Pregnant! Scared about Prednisone...

Pregnant! Scared about Prednisone... 12 years 2 months ago #13883

Crystal361
Offline
Posts: 8
Thank you received: 1

I am in my 3rd trimester and quickly nearing the end of my pregnancy. My hemotologist is really pushing for me to be treated with Prednisone. I have a strong family history of diabetes. My platelets are hovering around 28. I'm Asymptomatic (no symptoms). I'm worried about the effects it may have on my baby.

I have been treated in the past (3 times) with IVIG, including right before delivery with my last pregnancy. IVIG only increases my platelet levels for less than 2 weeks before my levels return to the 20's.

Has anybody out there been in a situation? How long does prednisone boost people's platelets for(because the hemotologist is only talking about running a 2 week course of prednisone)?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Re: Pregnant! Scared about Prednisone... 12 years 2 months ago #13887

Sandi Offline Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18 Posts: 12436 Karma: 11 Thank you received: 2372	Crystal - it all depends on the person. Two weeks of steroids could boost someone for days or a few months. It depends on the dose also. Two weeks of Prednisone may not cause diabetes. It could raise your blood sugar a bit, but it usually takes a lot more than that to induce diabetes.
	Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Re: Pregnant! Scared about Prednisone... 12 years 2 months ago #13894

tigereyes
Offline
Posts: 222
Thank you received: 5

I agree with Sandi. Your hema may be trying to get you safe to deliver. Im currenlty at 50 and on 40 of prednisone. It was increased to 80 in the hopes of getting above 100. Im speaking with my hema and OB as long as I breast feed the baby will be tapered of the dose of steriods and avoid withdrawl. I know its not ideal but at least its safe to take while pregnant. I put off doing steiods as long as possible but after 3 doses of IVIG and my counts barely going up 26 to 50....I have decided its not worth the long infussion plus the steriods I get as premeds. So I gave in. Talk with your hema. Ask why a 2 week corse really isnt that bad Im hoping to be off asap. But know I may not be. I have to do whats best for me and thats to take steriods. I have made it a point to keep it to myself and fiance so I dont get strange looks and have to explain myself to people.

Jennifer

Mother of 2 boys
Last Rituxan 12/09/09--3rd time around with not much sucess
Winrho-09/25/09 Didnt work.
IVIG--Countless times

Latest counts 8 4/2013-just started Promatca
Diag. 9/2006

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Re: Pregnant! Scared about Prednisone... 12 years 2 months ago #13911

cloyd915
Offline
Posts: 94
Thank you received: 1

I am also in my 3rd trimester and will be 8 months on Monday. I have been on high doses of steroids since February. They did not work for me at all. Its a chance with any medication. So now having no results from Prednisone, I have to ween off and have been taking a basically useless medication for 8 weeks...Its not a drug you can just STOP taking, you have to taper off slowly. I have been getting IVIg weekly and still have very low counts. I wish you luck my friend!

Diagnosed with ITP 2/7/11
Treating regularly with IVIg
Currently in the low 100's

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Re: Pregnant! Scared about Prednisone... 12 years 2 months ago #13932

Crystal361
Offline
Posts: 8
Thank you received: 1

Thanks for all the feedback!

I am going to have to try to talk to my hematologist more and see what she's thinking with the Prednisone. If I wasn't pregnant I may not be so scared to try this option but the last thing that I would want to do is somehow affect my baby.

I know they use corticosteriods to help to develop babies lungs faster if they're going to be born prematurely. It's obvious that the prednisone will cross the placenta and therefore affect the baby too... I dont know that i'm okay with that

The following user(s) said Thank You: choij02

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Re: Pregnant! Scared about Prednisone... 12 years 1 month ago #14122

heidio
Offline
Posts: 17
Thank you received: 1

Two of my hemo doctors have told me that it is safe for babies to take prednisone during pregnancy. My other doctor said it is the most important to keep the mother healthy which keeps the baby healthy too. I believe prednisone is a category C drug in the US.
I think I will have to take it eventually if I get pregnant-I am hoping I can take it, then take time off from it...then take it again as needed. It is important to talk with your doctor about your decisions so they can honor your wishes. You will get through this!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

TOPIC: