[Howellb10]

I have been shunted since I was 13 and am currently pregnant for the first time. My husband and I are very excited for the baby but very nervous about shunt complications. I haven't found much research regarding pregnancy and maternal hydrocephalus. I was hoping to find someone who has gone through it and can give me some advice as to what to expect or what to avoid. I did try to post before. I don't think it worked but if this is a duplicate post I apologize.

[annakkro]

Hi there!
I'm Anna, age 28. I've had hydro since birth, and numerous complications and revisions (8 revisions in the last 3 yrs). Due to abdominal nerve damage in my abdomen from shunt being wrapped around my diaphragm for 9 months, my general practitioner thinks it would be "good self-care" to not have a child. I agree with her, because if I even have 2 days of stool in my intestines, the pressure is enough to cause shooting pain in my side and collarbone, just like when my shunt was wrapped. So it's likely that the pressure of a baby would be unbearable. Anyway, enough about my story. If you're on Facebook, I suggest you join this group called 'Women with Hydrocephalus' https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenwithwater/ You can post all your questions about pregnancy etc. and all of the women will share their experiences. Also, this website is a study that they've done on pregnant women with hydrocephalus. http://www.hydrowoman.com I hope you find this helpful! Keep us posted on your journey.
Cheers,
Anna