Pregnant with an Autoimmune Disorder

adietrich135

Hi ladies!

 I'm 10 weeks today and I was wondering if anyone else on here has an autoimmune disorder.  Mine is called Sjogren's Syndrome and it puts my baby at a 3-5% risk of developing Congenital Heart Block in the womb. 

 My OB made me aware of the risk, but impressed on my how rare it is, but my rheumatologist scared me half to death.  I did my own research and found that I will likely be just fine. 

 If you have an autoimmune disorder, what are you risks in pregnancy and how are you coping? 

MTDB

I have an autoimmune thyroid disorder (Graves disease). The main risks to the baby are that my antibodies could pass to it, causing it to develop the same issues, which would cause retarded growth. I have the additional risks of increased chance of preterm labor, preeclampsia, miscarriage, etc. I'll be seeing a maternal fetal medicine practice (high-risk Ob/Gyn) and will be closely monitored by my endocrinologist as well. I'm trying not to worry about it too much. I have good doctors that I really trust and feel comfortable with and will do whatever they ask of me. The rest is pretty much out of my hands. 

beazbadazme2

I also have the auto immune disorder... Graves Ophthalmology Hyperthyroidism. I have high risk of miscarriage/pre term labor, growth retardation or goiter formation. Everything was fine in my last pregnancy hoping for the same this time.

I also have to watch for my child to either have infant graves or teenage.

SWA80

I have Graves too, who knew there were so many of us. I'm really just trying not to think about it since there's nothing I can do other than take care of myself and make sure my levels are being monitored. I'm just seeing a regular OB though, not a high risk and it does worry me a little that she doesn't seem to know much about Graves. My Endocrinologist doesn't seem to concerned though.

TommysMommy12

I have Celiacs but thankfully I was diagnosed about 4 years ago (pre-baby #1) so the risks are much lower as long as I take my vitamins and eat a gluten-free diet. The risks are low birth weight, preterm labor, anemia, and stillborn birth.  Anemia was an issue for me during my first pregnancy and so was dehydration if I accidentally ate gluten since it makes me sick. I followed what my doctor said and my son was born at a healthy weight and 6 days late! Unfortunately, at 11 months he is already having issues with lactose and digestive issues so hopefully he will outgrow it soon and not end up having celiacs as well...

adietrich135

It's such a comfort to see so many ladies in a similar situation!  I feel like it's vital to try and remain positive.  Especially for us autoimmune mommies-to-be since stress is such a factor with our overall health. 

I wish you all well and I'm praying that your babies are more healty than anyone can expect. 

 I watched an episode of a series by Anne Geddes called My Pregnancy - A Woman's Story.  It was on a lady named Gina.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after finding out she was pregnant with her first.  She was able to get through the entire pregnancy and deliver a 9 pound baby!  Even with the therapies involved with cancer treatment. 

 I know that if she could do it, we can do it.  I encourage all of you ladies to think positive thoughts about your baby and pregnancy and go watch Gina's episode.  You'll feel empowered and confident.  Health starts in the mind.

God is with you always.