An important update about my pregnancy journey with Cushing’s
I'd tell you here, but then it wouldn't be a surprise!
You might’ve guessed it from my recent columns about parenthood, my limited posting on social media, or these headlines, but surprise, I’m pregnant!
I had a frozen embryo transfer on June 4 and found out I was pregnant four days later. We wanted to keep it a secret for a while so that we could tell our family members and make sure the baby stuck around.
We decided to do in vitro fertilization because I had fertility problems from both Cushing’s disease and polycystic ovary syndrome. However, we saw many positives in our preparation for the frozen embryo transfer. Thirteen eggs were pulled, and four of them became embryos. Each was high-quality, and because of my age (I’m now 29), I was told that each had a 70% to 80% chance of success.
It’s hard for me to analyze what my pregnancy is like compared with someone who doesn’t have Cushing’s disease, because I’ll never be pregnant without it. However, I can tell you about some of the complications I’ve experienced so far.
Look out, February!
My pregnancy is considered high risk, even though the baby is so far growing perfectly. None of my test results has been a concern, but doctors are still watching my heart and want me to be closely monitored, regardless of how well the baby is doing.
I’ve had to stop taking my Cushing’s medication, which leaves me feeling exhausted, nauseous, and in need of tons of naps. I don’t know if it’d be this bad without Cushing’s disease, but I currently need to sleep at least 12 hours a night to function. I spend most mornings fending off nausea. I’ve also had some heart palpitations, which are spooky more than anything. So far, there’s no need for worry or alarm.
I had to do an early glucose test to make sure everything was going well. The internet made this seem like it’d be horrible, but it was fine. I just felt a little nauseous and took it easy.
Lastly, the noninvasive prenatal testing didn’t work. So many factors can affect this test, including weight and IVF, so I’ll retake it in my second trimester.
Overall, we’re so happy about the pregnancy and will take it one day at a time. We’re grateful to be pregnant, all things considered, and love our baby already. I’m due at the end of February and am almost done with my first trimester. I’m grateful to have gotten this far, and I’m hopeful I’ll carry my baby to term, despite Cushing’s disease.
You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.
Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.
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