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Hello all,
I've been a ostomate for many years and now I have found out that I am pregnant with my first child!! While I am very excited for this wonderful blessing, I would love to know as much as I can about what to expect as my belly grows. Any concerns to look out for, any dietary advice, appliance info...all great information is welcome.
Pregnancy with an Ileostomy
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Re: Pregnancy with an Ileostomy
Big congratulations on your pregnancy! My boys are 12 and 14 and both were born many years after I got my ileostomy.
Some things I recall from pregnancy...I needed to have scheduled c-sections because my OB determined that the scar tissue from my total proctocolectomy wouldn't allow for a vaginal birth. I don't think I had any dietary issues other than the usual weird cravings that come with pregnancy. I did have trouble with my appliance as my belly grew, because my stoma started to prolapse and grew in diameter as I reached my 3rd trimester and the pressure on my uterus increased. I had a lot of leaks but tried to remind myself that it was a temporary situation. After I gave birth things went back to normal. I've met several other women who have experienced pregnancy with an ileostomy and neither of them had the giant stoma and leaking issues so I guess that's just me. Good luck to you!
Some things I recall from pregnancy...I needed to have scheduled c-sections because my OB determined that the scar tissue from my total proctocolectomy wouldn't allow for a vaginal birth. I don't think I had any dietary issues other than the usual weird cravings that come with pregnancy. I did have trouble with my appliance as my belly grew, because my stoma started to prolapse and grew in diameter as I reached my 3rd trimester and the pressure on my uterus increased. I had a lot of leaks but tried to remind myself that it was a temporary situation. After I gave birth things went back to normal. I've met several other women who have experienced pregnancy with an ileostomy and neither of them had the giant stoma and leaking issues so I guess that's just me. Good luck to you!
Danica
Crohn's since age 6
Ileostomy 1993
Crohn's since age 6
Ileostomy 1993
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ddpolonio11
- Posts: 2
- Joined: 2020-07-30 19:53:49
Re: Pregnancy with an Ileostomy
Thanks so much for your input danilynn. I'm glad to see that the end result of your pregnancies were your wonderful boys, although, I know the prolapse and those leaks were not fun. Similar to you I had a total colectomy and I told my OBGYN that I would like the Colorectal surgical team involved...
A little side note - I'm not in the same town where I had my ostomy surgeries. All doctors involved are new to me. My Colorectal surgeon back home knew me (and my body for that matter) very well. Needless to say, I would have been extremely comfortable knowing that my doctors would know what's best throughout the pregnancy. I hope to have the same connection with this team.
When I contacted the current Colorectal department, they put me in touch with their Stoma nurse who suggested using a support belt/harness. Especially as my belly grows. I wonder which support belts are best for pregnancy. It's still a little early but I'm looking forward to this journey. Thanks again for your well wishes.
A little side note - I'm not in the same town where I had my ostomy surgeries. All doctors involved are new to me. My Colorectal surgeon back home knew me (and my body for that matter) very well. Needless to say, I would have been extremely comfortable knowing that my doctors would know what's best throughout the pregnancy. I hope to have the same connection with this team.
When I contacted the current Colorectal department, they put me in touch with their Stoma nurse who suggested using a support belt/harness. Especially as my belly grows. I wonder which support belts are best for pregnancy. It's still a little early but I'm looking forward to this journey. Thanks again for your well wishes.