Met while preggers??

Nikki022103 · 10-04-2009, 08:29 PM

I was just dx'ed with PCOS last month, and DH and I decided we wanted to start TTC in case it takes a while. I haven't had an AF since July, so I switched doctors (my original doc decided this lack of AF was no problem). My current doc was very helpful and knowledgeable regarding PCOS, and plans to start me on met as soon as my blood work confirms the need. Only thing is, my doc thinks I should only go on met to get me regulated (using some form of protection while on met) and go off met to TTC. He doesn't believe I should even TTC while on met, let alone stay on met through any part of the pregnancy. I have read so many potential benefits of conceiving on and staying on met (at least through the first tri), but he seems to be very conservative regarding med while preggers. I don't want to take anything that would harm my baby, but I would prefer to control the symptoms of PCOS while pregnant (increased risk of mc, gest diabetes, preterm labor ect). I've never had a mc that I know of, but I obviously would like to avoid that if at all possible. I'm just confused because there are all of these potential benefits, but all of the studies are such a small sample that they can't rule out long term complications. I wish they would research this more, but what should I do in the mean time? I would really appreciate everyone's input here. I don't know if I should get a second opinion, or present new studies to him, or just accept his advice. Thanks so much!

AngiAZ · 10-04-2009, 08:37 PM

Hi there, I am also TTC. I'm on 2000mg of met. My doc feels that it is important to stay on it when ever I do conceive. I was told that many women with PCOS that do not stay on it during pregnancy have a much higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. You should discuss your concerns with your doc. Good luck!

Acajou73 · 10-04-2009, 08:49 PM

I am pregnant and on 2250 mgs of met. I have decided to stay on met during my entire pregnancy to help me avoid gestational diabetes. The only ill effect that the one doctor who didn't want me to stay on it while pregnant mentioned was that my son could be born with low blood sugar. I have been told that some babies are born with low blood sugar even when the mother hasn't taken met during pregnancy. I feel perfectly safe being on met while pregnant. I hope this helps a bit.

Acajou73 · 10-04-2009, 08:50 PM

Oh, I should also mention that every time that i've been pregnant (4 times total), has been on met and with weight loss. Fertility drugs didn't work for me. All of my pregnancies have been unplanned. This is the first that has made it this far (I have clotting issues). I do not think that I would have gotten pregnant without met.

HRkswildcat · 10-04-2009, 10:30 PM

I got pregnant on 1,500mg of Met, weight loss, and 100mcg synthroid. I'm still taking 1,000mg Met. This is my first pregnancy.

Each doctor varies. If you trust your doctor do what he/she says. If you don't, I'd start looking for a new one.

Nikki022103 · 10-05-2009, 01:22 AM

Thanks for the advice ladies!! My instinct is to stay on met, but I guess we'll see what happens.

lisaandmilo · 10-05-2009, 06:40 PM

I too was on 2,000 mg Metformin before I conceived and when I conceived. Last November I got a BFP and was told I could quit taking Metformin. I miscarried 2 weeks later. I'm not saying that was to blame, but when I got my second BFP this May, I stayed on Metformin through the first trimester. My new doctor (a high-risk OB) suggested staying on it through the first tri, but that it wasn't necessary once I moved into the second and third trimester, unless I failed my glucose tests, which I haven't.

I would suggest staying on it at least through your first trimester. Good luck!

naomid · 10-06-2009, 04:01 PM

I got off met after I got pg the 1st time, then m/c. With DD, I stayed on it & she was healthy. With the twins we were told to stay on metformin also. My fertility specialists, Obgyn,& midwives were all in agreement I should stay on. My dose was lowered after we got pg to 1000mg.

Cyster Sarah · 10-06-2009, 05:26 PM

I would suggest TTC while on it and also staying on it when preggers. That's what I did.

Bee · 10-06-2009, 07:15 PM

I was on 1500mg of Met while TTC #1 and all during my pregnancy. Dr said it would help avoid gestational diabetes and help keep my hormones in check. Even though DD was 13 weeks early (I have IC), she was healthy and strong as an ox!

There are medical journals online regarding the positives of staying on Met during pregnancy. Just google search and print and take to your Dr. I had to do my own research while I was TTC because my Dr didn't think Met would make me ovulate and it did.

HTH!
Bee

Sarrahhh · 10-08-2009, 01:10 AM

I stayed on met till 33 or 34 weeks 1000mg.....1500mgs earlier in pregnancy. Did not gain hardly any weight at all and only diagnosed with Gestational diabetes after going off met for the GTT 2 hour glucose test. but tests show it had only just come on ie hadn't had it for the most part of pregnancy
Now that i have GE I have to take insulin once a day and test blood four times a day. I an slim and have barlery gained any weight during pregnancy thanks I think to healthy eating, no alcohol and Metformin
Perhaps if I stayed on met the GE would have not come on maybe only much later in pregnancy but it came late anyway so I am not concerned.

The only thing is that now I am taking insulin I wont be allowed to go much if any past my due date and will be induced at around October 23rd if baby doesn't come on own which I am not happy about as I have heard induced labours hurt more an much more likely to have epidural and that can lead to caesarian etc as once induced if the baby doesn't come naturally you have to have caesarian.

Anyway - I think I'll stay on met till at least 30 something weeks with next pregnancy if I have another baby.