Pregnancy after stem cell transplantation.

QUESTION: A married woman under my care underwent successful bone marrow transplantation as part of treatment for a malignancy. She wishes to start a family. What are her chances? Are there risks?

ANSWER: Success in becoming pregnant after stem cell transplantation depends on such factors as cumulative doses of chemotherapy and radiation and mother's age at time of transplant. There is increased risk of prematurity, low birth weight, and spontaneous abortion. Pregnancy should be managed as high risk.