Pregnancy Outcomes In Women With CF

Someone posted this in a CF mothers group I am in and thought it was great info to pass on especially to women with CF who may be thinking about becoming pregnant. It discusses the outcomes of pregnancy in women with CF. As women (and men) with CF are living longer and healthier lives we are seeing more and more CFers becoming parents and I am glad there is some data being collected on this subject.

http://www.cysticfibrosisnews.com/effect-of-pregnancy-on-cf/?utm_source=All&utm_campaign=CF-January+28%2C+2014&utm_medium=email

Articles on Pregnancy and CF Outcomes

If you are a CFer that is interested in becoming a mommy or you are just curious as to how safe it is for a CFer to have a baby look below I have complied a few links on the topic.

A lengthy, but very informative article!
http://www.ecfs.eu/ecfs_guidelines


A good overview of the outcomes, complications, and things to consider in CF pregnancy
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1576/toag.11.1.19.27464/full

This is only the abstract, but it discusses pregnancy with lower FEV1

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1479-828X.2010.01287.x/full

The overall tone of the articles is positive. In a planned pregnancy that is closely monitored by specialized doctors outcomes can be very positive for both baby and mom. The articles make it clear that pregnancy should be planned and great care should be taken before, during, and after pregnancy. Having a good BMI and the best possible lung function as well as a stable lung function (so even if you have lung function around 50% that would be better than someone who jumps from 70 to 30 to 50)will increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. Deciding to have a baby is scary for everyone and I believe it is much scarier for a person with a chronic illness. It is so important to educate yourself as much as possible so you can make an informed decision.