Newly pregnant with IC

[angelsguardme]

Hi! Im 5 weeks pregnant with my second baby. I was not diagnosed with IC until after my son was born, Im certain I probalby had it before I had him but it got really bad after my C-section. I also developed kidney stones too lucky me! Anyway, I was taking Detrol but when I thought I might be pregnant I quit taking it becauase my OB had told me its a Category C. he said something about Elmiron being a Cat B but I have been doing my own research and it doesnt seem like it would really be a good idea for me to take that while pregnant either if I can avoid it. I called my uroligist but he's on vacation! So he wont be back til Monday. Grrr Anyway. I wanted to see if I could get some advice from other ladies abut the course of action you followed during PG. I thought things were getting better, from the 2week wait until yestersday I wwent 3 weeks thinking that pregnancy had caused my IC symptoms to disappear. Now today I am runing to the bathroom every 5 minutes. I have doen some reading about pelvic floor exercises - are those the same as Kegels. Anyone tried that and had any relief? Thanks in advance for your help!!!

[sherry6]

I think they are the same as kegals. That has always been my understanding.

As far as having to pee more- even normal women to that in the first trimester. You still may go into remission. I went into remission at about 12 weeks. It is my understanding that about half of women with IC do this during pregnancy, so cross your fingers, you could be one of the lucky ones!

Congratulations! :woohoo: There are many on this board who have gone through this, so don't hesitate to ask questions, or just complain. We are here to support you! :grouphug:

[Melanie]

Congratulations! I've just announced my pregnancy too.

Yes, sometimes kegels (aka pelvic floor exercises) can help. I find it most helpful to have something to contract (and relax) against. My physical therapist gave me a vaginal dialator, which is a smooth plastic rod. I use and store it in my shower (keeps it clean). I've found that it's impt to learn to properly contract AND relax the muscles to be most effective.

I am one of the unlucky ones that does NOT go into remission during pregnancy. My freq is normally 20 x per day, 1-4 x per night. With pregnancy (or a flare), I'm 30 x per day, 2-10 x per night.

My pain has been a little less severe. But the burning pain is AWFUL! Mostly because of vitamins that make my urine burn more. I can never seem to drink enough water.

BTW I take 2 category B drugs: Wellbutrin and Ambien. But you should discuss all meds with both your OB and your Uro.

[angelsguardme]

sherry - with having to go more, what i get is the urge to go but also the sensation similar to a UTI when i was pregnant with Aidan I had to go constantly but never had that sensation of burning. Everytime I go get my urine tested for UTI its negative. Grrr, its so annoying. I had eliminated this sensation while I was on the Detrol but now that Im off it, its returning.

Melanie - I think the pain Im describing must be similar to what you are talking about. I just started some new prenatals - maybe thats whats causiing the burning. I drink water like crazy partly because Im trying o flush out the kidney stones which my Dr said are small enough to pass and should be easier to pass because the ureters relax during pregnancy. I also have fibromialgia and so Ive taken Ambien because I dont sleep worth a darn anyway and I was on PRozac til the same time I quit taking the Detrol. From what ive read antidepressants can also help IC, but Im trying to go med free if I can. Im sorry your symptoms dont get better with pregnancy, have you already been through an etire pregnancy with IC? I was just wondering what the 3rd trimester was like, I can imagine that must be the worst for the bladder. I remember when I was in labor I sware I was in more pain from the pressure on my bladder than the actual contractions. Then they gave me a catheter and Ahhhh relief!!!

Thanks so much for answering my questions, Im sure Ill have more!

[Melanie]

Yes, prenatals could be causing your burning. I recommend trying to take the suppliments separately. First trimester, folic acid is impt. But it makes my bladder & urethra burn like mad. It also increases my urg/freq. So now that I'm done w/ the 1st trim, I've stopped the folic acid.
2nd and 3rd trimester, iron and calcium are most impt. If you eat a fairly balanced diet, you can probably get away with just these suppliments. Ask your OB.

I occasionally (when my diet isn't great) take New Chapter Perfect Prenatal from Whole Foods grocery store. Very healthy, no additives, no dyes, the vitamin C isn't acidic, etc. It's fairly IC safe, but still bothers me some.

I've also found that I can drink Lactaid milk w/ calcium (plus Carnation Instant Bkfst vanilla) for added nutrition. Also, many cereals are loaded with the daily requirements of vitamins.

Wellbutrin doesn't help my IC, but it doesn't hurt it either. Most imptly, it helps my depression tremendously. And ambien is the only way I get any sleep these days. Especially with 2 little girls in there squirming against my bladder.