Introducing The Pregnancy Mini-Series

Pregnancy and Inflammation: The Conversation We Need

We find in Gustave’s Klimt’s Hope, II a moving illustration of the conversation we are about to have: hope and brilliance, but also fears, pain and dark.

Why now? Well, I’ve lost count of how many times my consultants have asked, “Are you pregnant or planning to be?” It’s the first thing that comes up. And every time, I just sit there thinking:

It’s because of my age, right?

Are you asking me because you're South Asian and I’m South Asian and you think I should be married with children by now?

Should I tell you that I’m in a relationship with a woman, so there’s no chance I’m pregnant and you can stop awkwardly asking me? But what if they are homophobic…

Are my meds that toxic?

But now, things are different. I am (we are) thinking about it—and wow, is it overwhelming. So, I reached out to some of you and asked, "What can I expect?" That’s where my conversation with Elyse Robi began. Her story truly hit home. The challenges, the unknowns, the hope—it all made me realise how much we need to be talking about this.

This series on pregnancy and chronic inflammation is for all of us navigating the unknown. We're diving into the questions, fears and realities, so we can support each other on this journey. Elyse's insights are just the beginning, and I can’t wait for you to hear them.

Let’s figure this out, together.

Tash