Transplantation
Transplantation is an operation to move an organ from one person’s body called the donor to another person called the recipient. During such a procedure certain drugs are given to suppress the immune system’s activity.
You have to know that the first ever pregnancy in a female recipient was seen 1958. She received a kidney from her twin. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy. All pregnancy has its significance which needs medical support and care. It is best for you to discuss your health with your physicians, obstetrician-gynecologist and transplant coordinator.
Delivery after transplantation is not wrong, but it needs some special care. Here are few things you might want to know about:
1. Fertility in both men and women return quickly after the transplantation.
2. In general it is found that before the transplantation both men and women are less sexually active, for which their illness may be the main cause. But after the transplantation the libido is found to increase.
3. Before you plan for pregnancy the level of immunosuppression must e stable in your blood and function of the transplanted organ must be stable.
4. For the one year after transplantation pregnancy is not usually recommended.
5. Since the recipient will be given immunosuppressive therapy, which is more aggressive chances rejection is the greatest.
6. For most women transplant recipients vaginal delivery is recommended than Caesarean section. This is due to increased risk of infection which is associated with the surgery.
7. Breastfeeding is highly essential part of motherhood. This is needed for both the mother and the child. But there are concerns about the presence of immunosuppressant medications in breast milk. But this is also not found to be same in all.
8. There is a higher risk of hypertension in females who are transplant recipients during pregnancy. This can affect the nutrition and blood supplied to fetus. This can also cause premature delivery or toxemia.
9. In transplant recipient infections like herpes, hepatitis, toxoplasmosis and cytomegalic (CMV) virus are of concern. Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common during pregnancy.
10. Adjustment in immunosuppressive medication may be essential during the pregnancy period. For this consult your physician.
As long as the transplanted organ is functioning properly and in a stable fashion, there is no major risk in pregnancy after transplantation. To know on the stability of the transplanted organ and your health you need to contact your transplant coordinator and physician.
