Hi Tina

I am in the same place as you.  I have debated this issue for quite a few months now and have finally decided to take the dex.  I don’t know where you are from but I get the impression that it is quite common for dex to be taken prenatally in the US.  I am from N.Ireland and noone here has taken it yet, so I have been quite reluctant to be the guinea pig.  I have posted some questions already here, you could look back and see the responses, this was a great help.  I also received a helpful response from a lady called Margaret, an adult with CAH.  I already have a 19 month old daughter with SWCAH.  I can honestly say that I don’t find her condition a problem.  She has virilisation, although this is becoming less obvious as she grows.  I don’t find this a problem either.  So my debate was that it would be fine if I had another girl just like Alena.  Her consultant does not feel that if I had another affected girl that the virilisation would be any more severe, although I suppose he doesn’t know this for sure.  My main reason for deciding to take the dex is because I am still not sure how Alena will be affected in the future due to the exposure of the androgens in the womb and because of the virilisation.  She will need an operation later in life, although will not have any surgery in infancy.  I have decided that if the dex can prevent the exposure and virilisation, without harming an unaffected child, then it is worth taking.  I still wouldn’t say that I am 100% behind this decision, but it had to be made.  As far as the side effects for the mother this seems to be dependent on each individual.  The research notes stretch marks, weight gain and swollen ankles, etc..  but you can get these things with any pregnancy.  I did not have any of these in my first pregnancy, so it I am not looking forward to it.  But sure it is worth it all for our child.  Hope this has been of some help.

Joanne