Saw both my GI and hematologist today and they both think it's safe for me to get pregnant as long as I see high risk OB and do heparin injections for clot history.We were considering surrogacy and adopting for a while but I really think I want to try.Were a lot of you worried about your pouch or complications?The drs say it could be a bumpy ride lol.I don't want to cause anymore problems but I'm hoping the good out weighs the bad.Can anyone please share positive pregnancy experiences?Oh they also recommend csection due to short rectal cuff.Thanks again

Oh yes I was scared. I even found a high risk ob who had ostomy and pouch experience and asked him if iwas crazy before getting pregnant. He said he saw no reason that I shouldnt try and felt confident he could get me and the baby through. This will be key - find a high risk ob you really trust.

I had a perm ileo (after failed pouch) when I got pregnant.

I did IVF and got pregnant first time. I did have a near total obstruction at about 17weeks just as my belly started to really expand. It was touch and go whether or not I'd need surgery for several weeks and I wasn't able to eat right for several weeks but we got through without surgery. I went full term and had an uneventful c-section.

Here's the thing - even with my first pregnancy experience I was ready to do it again. You really do forget any of the unpleasantness once the baby arrives. My second pregnancy was totally normal and also resulted in an uneventful c-section.

It is nerve wracking...but the reality is once the baby arrives you will really experience what nerves are all about - is the baby breathing, is he hot or cold or hungry, all sorts of things will bring you concern. The worry during pregnancy just gets you ready to parent

Let me know if you have questions!

HI! Your question is the reason I just found this website today! Why have I never found it? I have had my j-pouch for 11 years now and things have been great - except for those darn bowel obstructions. I've lost track how many I've had. But now my husband and I are at the point that we'd like to make a decision on whether we'd like to have children, adopt, or raise a bunch of dogs.

I went for a year without an obstruction, but now I've had 3 in a few months. I've got a few other issues (I've also had a liver transplant), but the bowel obstruction possibility is really freaking us out! We have been to a High Risk OB and he didn't say yes or no. Ahhh! I hate making decisions on what I want for lunch, let alone life-changing decisions!

JillM - how did they treat you for your obstruction? Did you have any before your pregnancy? I might have more questions for you. :-)

And good luck to you Roxy! It's nice to know there is someone else out there going through the same thing!

Karen

Welcome! My situation is a little different because I have a perm ileo now and had it during my pregnancies. So when I had my obstruction during my first pregnancy I spent about two miserable weeks suffering till one of the surgeons (the one I had been requesting all along) came through for us...the general surgeons were pushing for surgery but the CR surgeon put a foley catheter into my stoma that hung down into the bag. This held the obstructed area open long enough for my belly to get bigger and break the adhesion (about two weeks).

I've had maybe three minor obstructions prior to the pregnancy one - all triggered by under cooked broccoli. None since the pregnancy one - so 6 years.

It is such a hard decision - I totally empathize! Feel free to send a PM if you have questions.

Oh wow. I've had ostomies twice now, and hated them. The second time they told me it would be permanent but I proved them wrong! The second time it was emergency (because of bowel obstruction, of course!) and my stoma was a little wonky - it was hard to find appliances to fit and I had a lot of trouble with it leaking. Plus I just don't feel human when I can't poop!

That will teach you to stay away from that green stuff! Blech! I wish I knew what triggered mine.

I had a GREAT pregnancy. The usual morning sickness, but only in the beginning. My pouch behaved very well. I felt wonderful. My medical team expected the worst. Was treated by a high risk OBGYn, but never really needed it. I was 40 so I was in the high risk category already. I have a ton of adhesion. I had a C-section with a colon surgeon present. It went very smoothly. I was up and about that night. Compared to the other surgeries, it was a breeze! Good luck.

Thanks for all your comments.It's funny be the drs say things like it could be bumpy or you will def keep us on our toes but not yet it's no problem.I've def decided that I want to try.I'm nervous about being on the heparin during pregnancy for bleeding concerns but hematologist says it's ok.I'm going to give myself more time before we try to get my strength and endurance up a bit more.I'm really nervous but definitely want to be pregnant.Best of luck to you all.

I had 2 "normal" pregnancies with the pouch & delivered vaginally both times without any issues. All pregnancies can be bumpy but if it's something you really want & feel confident in your docs, I would absolutely recommend it & wouldn't let the pouch part worry you. Good luck!

I have a pouch and had a FANTASTIC pregnancy. Felt great, went very smoothly.

Roxy,

I had a rougher pregnancy with my pouch, but that is because I have chronic pouchitis. It was very manageable though. A lot more bathroom trips in the third trimester with the baby putting pressure on the pouch, but everything else was fine. I had a vag. delivery, which went awesome. No issues at all post partum other than dealing with my pouchitis again.