Stomas and pregnancy

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, but for those of us with a stoma, it can come with its own set of challenges and worries. When I first found out I was pregnant, I was overjoyed but also filled with fear and uncertainty about how my stoma might affect my pregnancy. Would I face complications? How would my body handle the changes?

Despite my initial fears, my pregnancy was smooth overall. I did experience some unique challenges, but with the right support and care, I managed them effectively. It’s essential to have a team that understands your specific needs and can guide you through the process. My consultants were always available to address any concerns I had, ensuring both my baby’s health and mine were prioritized

Some of the challenges I faced below:

Pregnancy can lead to physical changes that may affect your stoma. The growing uterus can cause the stoma to change in size or position. My stoma definitely grew in size, but I ensured that I cut the bags to the new size and changed it more regularly to avoid leakages.

While many ostomates can have vaginal deliveries, a caesarean section may be recommended to avoid complications. The decision will depend on individual health circumstances and should be made in consultation with your obstetrician or stoma care team.

Recovery from childbirth will involve managing both the needs of a newborn and the care of your stoma. I’ve written a blog post all about this.

My top tips:

1 Stay hydrated: Hydration is vital, especially with an ileostomy, as you may lose more fluids.

2 Keep a stoma care kit handy: Always have supplies ready, including extra stoma bags, skin barriers, and wipes.

3 Wear comfortable clothing: As your body changes, opt for loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t constrict your stoma area.

4. Monitor stoma output: Keep an eye on your stoma output to detect any changes that may require medical attention.

Pregnancy with a stoma has unique challenges, but with proper planning, support, and care, it is entirely possible to have a healthy and fulfilling pregnancy. Remember, you are not alone—many ostomates have successfully navigated pregnancy and parenthood (including myself) and with the right support, you can too.

Thanks for reading,

Ange (@thebaglife_) x