Interstitial Cystitis and Pregnancy

By MiShaun Taylor

Being pregnant can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you have a previous medical condition that will have a significant impact on your pregnancy. This can add to the stress experienced by a pregnant woman, which can also further complicate a pregnancy. If you have interstitial cystitis, you may be very concerned about how this condition will impact your pregnancy.

The good news is that your unborn child will not suffer directly because of your interstitial cystitis. The baby will not develop interstitial cystitis in the womb as a result of the mother having the condition. However, very little is known about how interstitial cystitis develops. There are a few studies that seem to indicate that interstitial cystitis is a hereditary condition, but these studies are not conclusive as of yet.

The bad news is that a large majority of women who suffer from interstitial cystitis reveal that their symptoms are more pronounced during their pregnancy. This can result in a very uncomfortable nine months. This can be even more problematic because many of the treatments for interstitial cystitis are not advisable during pregnancy. This includes oral medications, medications placed directly in the bladder, and herbal supplements.

You should be especially cautious about taking herbal supplements even before you decide to try to conceive. These can be very dangerous because they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. You may not know the exact ingredients of these supplements and their side effects can be especially dangerous to your unborn baby. Some of the ingredients in these supplements can cause uterine cramping and even miscarriage, so it is best to steer clear of these supplements during pregnancy. You will also want to avoid these supplements if you plan on breastfeeding your child as many of these supplements can be transmitted through breast milk.

You will also want to be careful about acupuncture and acupressure treatments when you are pregnant. Of course, you will want to discuss these treatments with your doctor. Be aware that some doctors do not advise acupuncture or acupressure during pregnancy. If you do decide to continue this treatment with the blessing of your doctor, you will want to make sure that your acupuncturist knows that you are pregnant. There are some areas that your practitioner will need to avoid applying direct pressure to in order to have a safe and effective treatment. Pressure in some areas can result in cramping and discomfort.

While you should be concerned about managing the symptoms of your interstitial cystitis during your pregnancy, it should not consume you and cause you endless stress. Be sure to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor, but any good doctor will tell you to let them do the worrying for you. Once you know what to expect, you will be prepared to deal with whatever comes your way during the pregnancy.