Advice for getting pregnant with Crohn's while on treatments?

Hi !

I'm so glad you asked this.

I have Crohn's disease, have been on Remicade since March 2017, and got pregnant in September 2018 through IVF. My husband and I had "unexplained infertility" and it didn't have to do with having Crohn's disease.

I was on Remicade through my entire pregnancy, and after delivery I breastfed/pumped for my daughter for 6 months (while still receiving Remicade every 6 weeks). I'm happy to answer any specific questions you have! It was a really smooth experience for me and I'm so grateful Remicade kept me in remission!

Thinking of you and sending you warmest wishes!
Warmly,
Amanda (team member)

Hi ! I am glad you asked 😀

I was proactive in making sure everything was ok with my Crohn's before getting pregnant so I had a colonoscopy done in September 2018 (there was no inflammation) and then got pregnant two months later. I continued my Stelara injections all through my pregnancy but moved my last injection prior to delivery up one week just so that I was able to administer it before 32 weeks, per the suggestion of my GI.
I delivered just before 37 weeks so then I was able to do my injection at 40 weeks and continue every 8 weeks, as normal, going forward.
I also have been on my Stelara while breast feeding and my daughter will be 8 months on May 3.

So, my recommendation is that if you know that you are going to want to start trying to get pregnant, make sure you are in good physical shape beforehand and then stay the course on your medication through pregnancy/breastfeeding to avoid a flare.

(Also, I called my GI the day after I found out I was pregnant and actually saw her before my OB so that I could get blood work and know if I needed any additional supplements other than the prenatal vitamins. )

Hope this helps!
Julie (Team Member)

That’s great. I have met with my GI, PCP, and gynecologist, I got blood work, tests etc. and all of my doctors say I’m good to go to go on trying to get pregnant. I appreciate the good news and advice! Thank you!

That’s wonderful news! Congratulations! I’m so glad that numerous people responded to my post. It is refreshing to have somebody to share with who has gone through the same experiences and Can speak from personal experience. I absolutely will contact you if I have any questions.