Release Date: 2024-03-07

Pregnancy and Birth in Cancer Patients

Serife Irem Doner (Author), Meltem Ugurlu (Author)

Release Date: 2024-03-07

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in women of reproductive age. Pregnancy and birth in women with cancer is a psychologically, physiologically and medically sensitive issue. This book chapter deals with the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that should be followed in women diagnosed with cancer and experiencing pregnancy, birth and postpartum period. Diagnosis [...]

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Work TypeBook Chapter
Published inOncological Rehabilitation a Handbook for Healthcare Professionals
First Page189
Last Page206
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.69860/nobel.9786053358893.9
ISBN978-605-335-889-3 (PDF)
LanguageENG
Page Count18
Copyright HolderNobel Tıp Kitabevleri
Licensehttps://nobelpub.com/publish-with-us/copyright-and-licensing

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in women of reproductive age. Pregnancy and birth in women with cancer is a psychologically, physiologically and medically sensitive issue. This book chapter deals with the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that should be followed in women diagnosed with cancer and experiencing pregnancy, birth and postpartum period.
Diagnosis and treatment of cancers during pregnancy should be carefully planned according to trimesters in terms of both maternal and foetal health. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the first trimester are usually delayed because they may have teratogenic effects on the foetus. In the second and third trimesters, some chemotherapy drugs can be used more safely and uterine evacuation and hysterectomy can be performed.
Birth planning is also of special importance in women with cancer who are still pregnant. Premature delivery is avoided because of the high morbidity probability. However, preterm delivery can be planned in order to minimise the time without treatment and to prevent deterioration of the mother’s health status. Vaginal delivery is contraindicated for most cervical and vulvar cancers due to the potential for implantation of cancer cells into the vaginal laceration/episiotomy site. In addition, complications such as hysterectomy, blood transfusion, thromboembolism, sepsis may be seen in the mother during labour, while Apgar scores may decrease in the newborn and resuscitation may be needed.
In the postnatal period, breastfeeding is desirable for emotional attachment and as a healthy compensation for prenatal exposure to cancer treatment. However, the safety and feasibility of breastfeeding needs to be carefully assessed.
Psychosocial support during pregnancy, birth and postnatal periods in women with cancer strengthens the mother-infant relationship and contributes to the support of family formation.
In conclusion, pregnancy, birth and postpartum period in women with cancer is a complex process that requires a multidisciplinary approach and individualised treatment plans.
This chapter provides a detailed overview of the pathways to be followed and the points to be considered in the management of the association of cancer and pregnancy. Strategies for appropriate treatment and follow-up are emphasised to protect the health of both mother and baby.

Serife Irem Doner (Author)
Ankara Medipol University
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0052-4133
3Research Assistant Serife Irem DONER completed master’s degree at the University of Health Sciences, Gülhane Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery in 2022 and completed master’s degree as the first graduate. She continues her doctorate education at the same university. Since 2023, she has been working as a research assistant at Ankara Medipol University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery. The author has many national and international publications and book chapters in areas such as aromatherapy, pregnancy, traumatic birth, alternative therapies during labour, breastfeeding, menopause and social media. The author has many international papers.

Meltem Ugurlu (Author)
Saglık Bilimleri Universty
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9183-219X
3Associate Prof. Meltem UGURLU completed her master’s degree at Gazi University in 2012 and her doctorate at Gülhane Military Medical Academy in 2016 about Gynecology and 0bstetrics Nursing. Since 2018, she has been working as a lecturer and deputy head of the Department of Midwifery, Gülhane Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences. The author has many national and international publications and book chapters in areas such as risky pregnancies, breastfeeding, postpartum period, sexual health, gynecological cancers and breast cancer. The author has more than 100 internationally presented papers and awards. The author, who is currently a researcher in 6 COST Action projects, also has an ongoing TUSEB project on creative drama and birth preparation class.

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