Since traditional times, every mother’s journey to motherhood has been a unique one. Bringing a new life into the world by grasping those little hands is no more than a magical experience that parents desire to experience. However, while some people find the joy of pregnancy comfortable to navigate, others may find it overwhelming and stressful. Unfortunately, there are cases when women seeking the joy of motherhood get diagnosed with dreadful diseases like cancer, an illness which can destroy a person’s physical, mental, and financial well-being. Being diagnosed with cancer while navigating pregnancy is rare, but it can happen.
Moreover, navigating pregnancy after a cancer diagnosis brings unique obstacles, impacting emotional, physical wellbeing and coping capacity. Additionally, some cancer treatments can have an effect on the development of an unborn baby, making it critical to explore the potential dangers and safe options with your doctors before treatment begins. We reached out to Dr Bhavana Parikh, DNB (Surgical Oncology), MNAMS, Cancer Surgeon, Breast Cancer Specialist at PredOmix to understand risks of pregnancy after cancer and how these women can enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
Risks of Pregnancy After Cancer Diagnosis
Experiencing a healthy delivery of a baby after being diagnosed with cancer can be a blessing for many, but at the same can be a risky event.
In this context, medication can also have a range of consequences on future pregnancies. As per Dr Parikh, with chemotherapy and radiation therapies for cancer lowering a woman's fertility through altering the uterus's support cells and blood supply. In fact, certain cancer medications may increase the odds of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and other complications.
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Furthermore, in some women, the likelihood of infertility varies according to the type of cancer, the treatment taken, and the patient's age. As a result, women undergoing cancer therapy may have difficulty conceiving naturally.
Additionally, there is concern regarding the possibility of cancer recurrence during pregnancy. While many cancer patients are able to have safe babies after treatment, the dread of cancer returning can be overpowering.
Thus, balancing this fear with the hope of motherhood is an emotional tightrope that requires extensive support and guidance.
Effective Support and Solutions
Here are some suggestions by Dr Parikh:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle in general is crucial for the overall health of human beings. And when it comes to traversing pregnancy following a cancer diagnosis, adopting a healthy lifestyle for the sake of healthy delivery becomes certainly imperative. Adopting physical exercises, switching to healthy diets and giving away alcohol and smoking are all important steps to ensure a hassle-free and happy pregnancy. Additionally, it is best to go over the required medications with your doctor in order to prevent any potential hazards.
Also Read: Cervical Cancer and Pregnancy: Preconception Preventive Measures For Cervical Cancer Patients
Mental health assistance
Pregnancy not only causes bodily changes but mental ones as well. While the joy of motherhood is a delightful experience, pregnancies are often accompanied with stressful feelings and emotions. This is where it becomes crucial for the couple to seek mental assistance to swiftly get through the journey. Especially, in the cases where pregnancy is followed by cancer diagnosis, emotional challenges are bound to arise, making it necessary for individuals to seek the guidance of a mental health specialist.
Timely risk evaluation
Pregnancy, when followed by cancer diagnosis, comes with a fair share of risks and challenges. Knowing about and evaluating these risks can help make informed decisions regarding additional precautions needed during pregnancy. Here, seeking medical advice and obtaining a risk assessment will allow one to take timely actions and embark on the path to a safe pregnancy.
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Empower Choices: To Embrace Motherhood
Pregnancy after cancer is a personal journey, and each woman's experience is different. While there are risks and hurdles, it is also a story of resilience and optimism. Thus, women who have overcome cancer can negotiate the path to motherhood with bravery and resolve by getting advice from medical specialists, finding emotional support, and connecting with others who have experienced similar decisions.
