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editor   Deborah Pipas
BellaOnline's Disabilities Editor
 

Pregnant with Cerebral Palsy - First Trimester

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of information available if you are pregnant and have cerebral palsy or another physical disability. I'll try to help with my own.

My husband and I always wanted to have a child. We thought about adopting, and we were going to proceed with adoption after our exchange student went home. However, we were happily surprised to learn I was pregnant in February. Now we were in uncharted territory.

After I first knew, I had this thirst that I couldn't quench. Then I started with morning sickness. I had morning sickness all day. It wasn't completely horrible because I knew why the sickness was happening. Nothing really helped with my sickness. I tried everything possible, but it kept coming.

My husband was completely supportive. I felt bad for him because he had to clean up after me. He never complained. He was there for me. Having a support person is really important especially if you need physical assistance.

The other complication for me was finding the right obstetrician. A lot of doctors don't understand cerebral palsy let alone a pregnant woman with CP. I started going to one that is less than five minutes from my home. I was reluctant going there because they have nine obstetricians in their office. Needless to say, it didn't work out.

I had to explain to every doctor what cerebral palsy was. I went to a specialist who wrote a letter about CP and how I can deliver naturally. The doctor didn't even read it until I was there. I met with a genetic counselor who gave me an attitude when I told her that my husband was born two months premature.

So, I'm currently looking into finding a new obstetrician. One that has a smaller office and can get to know me.

I notice with pregnancy my cerebral palsy isn't real spastic. I'm actually pretty calm. Now that I entered the second trimester, I feel my ligaments stretching. That is very painful, but I'm handling it. I'm excited to find out if the baby is a boy or a girl!

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Content copyright © 2008 by Jessica Steinmetz. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Jessica Steinmetz. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Deborah Pipas for details.



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