Being Pregnant With Crohn’s Disease Means Accepting That I Don’t Always Have Control Over My Body

Being pregnant with Crohn’s disease means accepting that I don’t always have control over my body. As someone who has lived with this chronic inflammatory bowel disease for over a decade, I am no stranger to the agonizingly varied abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and fatigue that can come with it. During one Crohn’s disease flare-up about ten years ago, I ended up in the emergency room with sepsis due to a small hole that had whittled its way through my small intestine. It needed surgery, and the experience shook me to my core.

Crohn’s disease is not like other diseases characteristic of inflammation; it affects the digestive system and can cause excruciating abdominal pain and other common symptoms such as frequent diarrhea. Those of us who suffer from this condition have malfunctioning immune systems that can accidentally harm our own digestive tracts. What's worse is that there's no strict timeline for when a Crohn’s flare-up will happen or how long it will last. It's medically led and unpredictable which can lead to more severe complications like sepsis infection if not treated properly. When I received my sepsis diagnosis in the hospital, an ER doctor told me that "I was lucky" because septic shock could have easily taken my life.

If you have Crohn's disease and are planning to start a family, it is important to understand the impact that this chronic condition can have on your fertility rate. Studies have shown that women with active IBD may have a lower fertility rate compared to the general population. However, if your disease is well-controlled or in remission, your chances of conceiving may be similar to those without IBD.

It is also important to note that previous pelvic surgeries, such as bowel resection or ovarian surgery, can also impact fertility. If you are struggling to conceive, it is recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider about potential fertility treatments and options. Remember, with proper management of your Crohn's disease and the right support from your healthcare team, having a healthy pregnancy and baby is possible!

Many people wonder if Crohn’s disease is hereditary or if it can be passed down to their children. The answer is that genetics do play a role in the development of this inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If you have a family member with Crohn's, your baby's chances of developing it may increase.

However, having a family history of Crohn’s does not necessarily mean that your baby will inherit the disease. It simply means that their risk for developing IBD is higher than someone without a family history. Other factors, such as environmental triggers and lifestyle choices, also play a role in the development of the disease. It’s important to speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding the potential for your child to develop Crohn’s disease.

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the digestive tract. If you are a biological parent with Crohn's disease, there is a 9 percent chance that your child will inherit it too, according to the Crohn's Colitis Foundation. However, if both biological parents have the disease, the likelihood rises to 36 percent.

While there is no way to predict if your baby will develop Crohn's disease, it is important to be aware of the possible risks. If you have the disease and are planning on having children, talking with a healthcare professional can help you make informed decisions about managing your condition during pregnancy and ensuring that your baby receives appropriate care after birth.

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Many women with Crohn's disease worry about how pregnancy will affect their symptoms and overall health. Research suggests that pregnancy can either improve or worsen a woman's symptoms, depending on the individual.

According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, many women with Crohn's disease have healthy pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies. However, it is important for women with active Crohn's disease to work closely with their healthcare providers to manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. If a woman has active Crohn's disease during pregnancy, there is an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

A 2017 review found that up to 50% of women with Crohn's disease experience improved symptoms during pregnancy, while 30% experience worsening symptoms. It is also common for symptoms to return after giving birth. Overall, it is possible for women with Crohn's disease to have a successful pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby, but it requires careful management and monitoring throughout the entire process.

Pregnancy can be a challenge for any woman, but it can be especially challenging for women with Crohn's disease. Despite this, many women with Crohn's disease continue to conceive and have healthy pregnancies. It is important to know that Crohn's disease does not necessarily mean you cannot get pregnant or carry a baby to term.

While there are some risks associated with pregnancy including steroid medications used to treat Crohn's disease, the risks are generally low. It is essential to speak with your doctor if you are trying to conceive, as they can help you weigh the risks and benefits of continuing medication during pregnancy. With proper care and monitoring, most women with Crohn's disease can have successful pregnancies.

It is also important to note that while there may be an increased risk of congenital disabilities in babies born to mothers with Crohn's disease, the absolute risk is still quite low. The key is early detection and treatment. Women with Crohn's disease who are planning on becoming pregnant should talk with their healthcare provider about optimizing their health before conceiving. By working together, healthcare providers and patients can ensure optimal outcomes for both mother and baby during pregnancy.

Preparing to conceive when you have Crohn's disease requires some extra precautions and considerations. It is important to ensure that your disease is under control before trying to conceive, as uncontrolled inflammation can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Additionally, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, as some may need to be adjusted or discontinued during pregnancy. Finally, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can help improve fertility and reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.

Experts generally recommend that women with Crohn's disease wait at least 6 months after achieving remission before trying to conceive. Research suggests that IBD-specific preconception counseling can improve medication adherence and reduce rates of symptoms relapse during pregnancy. It is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of pregnancy with your healthcare provider, as well as develop a plan for managing your Crohn's disease during pregnancy.

One of the most crucial aspects of managing Crohn's disease during pregnancy is undergoing proper diagnostic procedures. Safe procedures include a rectal biopsy, abdominal ultrasound, and upper endoscopy. Doctors avoid using gadolinium contrast dye, CT scans, and standard x-rays on pregnant women due to potential harm to the developing fetus.

It is important for pregnant women with Crohn's disease to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the best diagnostic approach for their specific case. These tests can provide vital information about disease activity and guide treatment decisions while ensuring the safety of both mother and baby.