Some Facts About Cystic Fibrosis Pregnancy

Tests for cystic fibrosis pregnancy are available for expecting parents before pregnancy or in the early pregnancy. But the problem is that one cannot be sure even when the test is positive that the child will have this disease. So the usefulness of this test is questionable. It is only that the couples get the chance to think about the risks before hand.

Though it is difficult to say how severe it will turn out to be in a particular case, after the positive results of the test, some parents might opt for abortion. But it is advisable to do this test before conception only, so that couples will be able to think more objectively about their decision.

However, there are certain other problems related to cystic fibrosis pregnancy. It affects both male and female fertility. Though male and female both can enjoy normal sex, successful fertilization is a problem for them. Men affected with this disease are almost always infertile due to an abnormality of the vas deferens. In-vitro fertilization is the solution for this problem because sperms are produced. They are aspirated from the epididymis to use them for in-vitro fertilization. This technique is successful at the rate of 20 to 30 %. However, many young men are not aware about their almost infertile status because of this disease. Efforts should be made to spread awareness about this situation in a frank and sympathetic way.

Women affected with cystic fibrosis also need to know about their fertility status. Though it is difficult for them to conceive, of course it is not impossible. Affected women have thicker cervical mucus that obstructs sperms movement through it. Because of the seriousness of the disease and the fact that it can be transmitted, girls after puberty need proper advice about contraception.

Researchers have shown that women affected with cystic fibrosis can have high mortality rate because of other reasons, but pregnancy does not add any further risk. Conversely various observations have shown that women who become pregnant survive more than women who do not. However, women with this disease should have proper individual counseling before they decide to become mothers to check their suitability, because it is not the disease itself, but the care needed that can affect an individual’s life.

Lack of a support system at home for the individual, combined with the additional responsibility for the child can take its toll on their health. A mother’s health post- pregnancy is directly related to her health during pregnancy. So all CF affected women should take proper advice from their dieticians about their nutritional status before conception.