Living with IBD During Pregnancy
Trying to get pregnant?
If you’re thinking about starting a family or you are pregnant, you may have questions about how IBD could affect you, including anything you may need to consider, along with who to speak to for advice. The good news is that most people with IBD who want to have children go on to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.1
Discuss plans to get pregnant with your healthcare professional
If you have IBD, and planning to get pregnant, speak with your healthcare team and gastroenterologist early on. They can develop a safe treatment plan tailored for your needs, as some medications are considered safe during pregnancy, some should be avoided.1 The team will give you guide you on staying healthy during pregnancy and answer any questions you may have about how IBD might affect it.
During pregnancy
Take regular breaks: Pregnancy can be tiring, and IBD can add to this, so making time to rest is important.
Keep in touch with your healthcare team: If you have questions about your treatment or are considering stopping your medication, make sure you speak with your healthcare team or gastroenterologist first.
If you’re worried that pregnancy might make your IBD worse, your healthcare professional can also help you. According to available research, if you have mildly active or inactive IBD when you become pregnant, it may be more unlikely to get worse in pregnancy.1 If you become pregnant while your disorder is active, it may be more likely to remain active during your pregnancy.1 Your healthcare professional will be able to discuss your personal circumstances and how to best cope during pregnancy.
When your baby arrives
If you have questions about breastfeeding while taking your IBD medication, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare professional as not all medications can be taken during this time.1
