TABLE 1

Counseling topics for women of childbearing age after solid-organ transplant

The risks of an unintended pregnancy are always greater than the risks of any contraceptive.
A good possibility exists of normal fertility after a solid-organ transplant. Immunosuppressive agents are associated with substantial teratogenic risk.
Pregnancy is associated with a higher than normal risk of fetal and maternal complications, so close monitoring is required.
A potentially negative impact of pregnancy on graft function soon after transplant must be considered; waiting 1 year after transplant to become pregnant provides the best chance of a good pregnancy outcome.
Two forms of effective contraception should be used until it is safe to conceive
  • Based on information in reference 1.