Getting Pregnant After Cancer Possible?

Thinking about bringing a new life into this world is difficult, especially when your own life is at stake. And yet women dream of getting pregnant even after they have diseases like cancer. The rate of cancer among young and middle-aged women is on the rise. But advanced treatments for cancer are saving a lot of lives.

So, what happens after you survive cancer? Getting pregnant and having babies is one part of the normal life every woman would like to get back to. But is it possible? What are the risks involved with it? Lets find out.

Is it possible?

There is no reason why you should have conceiving problems after having cancer. Unless you have uterus or ovary cancer that damages your reproductive system completely, you should be able to conceive naturally. However, a woman should wait till she regains her health after the treatment. This brings us to the next question.

How long should you wait to start trying?

Usually, cancer patients are advised to wait for at least 6 months after their chemotherapy treatments get over. This is because the harsh rays of chemotherapy can damage the maturing eggs in your ovary. This could lead to genetically defective pregnancies. It will take a minimum of 6 months for these eggs to pass out of the body.

However, sometimes the doctor might ask you to wait for 2 to 5 years after cancer. This is because most cancers recur during this time. Normally, pregnancy does not make can recur. At least there is no scientific data to prove so.

What are the stakes?

Cancer is a fatal disease and the body undergoes a lot of trauma during the treatment. This will obviously weaken your health. But if your vital signs like blood report, urine report, heart rate etc are normal, there is no reason for you to not conceive. Women these days have problems conceiving even under normal conditions. It could be the same for you. You will obviously have to stay under constant scrutiny from medical practitioners.

Will the baby be normal?

Your chances of having a genetically deformed baby remain the same if you are getting pregnant after surviving cancer. It stands at 2 to 3 per cent. However, if you have hereditary type of cancer like breast cancer, there is chance that your child too might have cancer at some point of time.

Getting pregnant is a beautiful experience and it is just what to need to start your life on a fresh note. Do not deny yourself the pleasures of motherhood.