Congratulations!

I hope that you are feeling well?

I am 14 1/2 weeks. Also my first pregnancy (but have 2 adopted kiddies)!

Because of other health issues, as well as JPouch, I am in the high risk clinic. They are planning a c-section with my colorectal surgeon there too. However, I have read here of people who deliver naturally. Maybe it would work with you? I am also getting help managing my drugs through the pregnancy.

My pouch has been not too bad so far.

Good luck to you, and congratulations again! Keep us updated!

Wow, such great news! Congrats!

I remember being so floored when I found out about my first son (almost 8 years ago now) and "unplanned," that it was all I could think about for weeks. I, also, was cautious about sharing the news until I knew I was at a safe point. Enjoy this time, as it is just yours (and your husbands) for such a short time (although it seems like ages when you are living it), but precious just the same.

In terms of your pouch, everyone and every pregnancy is different. I found it depended on the trimester and hormone levels. Generally, my pouch was great with the first and I had no issues at all (I didn't even see a high-risk OB, for either of my boys). My second pregnancy was a little different. Towards the end I had a ton of back pain and was very uncomfortable, I think due to scar tissue. Both my boys were 2 1/2-3 weeks early and delivered by voluntary c-section.

Try not to stress too much. Are you seeing a high-risk OB? This puts many people at ease. Many even have their gastro/surgeon on hand for delivery. Do what makes you most comfortable.

Best of luck and keep us posted!!

Colleen

Congratulations!!!! I had my first 2 children prior to my surgeries and I had my little guy (now almost 4) several years post pouch. I saw a regular obgyn but, had to see a specialist on and off for totally unrelated issue (high blood pressure and low fluid toward the end). I had all three of my children vaginally with no issues whatsoever, pouch or no pouch. You will find the big push on here is to have a c-section but it really is up to you and your OB dc. Mine didn't want to touch me with a knife whatsoever because of past surgeries, adhesions, etc. but some doctors will insist that is the only way.

My biggest advice is to try what you believe in your heart is right for you. Then make the decision based on your personal situation. I wish you the best of luck

Alex

Thanks ladies! So far I feel pretty good! No morning sickness, other than every now and then feeling just a little queasy, but that's not very often. I'm just really tired. I also had hives for a few days the week we found out, I think because of the hormones. But other than that I'm doing good so far!

I am seeing a high risk OB. My gastro recommended I see one when I told her we were thinking of trying to become pregnant. I really like her and she is at the same hospital I had all my surgeries but she has never had a patient with a j-pouch before so that makes me a little nervous. She doesn't want to have to do a c-section but I told her a lot of women opt for that because of the uncertainty of future issues so she said she would do whatever would be best. I think I'm going to make an appointment with my surgeon and see if both of them can talk so he can explain to her exactly what I had done and what my anatomy looks like now. I'd love to have a vaginal birth but think I may feel more comfortable with a c-section with my surgeon there just because the future of the pouch and sphincter muscles is so unknown. I don't know, it's so much to think about! But so far I'm loving it :-)

Colleen - you are absolutely right about it feeling like it's taking forever until we are going to tell people! Although I think we are going to start telling family this weekend or next :-)

Congrats! These early days are so precious - enjoy every minute of it!

As for advice, sleep every minute you can :-)

Lie in bed on Saturday mornings and just watch old movies :-)

See every new release movie in the theater, even if you aren't interested in the plot :-)

Don't read too many parenting books, blogs, or websites. Try to keep the experience enjoyable and the worry to a minimum.

Live in the moment because as long as it may feel now, once the baby comes you won't believe how quickly it all passed.

yay! Congrats! I am 16 weeks pregnant as well. It took us a little over a year and I was convinced it wouldnt happen but it did I have had a lot of discussion with my high risk ob as far as c-section and vaginal go and it all comes down to what you are comfortable with. We were leaning towards c-section but after doing more research we arent sure. I havent found my pregnancy to be any different than normal pregnancies other than being on a blood thinner due to clots after my first surgery. Otherwise everything seems to be pretty normal. Take care, goodluck and congrats!!