Silicone Breast Implants and Pregnancy

Any mother-to-be might be understandably concerned about the interaction between her silicone breast implants and pregnancy. Silicone implants have been studied in great detail in the last 40 years and especially in the last 20 years, since the dismal failure of second generation breast prostheses used during the 1970s and 1980s. Many unfortunate women experienced implant rupture and leakage which was previously associated with a variety of potentially harmful conditions including cancer, connective tissue disease (CTD) and others. It is for this reason that the effects silicone breast implants have on a developing fetus have been studied and the facts made known for all to understand.

Silicone Breast Implants and Pregnancy Clinical Studies

Many government sponsored and private research studies have looked into health risks caused by exposure to silicone implants and specifically filler material which might leak out of a compromised implant shell. The studies have universally found silicone to be a coincidental factor in women who have developed cancer and CTD. Silicone has not been shown to cause any negative health effects when used as a surgical prosthetic device. Silicone has been proven to be non-reactive to biological material and mostly chemically inert. However, there are still many women who blame silicone for a wide range of illnesses experienced after suffering filler migration from a damaged implant.

These same studies spent considerable time analyzing any potential problems caused to a developing fetus inside a pregnant woman who possesses silicone breast implants. Once again, doctors and scientists found no evidence that silicone implants cause any developmental issues or problems in the fetus.

Silicone Breast Implants and Pregnancy / Breastfeeding

Silicone has shown up in trace levels in the breast milk of some nursing women who have implants. Regardless, the levels are so low that doctors still recommend breastfeeding as the best way to nourish a newborn, despite the implants. Silicone levels in cow�s milk and store bought baby formula are significantly higher than any found in a biological mother who might have silicone implants. It is also been shown that some women who do not even have breast implants also have trace amounts of silicone in their breast milk. This small exposure has not been shown to cause the child any adverse effects.

Silicone Breast Implants and Pregnancy Advice

Having a baby is a true joy and blessing for a woman. While doing everything possible to insure your baby�s health and safety is advised and expected, there is little cause for concern if you happen to be one of the millions of women who happen to be pregnant and also have silicone implants. This is even more true if you have received later generation cohesive silicone gel implants which are far less likely to leak or rupture. Talk to your doctor if you have any specific concerns about how your implants might affect your developing child.

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6/27/08