Preggo Hydro

Since I can remember, I have wanted to be an author and a mother.  Eight years ago I was blessed with a son.

Getting pregnant wasn't easy but not for the reason you would expect.  I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.  Since this causes irregular cycles and sometimes a lack of ovulation, I had a difficult time getting pregnant.

When I was trying to conceive for six years, I started researching how pregnancy could affect my hydrocephalus and vice versa.  Unfortunately I found little to no information on the subject.  Today I would like to share my experience and what I learned in hopes of helping someone else who may be facing this issue.

My neurosurgeon at the time felt that I could deliver vaginally but my primary care physician wasn't convinced.  I was referred to a high risk pregnancy specialist and he said I needed a C-section or would need to go through labor and use the vacuum when it came time to push.  He said I couldn't push through the contractions because pushing changes the pressure in your brain.

Ultimately I was scheduled for a C-section two weeks early to avoid labor.  I later found out that I could have delivered vaginally safely.  If someone tells you that a C-section is necessary only because you have hydrocephalus, consider getting a second opinion.

While I was pregnant, I was terrified that something could happen to my shunt, I would need surgery and I would lose the baby.  If you are experiencing shunt malfunction symptoms during pregnancy be sure to be seen by your neurosurgeon.  You can still have x-rays etc.  There are ways to protect the baby.  Also nowadays physicians can perform surgery while a woman is carrying a child and still keep mama and baby safe.

If this is a planned pregnancy, I do suggest seeing your neurosurgeon and primary care physician for a routine exam.  It wouldn't hurt to make sure everything is running smoothly before you start trying.  Also don't forget those prenatal vitamins!

My pregnancy was fairly uneventful in regards to the shunt but I was in excruciating pain from four to nine months.  We never did figure out the cause of it.  It could have been the baby moving against the catheter or scar tissue.  During the C-section, my OBGYN said my abdominal cavity was so full of scar tissue that he couldn't locate the baby initially.  But I knew he was in there because he constantly kicked my bladder and kept me up all night with the hiccups!

One negative aspect of being pregnant with hydrocephalus is that you can't take your regular medications for headaches or even pain pills.  You might want to do relaxation techniques to help deal with the pain of a malfunction headache.  Do things that make you happy and help you feel relaxed.

One of the other things that concerned me with getting pregnant was how could I care for my child when I am sick with a malfunction?  How could I rest when I have another person to take care of?  The answer is simple: You will find a way.  You will find a strength that you never realized you had.  This new person will be your reason for living and your motivation to pull you through.

When you do need help and you will sometimes, do what a good friend of mine said, "Line up your village".  Ask your family and close friends to help with you and your child.  The people that truly care about you will step up to help. 

I was blessed with just one child.  Sadly I had two miscarriages after him.  I can't imagine my life without him nor could I imagine my life with more than one.  My heart is still broken over the two babies that were not meant for this world but having hydrocephalus and being a mom is extremely hard.  Having said that, I wouldn't change it for the world.  He brings so much joy to my life!  I am so proud of the sweet, caring, and empathetic young man he is becoming.  Seeing me go through thirteen surgeries in his eight years of life has made him who he is today.

So I put my son first, do my best every day, and ask for help when needed.  Some would argue that I don't ask for help enough, but only I truly know what my limitations are.

If you find yourself pregnant with hydrocephalus and have concerns you can reach out to me, talk to your physicians, or find a support group in your area through the Hydrocephalus Association.  Even social media, such as Facebook, has support groups.

Just know you are not alone.   Like I said before, we may not all share the same story but we can be there for one another.