Cerebral Palsy and Pregnant?

Hayls20

Hey everyone, 

I'm new here but it's been recommended to me by a few people over the years. 

I'm a full time wheelchair user with quadriplegic cerebral palsy - and I've recently found out I'm pregnant (unplanned). 

Does anyone here have any experience or tips that they could share on the journey and how they found it? Thanks in advance for any help ? 

Richard_Scope

Hi @Hayls20
Great to meet you and a warm welcome to the community. I have quad cp too and I'm a dad to an 11-year-old. 
How is pregnancy treating you so far? 

alieshia

Hello and welcome @Hayls20 I can't help personally, just wanted to say a huge congratulations! Have you been in contact with your GP and or specialist? They should be able to get you any extra support you need throughout the pregnancy.

Hayls20

Hi @Richard_Scope - thanks so much, and that's amazing to hear! How have you found it?

It's been okay so far (touch wood), the sickness is worse at night but on the upside my spasms seem less frequent for whatever hormonal reason.

Thanks also, @alieshia! Yes, I went to my GP to confirm the home tests, and unfortunately she was an older doctor who said she'd never had a 'disabled pregnancy' (and seemed surprised I'd be capable of doing the deed) which annoyed me more than anything.

I'm waiting to be assigned a midwife/gynaecologist - I think it's just with everything COVID recently, and I've got my scan in a few weeks time. 

Scary but exciting times ahead.

Richard_Scope

Hey @Hayls20
Well, it was really daunting at first but I guess it is for everybody CP or not! I can honestly say being a dad is the best thing that has happened to me.
You will find your own ways of doing things kind of instinctively but also planning and preparation are key, having everything where you can reach it for example.
Glad to hear about your spasms lessening, I had heard that the pregnancy hormone could have a negative effect on spasms but we're all different. 
My partner took ginger for the sickness, not entirely sure it worked though

Hayls20

That's the best thing to hear, @Richard_Scope - may I ask if your partner is disabled too?

Yeah, I'm absolutely petrified generally, but I'm taking comfort from knowing I'm instinctively a good problem solver and find ways round things more often than not. Yeah, so had I, so I'm trying not to speak too soon. 

I've been trying some ginger nuts before bed, and it seems to help a bit, or It might just be psychosomatic so I can eat more! 

Richard_Scope

My partner isn't disabled. She worked long hours as a chef so I had to find ways to look after our daughter while my partner was at work. So I was basically was on the night shift. That's where the planning and prep came in really useful. We were also really thorough in choosing cots and changing tables etc. Making sure they were the right height to minimise my lifting the baby while on my feet. My balance is shocking! Apart from me putting on the baby's nappies the wrong way quite a few times, I think I managed okay.
The thing is, there is always a solution and if it works for you and baby then it works!

Hayls20

Ah, okay - it's role reversal with us as my partner isn't either. Yeah, planning early and throughly is my plan, getting as much advice for those who have been there and done it is so helpful, thank you.

My balance is awful too, so I don't think I'd even try much standing just in case. 

Totally, it might not be the 'conventional' way - but if it works for us then it's the right way!

Lou67

@Hayls20. Good morning Hayls I just want to say congratulations and I’m sure you’ll be a great mum good luck with the pregnancy ?

Hayls20

That’s so kind @Lou67, that means a lot!

Feel very much out of my depth at the moment as it’s all quite new but very excited. 

Lou67

@Hayls20. Oh I’m sure you are, but I’m also sure you’ll do great, take all the help you can as all new mums need it. I spent some time with my granddaughter yesterday and she’s such a joy a right little character ?

Hayls20

@Lou67 Definitely taking all the advice and support I can get - finding this community has already been great!

That’s so lovely to hear ??

Richard_Scope

We have a blog called Just Add Ginger: My pregnancy story that you might be interested to read. Also, my colleague @Chloe_Scope has suggested that the Youtuber Charisse Hogan, has some interesting stuff.

Hayls20

I’ll be having a read of that today, @Richard_Scope!

Thanks also @Chloe_Scope - that’s been added to my list ? 

Richard_Scope

Hi @Hayls20
How's everything going? 

Hayls20

Hi @Richard_Scope - all okay thanks, appreciate you checking in. 

@Chloe_Scope for the recommended blogs/channels - really informative and reassuring to know I’m not alone. 

Now been scanned and given a consultant and specialist midwife with experience of mums with CP, so I’m feeling a little more confident in thar side of things. 

Thankfully that sickness and spasms are still pretty calm but I’m definitely starting to show properly now - weird but amazing feeling! 

Lou67

@Hayls20. Hi just wanted to say glad things are going better for you, take care of yourself and that bump ❤️

Hayls20

Thanks @Lou67- at least people will find out soon and won’t just think I’ve been on the lockdown pies! ♥️

Lou67

Aw Hayls I wish I had pregnancy as excuse for weight gain but I’m afraid not lol ? 

Hayls20

Haha I’m using every excuse, “but the baby wants..!!” 

Richard_Scope

Hi @Hayls20, baby wants was my partner's favourite saying! I was surprised our daughter didn't look like a pepperoni passion! 
Fantastic that you have an experienced midwife, they make things so much better.