Life After Cancer: Pregnancy

Having cancer and going through cancer treatment can sometimes have long-lasting effects on your body. Some treatments and kinds of cancer don’t affect fertility and pregnancy at all. But some can make getting pregnant difficult. This can be incredibly upsetting if you want to have a baby. But remember that your healthcare team is here to help you figure out how to move forward.

If you’re thinking of trying to get pregnant, talk with your healthcare team. Ask them about:

• Your fertility status

• What you can expect

• If you should consult with a fertility specialist

• How long to wait after treatment before trying to get pregnant

Your situation will be unique to you and your cancer journey. Here are some of the common topics or issues that come up for people trying to get pregnant after cancer treatment.

Fertility changes

It might be harder for you to get pregnant after having cancer treatments like:

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation

• Surgery

These treatments can:

• Hurt reproductive organs

• Change your hormone levels

• Impact the number or quality of your eggs

To understand more about your situation, talk with your oncologist or a fertility expert.

Assisted reproductive techniques

You may need to explore other choices for getting pregnant. These can include assisted reproductive techniques like:

• In vitro fertilization

• Using donor eggs

• Having a surrogate carry your embryo

• Using embryo donation·

A fertility expert will guide you through the process for any of these choices.

Risk of cancer recurrence

Some types of cancer can have a higher risk of coming back during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Some examples include certain gynecological and breast cancers. Talk with your healthcare team to understand your situation and risks.

Possible pregnancy complications

Certain cancer treatments can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as:

• Preterm birth

• Low birth weight

• Pregnancy loss

Work closely with your healthcare team. They’ll watch you to make sure you and your baby are healthy.

Genetic counseling

Some cancers have known genetic components. Some of these cancers include Lynch syndrome or hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. If this applies to your cancer, you can meet with a genetic counselor to find out the risk of passing on the same genes to your child.

Emotional well-being

Trying to have a baby after cancer treatment can be filled with uncertainties and challenges. Having a support network in place can help you. Your network can include anyone you trust and can talk with. That can include friends, family, mental health providers, or other people in the same situation. The process of getting pregnant may not be easy. But know that you have options and a team to help you along the way.