Mummy's Star
This information was developed in partnership with Mummy's Star.
Cancer and pregnancy
Here is some information about coping with the emotional and practical issues you may experience. There is also information about diagnosis during pregnancy, different cancer treatments you may have, and about having your baby.
Coping with cancer and pregnancy
If you have cancer during pregnancy
If you have cancer during pregnancy, you may be coping with difficult feelings. You may also have to make hard decisions about cancer treatment.
Your feelings about cancer during pregnancy
Being diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy can bring some difficult and complicated emotions.
Help and support if you have cancer during pregnancy
Getting the support you need is important for you and your baby.
Taking care of yourself during pregnancy
Taking care of yourself will help you cope during treatment and when the baby is born.
Focusing on your pregnancy
You have regular check-ups with your midwife and pregnancy doctor and there are also things you can do to focus on your pregnancy.
Polly on pregnancy and cancer
‘I can’t believe Alfie is nearly four and I will be celebrating my 40th next month.’
Diagnosing cancer in pregnancy
Types of cancer in pregnancy
Any type of cancer can happen during pregnancy, but some cancers are more likely than others.
Cancer symptoms and pregnancy
If you are pregnant you should get the same checks for your symptoms as non-pregnant women.
Diagnosing cancer in pregnancy
If you have symptoms that could be cancer, you will be referred to a hospital specialist for tests.
Who will be involved in your care?
A team of specialists will look after you, including cancer doctors and nurses, your pregnancy and childbirth doctor and midwife.
Making treatment decisions
Your doctors will carefully explain your treatment options to you before you make any decisions.
Treating cancer in pregnancy
Pregnancy and chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the most common treatment given during pregnancy.
Pregnancy and surgery
Most operations can be done safely during pregnancy.
Pregnancy and radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is not usually given during pregnancy as it may harm the developing baby.
Other cancer drugs and pregnancy
Most other anti-cancer drugs such as hormonal therapies and targeted therapies cannot be given during pregnancy.
Having your baby and after the birth
Having your baby
Your pregnancy doctor and cancer doctor will talk to you about the best time to have your baby and the type of delivery.
Breastfeeding after treatment
If you can breastfeed your baby will depend on your treatment plan.
Read about Polly's experience of coping with cancer during pregnancy
Polly on pregnancy and cancer
'During chemotherapy I switched off from being pregnant. Emotionally, I felt robbed.'
Polly on treatment
'It was hard looking after a young baby during treatment but my mum was a great help.'
Latest from the Online Community
Blog post
Mental health and coping with your emotions
Read about ways in which our Community users managed their emotions following their diagnosis. They talk about yoga, meditation and counselling.
Featured group
Emotional issues
Whether it is you or someone close to you who has been diagnosed with cancer, you’re likely to experience many emotions. Sharing your feelings can help you and others in your situation. Talk about it here.
Latest posts in Emotional issues
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This is not the fight of my life.... but a fight for life itself.
I've had a few 'waves' of anxiety wash over me today, some butterflies, feeling a little sick in my stomach & bit of...
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