Pregnancy and NF

Today is not going to be a wordless Wednesday. Today is going to be information about NF and pregnancy. If you are new to my blog, you can click on my NF (Neurofiromatoses) tab on the top and learn about it.

Before I even start writing I will share some resources for you. There isn't much resources out there, which worries me. The second link take you to a study on NF and pregnancy.

http://www.marchofdimes.com/baby/neurofibromatoses.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8957502
   "Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant condition which has markedly variable clinical expression, with manifestations ranging from mild cutaneous lesions to severe orthopedic complications and functional impairment. The current obstetrical literature indicates that women with NF-1 have increased complications associated with pregnancy. However, the majority of publications are case reports involving no more than 11 patients each, and are likely biased toward reporting on cases in which complications occurred. This study presents data on pregnancy outcome in 105 women with NF-1. The data were obtained from questionnaires completed by the study participants, and by review of their pregnancy and peripartum medical records. The 105 women had a total of 247 pregnancies, resulting in 182 live births, 44 first trimester spontaneous abortions, 21 elective terminations, and 2 ectopic pregnancies. There were two sets of twins. The cesarean section rate in our series (36%) was greater than the general population rate (9.1-23.5%). In 7 of these patients, the cesarean section was required because of maternal NF-1 complications. The study did not show the previously reported increased incidence of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, pregnancy-induced hypertension, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, or perinatal mortality. Sixty-four (60%) of the one hundred five women reported growth of new neurofibromas during pregnancy and fifty-five (52%) noted enlargement of existing neurofibromas. Nineteen women observed no changes in the size of their neurofibromas and no growth of new neurofibromas during pregnancy.:"



As seen in the study, most women with NF can have normal pregnancies. (Is there such a term as normal) but sometimes due to the hormonal changes. IT mentioned the increase in neurofibromas. Thankfully, my Dr. and I have been watching this and I haven't had any increases so far. I'm hoping for no increases at all.  Some other complications mentioned in the study and through the March of  Dimes include an increase risk of complications to the umbilical chord, increase risk of high blood pressure and a high risk of needed a C-section. 

Although it all sounds scary, from my experience it helps to have a doctor who is knowledgeable and caring. One who will talk to you about all of your concerns.  I hope that this informative blog post will help you understand some different things that can happen with this disease and why I feel it is important to find a cure. 

Ciao,