Hi Meredith - I honour you for being so proactive and searching for the answers you need. I know how scary but also how exhilarating the journey can be.

It does show some NK cell over activity and as Dr S no doubt explained NK cell losses are most usually in the first 8-10 weeks of pregnancy.

You probably remember that I also was on prednisone - and I know you have a medical (albiet furry one ) - so you no doubt also know prednisone is steroidal. It is a heavy and potent drug that carries significant side effects.

My personal experience was that I gained heaps of weight. I was on 25mgs from week 2 of the cycle prior to conception. I also became extremely insulin resistant. My body type is curvy - big breasts and curvy - however I have never been "fat" but on the prednisone I was - and only now almost 12 months along am I beginning to shed my weight.

I have had many babies and many pregnancies and never before have I had stretch marks but I did this time - even though Imogen was extremely premature. Another of the lovely steroidal side effects.

Your age makes it more likely that you will develop GD - and the steroids will make that risk even higher. I was insulin dependent and incredibly scarily at times unstable.

The day I had Imogen (I am "normally" 60kgs) I weighed 105kgs. 9 days later I weighed 82kgs. Right now I am about 75 & falling. However much of that weight (obviously) was due to my kidney failure etc etc. But the prednisone didn't help me if you get what I am trying to illustrate!

Would I do it again - in a heartbeat. But I went in eyes wide open and so will you. I believe that my weight gain was largely as I was quite depressed really. Incredibly anxious and afraid - as I just didnt think my Soul had it in me to deal with another goodbye. But steroids by their nature create insulin resistance which increases your weight. I think I remember from pictures that you are a skinny minny so you may not have such a problem.