Pregnancy, Crohns & Flare Ups
Hello everyone,
I've posted on here previously when I sought advise about when is best to conceive and anything I should bear in mind before trying.
Following on from that I'm now delighted to share that we are pregnant with our first child, after months of IBD tests, waiting for results and consulting with different doctors/sources.
However, yesterday I heard that my latest faecal calprotectin test was over 500, despite the fact that I've been feeling completely well and been symptom-free for at least the past 5months.
I'd had many discussions around whether now was a good time to conceive and only a month ago my doctor gave me the green light as I had a clear MRI scan and also as I've been doing really well lately.
Today I did start experiencing some cramping with my Crohns and runny stools, so I don't know if this may be something triggered by the pregnancy, but I'm only 3 weeks so far, so I'm not sure it would have occurred so soon??
So I'm looking for some advice or others experiences to maybe help me as to what I can try, to keep my Crohns symptoms etc at bay.
I've heard that so many people find their Crohns goes into remission completely when they're pregnant, so maybe with time that will come?
Grateful of any thoughts or stories that anyone's willing to share.
Thanks.
🙏🙏🙏
Hello
, I'm sorry we didn't get to your message earlier. First of all, I want to say congratulations on you pregnancy! That is very happy and exciting news. It sounds like you put a lot of thought and research into determining the best time for you to start trying to conceive.
I know it's been several days since you posted and I'm wondering how you're doing. Have you had other or worsening symptoms? And, have you reached out to your doctor at all?
Hopefully some of our community members who have experience being pregnant while also managing Crohn's can chime in here and share with you. I did also find this article from one of our advocates about the first few weeks of her pregnancy and IBD, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/first-weeks-pregnancy. She does mention that her bowels acted up, even in the first few weeks of pregnancy, which I thought you might appreciate hearing.
Please know that our community is here for you! Sending you some gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Thank you so much for your lovely and encouraging message.
Yes I'm glad to say I've actually been feeling a decent bit better the past couple of days which is a relief! I'm not sure whether maybe the early days of surging hormones may have triggered some upset with my crohns and perhaps its now starting to settle and get used to it 🤷♀️
I have read a few blogs and articles on here which have been super helpful, definitely sounds a bit like what I'm experiencing right now! So it has been very encouraging to find out I'm not alone and that it will likely get better 🙂
Do look forward to hearing if any others have similar stories or experiences to share.
Thanks all 🤗oh I'm so happy to hear that you've been feeling a bit better lately! Please keep us posted, and feel free to reach out here any time. Being pregnant and managing a chronic disease can be a lot, so hopefully this community can help you feel supported, because you are definitely not alone. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Just wanted to pop in and say congratulations!!! I am so thrilled for you. And I think you did so wonderful in preparing for pregnancy considering your diagnosis. I haven't been pregnant so I can't chime in. But I am happy to see that you have improved. I'm sure soon you will hear from others in the community. I wish you the absolute best. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
Hi all, just jumping on here to give a little update.
I'm currently 30 weeks pregnant and up until a few weeks ago I'd been doing really great and having no Crohns symptoms or issues during my pregnancy.
However, as I started experiencing some constipation with growing baby and changing hormones etc, my Crohns symptoms have decided to make an appearance 😪
Wanted to reach out to see if any others also experienced this or whether anyone has any tips on how I can get things to settle back down and remain under control??
I am in contact with my IBD support team who are checking inflammatory levels etc, but other than trying to manage/avoid the constipation, I'm not sure what else I can do!? I'm most afraid of it getting any worse, so willing to try anything!
Thanks xxHi
, thanks so much for the update, and congratulations on your pregnancy! I, too, am afraid I can't offer any personal experience/advice, but I know we have several health leaders who have been pregnant while living with an inflammatory bowel disease so I'm hoping that one of them can share any experiences or insights with you. I'm glad to hear that you're in contact with your IBD support team, and hopefully they, in addition to your OB, can tell you safe things to try to help alleviate the constipation. I wish I could be more helpful, but I'll pass your message onto some of our health leaders! Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member) 
I'm so sorry you've had an uptick in symptoms! During my pregnancy my Crohn's symptoms sort of waxed and waned. When I was more symptomatic, I worked hard to stay hydrated (using oral rehydration packets like Drip Drop, Liquid IV, LMNT, etc.) and stuck to a safe foods or liquid only diet - but only after consulting with my team. I'd say if rest and heating pads are an option to maximize those too. Hope you get relief soon, Amanda (InflammatoryBowelDisease.net Team Member)
