nice for me to have a moan!!)

[stargirl]

Hi all

I suffer from UC and my doctor didn't mention to me any concerns about giving birth naturally and the risk of tearing for future procedures. This may have been because there is not really any cause for concern. I gave birth nearly 6 months ago naturally. I did tear but only slightly and this is normal. They stiched me up (2 stiches) and you wouldnt even know. C sections are seen as the easy option (and when you have given birth you can see why) however they come with alot more risks for both mother and baby than a normal birth. This out weighs the need for a surgical procedures you may or may not need due to your UC in the distant future. I say dont worry enjoy your pregnancy and stress can play a big part in UC symptons. Good luck!

[bunnylover]

I ended up with Emergency C section after failed induction and distress, although the proceedure was fine in itself the recovery time and lack of being able to care for my baby has convinced me to try for a VBAC.

Not once in my previous pregnancy or this one has anyone recommended I go for c section for colitis reasons the only think I was told by my gastro consultant was that in some cases women flare up after birth due to pressure down there of delivery.

If what your consultant says is true and you are likely to need an internal pouch then perservere and get your consultant to communicate with the hospital or even send a letter recommending the surgery.

I am aware I may end up with c section this time due to complications again or risk of rupture but am hoping I can manage without as I want to be able to be mobile for both new baby and my daughter who will be 2 and a half. We aren’t within walking distance of shops and family are over an hour away.

Just wanted you to know surgery may not be the best option.

Good luck


Emx