Pregnancy & Crohns Disease (With Inflammation)

First, let me state upfront that I'm not a doctor. As such, I can only share my experience, which doesn't mean much in the scheme of "pregnancy research." Also, I have lived with UC for 30+ years. I was able to conceive during a colitis flare, but I did read some online articles that mention you should wait until you're in remission. Well, I didn't have access to information like that when I got pregnant 24 years ago. Anyway, I did experience a miscarriage during my first pregnancy. I also read online that the risks of miscarriage are more likely for those with IBD. But, I never know what to believe. When I got pregnant the second time, I made sure to avoid "caffeine" because that's what I was told at that time. Honestly, once I got pregnant, my colitis went into remission. Maybe the prenatal vitamins helped? Maybe all the surge of hormones throughout my body tamped down inflammation? I don't know. But I had a good nine months without colitis issues. But that was my experience. I can't speak for anyone else because each body is different. If/when you conceive, I would recommend working in tandem with your GI and a dietician. You definitely want to make sure you are getting proper nutrients during pregnancy--especially if you are experiencing Crohn's issues. Again, I'm just one person who had a great pregnancy. Everyone is different. But I wish you the BEST of luck! Before I close, did you speak to your GI about the desire to conceive? I would always err on the side of caution and listen to a specialist. Please stay in touch and let us know how it goes. Best wishes!--Traci, UC-IBD Team Member

Thank you so much for sharing that! Thats really helpful and interesting to know.


I have found that a lot of articles and medical personel are saying the same thing, that you're better to conceive when in remission and to avoid it during a flare up. So I'm keen to ensure I'm in the best health state that I can be before conceiving.


Regarding miscarriages, I do believe the risk is apparently slightly higher in women with crohns disease however the rate of miscarriages in first time pregnancies is quite high, regardless or any medical conditions! So on this front, it's difficult to know whether or not it's due to someone's IBD.


Yes, I actually spoke with my IBD team earlier today and they were glad to hear that I have been doing a lot better than I was, they said that that is good news - so I'm assuming that if I'm doing better, does that count as remission??


I can't get my calprotectin levels checked or my inflammatory markers/bloods done yet because I've not long had the colonoscopy and my insides are still a bit niggly so it wouldn't likely be a fair test they said.


But once that settles, I'm just keen to know, is it safe to conceive if I feel well, despite having some inflammation in my colon? I will ensure I get my levels checked before conceiving but I'm now having to wait a few more weeks to give everything chance to settle from my colonoscopy.


Thanks.

Here's what I experienced:


After many years of pain, uncertainty, misdiagnoses, and three abdominal surgeries, I was told I would never be able to conceive. So I stopped taking the Pill. Two month later, I was pregnant with my now 35-year-old daughter. Three years later, I gave birth to my son.


In both cases, my Crohn's pretty much went into remission during pregnancy. My biggest trigger has always been stress, and I was extremely happy about being pregnant. When I am happy, my Crohn's symptoms subside or disappear. That being said, I took my health and the health of my unborn children very seriously. During both pregnancies, I stopped drinking coffee and sodas, I ate better, I walked more, and I hydrated better.


I wish you the very best. And if you do conceive, get all the sleep you can. You're gonna need it! 😉

I had 4 kids after having a bowel resection. It is possible you just need to believe
I have crohns