pregnancy with a k pouch

Dr. Beart trained at the Mayo and I think has as much experience with the Kpouch as anyone. I would call him, he is a great doctor. (818) 244-8161

Hi Rosie,
When I had my k pouch done I was 18 and pregnancy was a really important subject...no one talked about fertility and sterility back then and had a policy of wait and see...but my k pouch doc told me that there was no reason why I shouldn't be able to get pregnant and carry to term if I was careful to not get pregnant within 24 months of surgery. Give myself time to heal first. Allow my pouch to stretch out and find a comfortable spot before moving it around and squishing it.
Although my body and condition never allowed me to carry to term I did manage to get pregnant a number of times and had a lot of hope. (Managed to carry to 4th month)...My obsgyn informed me that I would need to be followed by a specialized service and to keep my k pouch surgeon around just in case.
If you are perfectly healthy otherwise, do not have too many adhesions (they will pull and tear as you grow and that can hurt a bit)and are not taking any nasty meds then there is no reason why you shouldn't get/be pregnant...just watch your diet and weight and you may need to intubate to empty your pouch more often.
Sharon

Rosie...my surgeon said sure! the only thing that could happen is once belly gets big interbation may be more difficult so might have to have constant cath until baby is born.

You may have to take extra prenatals for absorption.

A CT scan can let your gyno know how much "room" you have in the pelvic area. Your pouch may have plenty of room between the bladder and uterus.

I'd start with a gyno consult who can consult with a KP surgeon!

There are members here who have had kids, I hope they answer directly!

Rosie,
I had one of the first Kocks back in'79 at the Mayo by Dr. Beahrs. Back then I was told to wait 5 years. I am sure philosophy has changed in 30+ years.
My first pregnancy I gave birth to twin boys. Other then being premature,they were healthy.
I had a second pregnancy six years afterwards with a single birth.
My pouch did fine . Intubation was fine.
My only complaint was heartburn.
My ob/gyn did get all the operative reports from the surgeons in case of a c-section ( and yes I did have two.) All went well
I know that my obstetrician took all precautions.
Leslie

Thanks everyone for the replies. I was just wondering what my options were. If anyone else has anything to add.....it would be greatly appreciated!

Rosie

I can't give you advice, but I can give you encouragement! Women are indeed the stronger sex! I can't imagine giving birth, let alone with a K pouch, but I was just googling it, and from what I've read, it is quite possible. @ Sharon, I'm so sorry sweetheart that you miscarried, but as I've learned, some things in life, beyond our control, were just not meant to be, but if it helps, you would make a wonderful mother! For those of you who can't seem to carry to term, ever considered adoption? I'm adopted, trust me, genetics do not dictate family. I wish you the best of luck, and a healthy and trouble free pregnancy!

Cheers
Eric

Thanks Sweetie,
I would have loved to adopt...but the Gods of adoption were never with me...a sick single mother was not top of their list for cadidates...I always expected it to happen naturally and every time that I got pregnant I was filled with a soaring hope that this time it would work...it was just not in my destiny but I did love fostering other people's kids and had a blast being the 'fairy God-mother' to every single one of my friends' kids...still am plus I have my step-daughter's kids who adore me...'life is what happens while you are making other plans'...I guess that I believe in that saying...'when God closes one door he opens another' is my other favorite...If you can't make your own baby then surrogates, adoption, fostering, big-brother or big-sisters...There a dozens of ways of mothering kids and giving all of your love to a child that needs you...as long as your mind and body are open to every option....
My k pouch gave me the freedom to live my life and my family(my family was dead against my ever having kids...afraid that I would pass on my genetics to a poor, unsuspecting child) and body decided for me what I could and couldn't do with it...so if it is meant to be...do everything that you can to make it happen but if it isn't then find another open door...
Sharon
ps..Eric, I would have loved to adopt you!