Getting Pregnant

Diseases & Conditions Cystic Fibrosis
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29 years old w/ CF and trying to conceive for about a year and still nothing.  Any advice out there - Liz
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Hi Liz,

Have you spoke to your CF care team about your wanting to concieve? and what are the chances for fertilization having CF? I was told by my twins (boys) genetic physician, that they would be sterile.

I don't know about women with CF, but, I have heard from this one woman who did get pregnant, but most that I have talked to cannot get pregnant.

Perhaps you can call a genetic physicians office for some help on this issue.

Kathy
3

Most men are sterile -  most women can get pregnant.  the question is do you want to carry a child while on all your medications?  Can you stay healthy for 9 months?

I am 32 male with CF and would not think of bringing a life into this world with the possibility of having CF or even a carrier.... just my 2 cents.

4

 While staying with my daughter in the hospital for her "tune-ups"  I met many CF  patients and had the opportunity to make quite a few friends.  Some of these were women in their 20's and 30's that had children.  I'm happy to say these kids did not have CF and enjoyed healthy lives.  While some people question the decision to raise kids with their futures uncertain due to their own health, the women I met felt it gave them even more reason to continue their treatment plans more carefully.  While it is a major decision that requires alot of thought, I feel the choice is up to you.  Good luck with whatever you decide and keep us posted

 

5
I am a mother of three children and I have C.F. None of my children have C.F. I cannot imagine living my life without them. We had my husband check to see if he was a carrier and he is not for the stands they can test for. Each of my children are a miracle and I needed them in my life. I needed to pass on a part of me. I needed to become more then I am so I can live on when I am not here. My children keep me alive and they keep me going. I can’t give up fighting when I have those three little faces looking back at me. I live for their smiles, their laughter and their silly antics. The fingerprints on the walls and the toys strewn about the house. They are my life and for them I keep on breathing.

My first pregnancy was a honeymoon miracle. No planning involved. My second and third child we had a plan. I did as much research as I could about the human body and how it reacts when trying to get pregnant. Of course my body isn't normal so we just crossed our fingers and hoped for the best. Basically 12 to 14 days before the first day of your period is the best time to get pregnant. Now the human body treats sperm like a foreign entity and will do everything it can to kill it off. So if you are having sex all the time you body will never stop being in attack mode and it is less likely that the sperm will get through. Instead have sex every other day to give your body a down time. So on the 10th, 12th, 14th and 16th go at it. My husband didn't mind at all. It took two months of trying to conceive my second child and three month with my third child. Wish you luck.

My first two pregnancies were perfect. In the middle of my third I got sick and my lungs flared up. I had home I.V. meds and was on oxygen. Doctors can determine what meds are safe to take during different stages of the pregnancy. Example - Tobramicine can cause hearing loss when taken in I.V. form. So doctors waited until such week that the babies hearing had already developed. Most of the meds are safe and I used them all during my pregnancies.
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Wow!...I am impressed Katie!. Welcome to HW!

The positive's to CF can be rewarding!. This does my heart good for sure to see someone such as yourself be so positive and blessed.

Kathy, mom to identical twin boys with CF (9yrs), daughter 20, grandaughter 2 1/2, one on the way!
 
If there is a CURE for Cystic Fibrosis this very moment and this is "not soon enough"...you would hear this twins mom "Across America" "YESSSSSSSSSS"!!.
 
Moderator, Cystic Fibrosis.  "If there is questionable doubt, check it out"....with your healthcare provider!.  We are here to offer support, encouragement, and answer your questions as best we can.  Don't hesitate to step on in and enjoy!.

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 IM 19 YRS OLD WITH CF AND IM 8 WEEKS PREGNANT , ME AND MY BOYFRIEND WERENT TRYING IT JUST HAPPENED. I KNOW MY DOCTOR SAID TO GET PREGNANT YOU HAVE TO KEEP YOUR WEIGHT UP AND EAT RIGHT BEING AS HEALTHY AS U CAN HELPS UR CHANCES .
 
IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFO ON PREGNANCY WITH CF I DO NEED SOME . IM TRYING
TO FIGURE OUT WHATS THE BEST THING TO DO IN THIS SITUATION I DONT WANT TO
INDANGER MY HEALTH ANYMORE THEN IT IS .
 
THNKZ MAKAYLA
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95-98% of CF males are infertile, but 2-5% can have children. Most CF men are not sterile, but rather they either have a blocked vas deference (sp?), or are missing one altogether. Women with CF are not sterile or infertile. The reason that women with CF have a hard time conceiving is because of thick mucus. The mucus can block the sperm from entering a woman. Some CF women can get pregnant naturally, while some may have to go through IVF or artificial insemmination. It is suggested for women that if your pfts are 65% and higher, then you can get pregnant, but if your pfts are lower then 65% - you may have problems staying healthy from the pregnancy. I've heard of CF women who actually feel better while pregnant!

Makayla - you should have your boyfriend tested to see if he is a carrier. If he isn't, then you won't have to worry about your child having CF. If your bf is a carrier, then there is a 50% chance that your child will have CF, and 100% chance that your child will be a carrier.

Here are a few links that may help those looking for info about CF and pregnancy:

http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/normap/cfinfertility.htm

http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/normap/CFcarriertesting.htm

http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/normap/CF.htm

I have also heard that if you're trying to get pregnant - you should take Robitussin. The regular kind - not the one with DM in it. This info is in the first link I attached. If anyone has any questions about CF and pregnancy, feel free to email me at lizd1981@hotmail.com

I do have quite a bit of info stored up, as my bf and I are starting to think about family planning. He is going for a carrier test next month.
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Hi,

I happened onto this site by accident and started reading the comments.  In 1989 I had a very rare tumor successfully removed from my L5/S1.   I was placed on CF ward for recovery because the hospital was full where I should have been placed.  I met many wonderful people during this long stay.  one day, a mom showed up in my room when I was finally on my feet and invited me to a pizza party.  Her daughter turned 12 and was in for treatments just a few rooms down from mine.  Many patients on that floor loaded in her room in jamies.  It was an experience that I never forgot.  I know that there are some women that just could care less about ever having children, but for those who desire children that desire can be more than life itself.   I give you my highest hope that you will conceive and have beautiful children and that you may enjoy them for many years to come.  Just because it doesn't make any sense to some people, doesn't make it wrong.  Flamey