Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group pregnancy

Hi everyone!
it's been a while since i have posted.....
so, i am 13 weeks pregnant and not doing so great. besides the morning sickness that lasts all day, i have gone into quite a flare. My back mostly(usually its my hips) and of course because of the pain, i can not sleep properly (i am sure some of you know how tired you can be already) I really do not want to take any sort of meds. i have to admit i have not been following the nsd because i am too exhausted to eat properly(poor excuse) Any one else have any experience with pregnancy and AS? is there a light or will it be 6 more months of this? Thanks for listening!

Dear Gambit - I hope you get some helpful answers from folks that will help guide you to some relief during this time.

I wanted to address a specific point about diet:

You should carefully consult your health care professionals to help guide your diet during pregnancy. You should work together with professional advice to make sure you are obtaining adequate and appropriate nutrition during pregnancy.

Here is a link to an older post with a number of sources, some less technical and some more technical, that provide information or cautions on dietary interventions which result in restriction of carbohydrate during pregnancy:

https://www.kickas.org/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Cat=0&Number=178032&page=&vc=1

See also this note on nutrition from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
the info is contained in the old post above, but the link is broken in the old post, so I'm listing it and its content separately:

http://www.bidmc.harvard.edu/display.asp?leaf_id=8819

from "Your Pregnancy" section, "Your Nutrition and Dietary Needs" subsection:

"Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate - The Major Player in Your Diet
Approximately half of the calories in your diet [during pregnancy] should come from carbohydrates. There is no specific number of grams of carbohydrate recommended because the amount of carbohydrate in the diet depends on caloric needs, which are highly variable. This recommendation may come as a surprise to you, as many think of pregnancy as a time when protein should constitute the majority of the diet. It is carbohydrates, however, that should constitute the majority of your diet...in pregnancy...

Simple vs. Complex Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates come in two forms:


simple carbohydrates, which are found in fruits as well as table sugar and candy.

complex carbohydrates, which are found in fresh fruits, as well as vegetables, beans, and whole grains.

Although both forms of carbohydrate are usable as fuel, complex carbohydrates are usually preferable.

Foods high in complex carbohydrates are also rich in other important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fruits, although they contain simple sugars, are also a nutrient and fiber packed source of carbohydrate. Other simple carbohydrate foods such as candy and cookies, are full of "empty" calories, as they generally contain few nutrients.

Do Not Restrict Carbohydrates During Pregnancy
Restricting carbohydrates can be very dangerous, especially during pregnancy... When your body breaks down carbohydrates, glucose (sugar) is released. Your baby needs glucose to develop a health nervous system.

If you do not take in enough carbohydrates, your body will, instead, begin to break down its fat reserves to nourish your baby. When fats are broken down, ketones (not glucose) are released. There is some evidence that these ketones may be harmful to the baby's developing nervous system..."



this is a good time to remind: Please note the medical disclaimer on the front of the website:

*Medical Disclaimer*:
"Please note that nothing communicated in any KickAS.org discussion forum should be construed as medical advice, regardless of the source.
We encourage members to discuss any point of interest gained from this site, in tandem with their personal physician or specialist, and prior to initiating any manner of change to their course of treatment.
The knowledge shared at KickAS.org is of a strictly personal and not professional nature. Please continue to be mindful of this important distinction.
In pregnancy, a low carbohydrate diet is potentially harmful to fetal development. Everyone needs a diet that meets their nutritional needs, if in doubt consult a qualified dietician. KickAS and its members are not legally liable for the content, information or opinions expressed therein."

CONGRATULATIONS on the pregnancy!

You will get through some really tough times but IT IS WORTH IT!!!
I had two pretty bad weeks so far this pregnancy. I am expecting more in fall though. Belly dance helps me a lot and chasing Simon around

TAKE CARE!

I will 2nd Evelyn's comments on diet and pregnancy.

Tim

Thanks Tim

Hi Gambit,

Just wanted you to know I am thinking about you..

I have 4 kids and 2 new grandbabies so if you need to talk just pm me.

Just try and take it easy and stay in contact with your Drs. so they can help you.

Take Care,

Lisa

Hi Gambit,
"Been there done that, twice"
I managed 2 pregnancies, long time ago. I didn't take any meds at all during both. 9 months seems like a long time but just take care of yourself and it will pass quickly. You will need more rest than most expectant mothers and everyone needs to be aware of that and the rest of your needs during this time. I hope you have a hubby that understands completely about your AS and it's effects on your body during pregnancy.
Best of luck
Cindy

Hi Lisa

Congratulations on your pregnancy, how exciting - I was only diagnosed after my two pregnacies - but I did have a lot of hip discomfort and iritis especially during my second pregnancy. a body pillow to lie over and a hot shower every night B4 bed - well not with the weather we are having in BC at present but wwhen it cools off - and I was really fatigued and need lots of rest - a nap every afternoon. eat well drink lots of water and take care of yourself - especially your nutrition on which you have received some great advice - take care and let others take care of you too.

all the best

Kylie

Lisa,

Looks like you have received some great advice. I just wanted to say congratulations and wish you well in your pregnancy.

Take care,
Pam

thanks for responding everyone! I totally didn't even think about that maybe i shouldn't be doing the nsd...so thanks for the info. I will keep you all posted.
thanks again, i appreciate the support...oh and my partner is the best in the world!! i haven't made dinner or cleaned our house for atleast 8 weeks! thanks to him i can cope!