IgAN Journey Episode 17

Family Planning and Pregnancy with IgA Nephropathy

Compared with other kidney diseases, IgA Nephropathy tends to strike at younger ages, often coinciding with starting a career and/or having a family. While pregnancy is possible for women with IgAN, it’s not without its challenges. Planning for a family with IgAN requires early planning and close monitoring to achieve the best possible outcome for both mom and baby and to determine if the risks of carrying a baby might be too high.

In this episode, Whitney Simmons, who lives with IgAN, is a nurse practitioner, and serves on IgA Nephropathy Foundation’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, talks with us about family planning with IgAN. 

A dedicated advocate for people with IgAN and mother of two, she has personally navigated the many questions and decisions that come with pregnancy with IgAN. Whitney shares her 

journey – from the early days of pregnancy planning and pulling together a high-risk pregnancy team to post-pregnancy recovery. She offers invaluable advice for women with IgAN who are thinking about starting a family and reminds us that every woman — and every pregnancy — is different and that there are other ways to build a family too. 

She speaks to the importance of:

• Sharing your goals and wishes for a future family with your nephrologist as part of your overall care. 
• Early planning and specialized medical care. This includes reviewing and adjusting medications before pregnancy to protect the baby, as well as managing risks around giving birth. A high-risk pregnancy OB/GYN should be part of your team.
• Recognizing the mental and emotional challenges of pregnancy and family planning and embracing the critical role of building a support system you can rely on.

If you are worried about how IgAN might affect planning for a family of your own, you are not alone. Our community and resources are here to support you every step of the way. Stay connected with us and reach out for help or to share your own story. Together, we can make living with IgA Nephropathy and achieving big dreams a little bit easier.