MOMS HAVE HEALTHIER BABIES IF THEIR IBD IS CONTROLLED BEFORE THEY GET PREGNANT (AND THEY STAY HEALTHIER TOO)

It's really, really important that women with IBD who are thinking about getting pregnant stay in their best possible health before and during their pregnancy—it makes a big difference for them and for their babies. The risks of having problems increase dramatically for women who have active Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (UC) with a flare (compared to women where their disease is under control). The chances of:

• Having a premature baby increases over 2 ½ times with both Crohn's and UC  
• Having a smaller baby increases 2 times in UC and 3 times in Crohn's disease
• Having a miscarriage with active UC is 4 times greater

The Moms Stay Healthier Too

Women who are in remission with their IBD when they get pregnant are twice as likely to stay healthy during and after their pregnancy and not have a flare in their disease. On the other hand, women who have flaring UC are also more likely to have a blood clot.

And of course, managing a mom's disease (in case there is a problem) is much easier before she's pregnant when there aren't the same concerns about doing x-rays, procedures and surgery. And then certain IBD medications are much safer for unborn babies than others.

As a result, soon-to-be mothers should be in remission and off steroids, methotrexate and a certain type of mesalamine for at least 3 months before they get pregnant.

Best Ideas

Take a prenatal vitamin with Vitamin D, folate and iron

Avoid alcohol and all smoking,

Have your immunizations up to date,

See your OB and gastroenterologist for regular visits

Maintain your medications and a healthy diet

Keep your IBD, weight and general health in the best possible shape for your own and your new baby's benefit.