Question: I am in the middle of testing for Cushing’s and just realized that I am 8 weeks pregnant! Are there risks associated with a high cortisol and the baby? Can Cushing’s be diagnosed during a pregnancy? Is it safe to take the dexamethasone suppression tests during pregnancy? Will the baby need any special attention after delivery?

Answer: Cushing’s syndrome during pregnancy is rare and, quite frankly, I have never had the opportunity to manage a pregnant woman with Cushing’s syndrome. Nonetheless, the literature does show significant risk to the mother and child if it is not properly treated. Dexamethasone suppression testing will not be helpful and I would strongly recommend that you see an endocrinologist with extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of patients with Cushing’s syndrome.

By Dr. James Findling M.D. (Winter, 2005)