IC & Pregnancy

[lttlewun]

Is it ok to have a baby when you have IC? Does it make things worse or better?

[Braedley]

IC doesn't have any direct impact on being pregnant, but being pregnant can have an impact on your IC..I found the first trimester was difficult with hormone changes etc., but for the most part, it was VERY much better, up until about 7 weeks post baby (when I went back on BC and then stopped breastfeeding/pumping due to lack of milk b/c of the birth control) - then it changed a bit 'for the worse'...nothing extreme, just more flare ups, frequency changed etc. I was able to go upwards of 9hrs during the day with no problems before the pill came back into the scene, and upwards of 11-12hrs/night but that has since changed..

[llwd]

During my first two pregnancies, the IC was very bad during the first trimester but eventually got better. During my 3d and 4th pregnancies, my IC did not worsen. I'd say how bad your IC is depends on the person and the pregnancy.

[neoitvaluocsol]

Question in addition to that, does it make your urgency/frequency worse? I know my mom who doesn't have IC says all the time that when we were in her womb we would roll around and her urgency would be suddenly come out of no where and be unbearable. I'm just wondering if for someone with IC would it make it even worse?

[stacey79]

I am 37 weeks pregnant with my first baby right now. I have had IC since I was 3.

The first month I was more aware of my bladder, meaning I felt symptoms, but it wasn't a bad flare. After that, it's been pretty smooth sailing. I've even been able to eat some foods that usually bother my bladder.

Frequency for me has been about the same as it was before pregnant. I know other pregnant women who say it is much increased for them, but as an ICer it doesn't seem so different to me. Some ways it's better. Most nights I've been up once a night. Sometimes twice. Last night was three times, but I'd say overall throughout this pregnancy it's averaged once a night, which is pretty darn good.

Now that I'm near the end, the baby is dropping lower and I am feeling her on my bladder more. I've felt her on my bladder before, but now she's heavier, so I am having some urgency. However, it doesn't seem any more to me than what I've been used to with my IC.

I know everyone is different. This is just my experience. Hope it helps!