Because ovulatory cycles may begin within 1-2 months after transplantation in women with well functioning grafts, all women of childbearing age should be aware of the possibility and risks of pregnancy after transplantation.
Pregnancy is not typically recommended within the first year after a transplant because the risk of rejection is the greatest and immunosuppressive therapy is the most aggressive. It should, however, be planned when organ function and immunosuppressive therapy are stabilized and there is no sign of rejection, hypertension or chronic infection.
If you are considering becoming pregnant, it is important to discuss potential risks with your transplant team.
Reference and Publication Information
United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is committed to providing accurate and reliable information for transplant patients. The content on this page was originally created on June 8, 2005 by UNOS and last modified on June 17, 2005. The following sources were used as references:
American Association of Kidney Patients, retrieved June 9, 2005.
Armenti, Vincent, et al. “Report from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry (NTPR): Outcomes of Pregnancy after Transplantation”. 103-113.
Morinia, Alberto, et al. “Pregnancy after heart transplant: update and case report.” Human Reproduction 13.3 (1998): 749-757.
Lessan-Pezeshki, Mahboob. “Pregnancy after renal transplantation: points to consider.” Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 17 (2002):703-707.
