Adrenal Insufficiency and Pregnancy

The evidence on adrenal insufficiency and pregnancy shows that most women with the condition who become pregnant are able to have an uncomplicated pregnancy. Women with adrenal insufficiency who become pregnant receive the standard adrenal insufficiency treatment; if nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy interfere with oral medication, injections of the hormone may be necessary. As long as the proper precautions are taken -- and intake of treatment medication is closely monitored -- the prognosis for women with adrenal insufficiency during pregnancy is generally good.

 

Adrenal Insufficiency and Pregnancy: An Overview

Most women with adrenal insufficiency who become pregnant are able to have an uncomplicated pregnancy, labor, and delivery. As in women who are not pregnant, close monitoring and taking the correct medications is important.
 

Adrenal Insufficiency and Pregnancy: Treatment Options

Women with adrenal insufficiency who become pregnant receive the standard adrenal insufficiency treatment. If nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy interfere with oral medication, injections of the hormone may be necessary.
 
During delivery, women are treated with injections of hydrocortisone and saline. Following delivery, the dose of adrenal insufficiency medications is gradually tapered and the usual maintenance doses of hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone acetate by mouth are reached by about 10 days after childbirth.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD