KC and baby birth

[Margaret Brown]

My daughter who is 27 has Keratoconus which developed when she gave birth nearly 5 years ago. Her baby son was 9lbs 3oz and she had a real struggle, tearing badly and having an episiotomy, subsequently splitting again. Straight after the birth she noticed a deteriority in her sight which was eventually diagnosed as Keratoconus. Apparently it has been known to happen in pregnancy/birth but also in many other instances as well, eg allergies etc. Alison is discussing with her doctor and specialist the situation regarding possible cesearian as she is concerned her Keratoconus may worsen. She does not have e-mail facilities which is why I am asking on her behalf but she would be interested if there are other women out there who have experienced the onset of KC after birth.

[Susan Mason]

I had my first child at 29 and started having vision problems 10 months later, although no suggestion made re KC. I fell pregnant again Feb 2000, miscarried end May 2000 by which stage my eyes were being very troublesome...after a long wait I was finally seen by hosp in nov 2000 & diagnosed with KC!!!! By this stage Ii was 32 & they were surprised that i was so old(!!!!!) I have read somewhere that some hormones present at puberty are also present during pregnancy & I sometimes wonder whether there is any connection???
My first pregnancy was ok apart from feeling constantly sick (until about 7 months) I didn't eat too well and did not put much weight on which was good as I am a little rotund. My sons birth weight was 7lbs 10 ozs and the birth was ok. I didn;t have much problems no pain and no drugs. I was put on a drip in an attempt to make the contractions stronger so I would feel them. My husband tells me the graph was quite high although I did not feel it, until the baby's head was delivered. He came out with his arm over his face (no pictures please) and I tore inside and needed stitches, the worse part of it all.
The NHS dont seeem to know much about KC & whilst my curent optometrist is very good, in a 20 min appt slot, frought with lenses, saline & solutions ( I am now wearing sclerals as RGP corneals could not be fitted) there isn't much time to hae anything confirmed!

Hope this helps
Susan