Pregnancy with K pouch

First of all, congratulations Rosie!! What a lovely bit of news to share with us!

I can't help you much in regard to pregnancy with a k-pouch, but I would imagine that a vaginal delivery would be more acceptable with a k-pouch than with a j-pouch, since you don't have to worry about sphincter damage. That said, I am unsure what the rigors of labor would do to your valve, so it is good that you are in contact with Dr. Dietz on that front. I don't imagine that there are huge numbers of preggo k-pouchers.

That said, there have been oodles of women who had successful pregnancies with ileostomies. I believe the main issue is bowel obstruction during the third trimester. While you may not need an OB with continent pouch experience (good luck with that!), I would at least want someone who is a high risk OB and willing to confer with your surgeon at Cleveland Clinic. He could also coordinate to have a colorectal or general surgeon in the delivery room or at least on standby in the hospital, just in case there are GI complications during delivery.

Again, congrats on the great news!

Jan

Congratulations Rosie,
Such great news!
I will tell you what Dr C told me when I had mine done and was a recent newlywed.
You may need to intubate more often, go onto strait drain in the last months (hook up to a leg bag to avoid any difficulties intubating), increase input of fluids and avoid roughage (stick to a high protien, low carb diet)...
He told me that a vaginal birth was ok, almost better than a C section and that there should be no problem with it (keep that strait drain in).
Other then that he sent me forth to multiply
So, as far as I know it is green light all the way. So enjoy...and yes you do need a high risk OBGYN
Sharon

Thanks Ladies! Yes, Dr. Dietz said that vaginal birth is optimal. I guess I was still in the J pouch mind-set when I was thinking about a C-section. I have an appointment a week from this Friday with a high risk OB at Tufts in Boston.

Thanks again! and I will keep you all posted

Another thing; since you have carried successfully to term before, it is to your advantage and less likely that there will be obstetrical reasons for a c-section (unless you had them before). I am sure you know to expect the unexpected, because stuff happens regardless of your intestinal plumbing.

I had a c-section with my first son, long before I had any abdominal surgery. He was breech and it did not occur until I was in labor. But, since you are experienced with pregnancy, at least you have that going for you!!

Jan

Thanks Jan! I did have two vaginal births before, so I am hoping that the third will go as smoothly. But I know what you mean about expecting the unexpected!!! LOL!

I have had 2 pregnancies with my Kock. The first with twins. Both were C-sections.
I probably ate and acted the way all pregnant women do.
My intubation of the pouch didn't change, although it was a little difficult to see the stoma underneath my belly Just remember to chew your foods well so they don't get caught up in the catheter, keep hydrated and enjoy!

Thanks Lesrich,
It's good to know that there is someone on here that went through it with no problems! Thanks for your feedback