Pregnant on Isotretinoin

[Jade1]

It is so sad to read Duke's story on pregnancy chat. I am facing the same dilema I was told I am aprox 4-5wks pregnant last friday whilst taking Isotretinoin for the last 11 weeks.

I do not know what to do. The Baby's Father does not want to know so I don't have the support there but I know I have good friends and Family.

Doctors arent willing to refer me to a gynocologist i didnt realise the waiting list was so long when in this situation, they all think the best is a termination and are pushing me to speak to the abortion clinic.

Whilst Im not strong enough to bring a deformed child into the world this is all I have ever longed for and after 7 years of trying for a baby-not continuosly I cannot help but feel this has happened for a reason. I must add I was careful and used contraception whilst on medication so I have not been wreckless this is why I feel like it is my miracle baby. I cannot bear the thought of a termination I just can't do it.

I cannot find any support groups or any info of children born on the drug and their development info.

I am just wondering if there is anyone facing or faced the same as myself.

I have been told facial deformities are likely, heart conditions and learning difficulties are possible.

Jade

I just wanted to say, Im sorry, what an awful position to be in.

How long is it for the appointment with gynocologist and is there someone else that you can speak to? Perhaps you need to shout a little louder and make yourself heard and seen.

How do you know you are not strong enough to look after a deformed child? When the shit hits the fan, so to speak, you find the strength, you have to.

Even if you hadnt had the drug, you could still end up with a disabled child.

Personally, I couldnt do it either but thats not me judging, thats just me Im afraid. When I was expecting, I decided not to have any tests at all, and to take what life throws at us, I am a great believer that unfortunately it is not our god given right to have a "perfect child", I strongly believe my ds1 (suspected AS) and ds2 Congenital Heart defect are "perfect" as they are.

Oh just thought, Im prob going to get flamed for that last comment. Like I said thats just me, my opinion. But I would try and get some facts about the outcome.

Hi Jade

I know nothing about the drug & possible side effects but please do try to find out as much info as you can.
DR's are very good at painting a bleak picture, please try to find someone with first hand experience if you can.
And remember whatever YOU decide it is YOUR decision.

Hi! I have no words of wisdom re: baby, but contact your local Drug Information Helpline - usually your main hospital pharmacy can help.

They may be able to find out info from drug company.

Have you contacted your prescriber yet? Most important you do this.

Personal Q: did they ask you to confirm if you were NOT pregnant before they gave you the prescription?

Wishing you all the best,
BSAC15

"whilst I am not strong enough to bring a deformed child into this world this is all I ever longed for after trying for a child for 7 years"

My gut feeling from this is that this baby (not "deformed child")is wanted.I may be wrong.I dunno.

I am sending you love and hugs.I did not know about dds problems and think if I had known BEFORE I had her my reactions would have been different to now which probbly makes me a really bad person,but,bear with me,I thinkyou really need to get more information about potential effects of the drug and then analyse your own reactions to the issues.I read Dukes thread also.DD wasborn and then found later to have devlopmental delay...she islearning to sign though.At 3 she has just learnt to walk.She will need lifelong care.It isn't the worst thing in the world.In a lot of ways she has made me look at the world a lot differently and reassess my priorities.She may be delayed but she brings me great joy and love,although I do fear for what will happen when I die.I think what I am trying to say is that having a "DIFFERENT" CHILD BRINGS A LOT OF HARD WORK,AND LIFE IS NEVER THE SAME,BUT THERE IS LOVE.yOU COPE BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO.Some days are crap,but others are wonderful.Like with any child.It isn't easy,but because it is YOUR child you cope.Does that make sense???Sending you love and strength,and at the end of the day whatever you decide do it for yourself,what feels best for you,after consideration of the facts.No one is going to criticise your decision 9(At least on here) whatever you decide.Best wishes,Wrinkly xxx

Hi Everyone, thank you for your kind words.

I visited my G.P today but nothing was discussed I feel so frustrated, they have made there feelings clear my baby is likely to have malformations however i'm still holding on to the hope that it will be ok.

Not many people who have fallen pregnant on this drug decide to continue with the pregnancy. It is so carefully administered and a negative pregnancy test has to be performed each month before the next dose is administered.

I don't know what to do everyone is telling me this isnt the right time but I cannot have an abortion. The Baby's Father said I was selfish to wait until the 20week scan and that I was playing a game I should just terminate now- what a pig I cant bear to listen to a word he says at the moment and hate going through this alone, although I have confided in some family and friends and they have been great.

I have had an appointment arranged today at the Parental Advisory Unit for 2 weeks time- which means if I did choose a termination its been left too late and I have to have the surgical proceedure which will be horrific.

I wish I knew what to do. No one can tell me what I want to hear which is so hard for me.

If this is not meant to be I wish God would make the decision not me I know I will never get over this and im terrified.

I really hope you find the support you need. I think you need more information before you can make this decision. The drs don't sound too helpful tbh. I found a medical research report that stated of 151 births, 48% were normal, 47% had congenital malformations, and 5% had abnormalities other than malformations.

Clinging to a hope that you could have a healthy baby isn't entirely unrealistic.

this link has a america based helpline, might be worth a try.

Jade
I don't know if this will help but I was given a copy of 'Welcome to Holland' to read when we first found out there was something 'wrong' with dd2.
It made me feel a little better.

If you read it and it doesn't help you - I'm sorry i interfered and wish you all the best in whatever decisions you make.
x hugs x
bsac15

www.our-kids.org/Archives/Holland.html

bsac15, I loved that link. Thanks

BSAC15 that was a lovely link thank you.
xx