Anyone with HS? Advice on birthing and general support

[Flowersandfloral]

I'm 20 weeks pregnant with first child after TTC with DH for 18 months. Scan showed all healthy so greatly relieved.

I was only diagnosed with HS after my lesions became significantly worse when I came off the pill. No effective treatment options available that wouldn't have adverse impact when TTC or pregnant so suffered with it.

All I've read online are seemingly horror stories about negative outcomes on pregnancy for HS sufferers, so I'd really appreciate to hear from anyone who has HS and have a positive outcome and a lovely DC.

Most of what I've read says people with HS opt for C-section. But can't see reason why. I've mentioned HS to midwife and other healthcare people but no one has any understanding of it so just dismiss any concerns around it. Perhaps not as many people in UK have it? I have no idea!

If any fellow HS sufferers out there please shout up! As my anxiety with pregnancy is high already, would really like to hear anyone's positive outcomes.

Thanks!

I could have written this post when I was pregnant with my first. (In fact, I think I did with no responses 😂) Most HCPs don't seem to have much, if any, knowledge of HS.
I'll have to keep this brief because the kids are whining at me for more breakfast, sorry.

With regards to VB or CS births I've done both and in my experience not much difference with HS flare ups. Both times I had some pretty big flares in the first few weeks due to all the hormones, but they settled back down to normality within a couple of months. I really suffered at the start of pregnancy but about half way though they stopped until I was full term. Which was a relief.
With the CS, I was worried about getting flares on my scar, but I'm 10 months PP now and I've not had any.
Feel free to message me.

@ItsYourColdDayInTheSun thank you so much for your reply! It’s a relief to know others have had similar experiences and worries!

My HS has pretty much stabilised now, but none of the lesions are healing like they had done when I was on the pill.

There is so little information and support out there considering how much of the population is likely to have it. I often wonder if it’s just not diagnosed for many. The GP that did with mine was actually quite excited as had only ever learnt about it at medical school!

Did you find the CS went ok? I’m leaning towards that, probably just because everything I’ve read stays with me! But midwife is pushing towards VB.

A lot of GP's don't seem to know what it is. I went to so many different ones who palmed me off with various diagnoses and antibiotics. I finally saw one who took one look at it, said it was HS, and immediately booked me in for surgery to have it removed. It was such a relief to have a diagnosis. He said that at least 1% of the population suffer with it, so it's amazing that it's so unheard of. I expect a lot of people are misdiagnosed or don't even see a doctor about it.

I had an elective for my second child because I suffered a 3c tear the first time due to a 10lb and back to back baby, and I didn't want to risk it again. I loved how relaxed the section was and I found the recovery a lot easier. Obviously there are pros and cons to each, and I don't think either birth had any effect on my HS so just go with your gut.
I have to say I didn't BF though, as I've found over the last few years that the flare ups have moved from my armpits to my groin, and now mostly to under my boobs. I couldn't imagine having to BF with massive flares under there. 😂