Connection between ulcerative colitis and pregnancy: Elucidating the relationship
Pregnancy can be a challenging time for women, and those with ulcerative colitis (UC) may face additional concerns. Ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can affect pregnancy outcomes, particularly if the disease is active during conception or pregnancy. However, with careful management and consultation with specialists, women with UC can optimise their chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Women with UC who are in remission generally have similar fertility rates and pregnancy outcomes as those without the condition. Nevertheless, conceiving during an active flare-up of UC is associated with increased risks, including higher chances of pregnancy loss, low birth weight babies, and premature birth. These complications are less common when UC is well-controlled before and during pregnancy.
When trying to conceive with UC, precautions should be taken. Achieving and maintaining remission before conception is crucial to reduce the risks of complications. Managing iron deficiency anemia, a common issue in UC due to intestinal bleeding and inflammation, is also essential. Addressing sexual dysfunction issues, such as pain during intercourse or decreased libido, is important as well. Consulting with healthcare providers about medications is essential, as some treatments like vedolizumab have been studied and not linked to major birth defects, but individual treatment plans should be carefully discussed.
Continuing to take medication for IBD during pregnancy can help prevent flare-ups and adverse outcomes. The rates of fertility challenges in females with IBD, including UC, are similar to the general population. Working closely with a doctor throughout the pregnancy will give a person the best chance of avoiding or managing any complications.
It is important to note that pregnancy cannot cure ulcerative colitis, but it can have a beneficial effect on UC symptoms for some people, especially if they conceive during remission. If a person experiences a UC flare-up during pregnancy, it is important to contact a doctor.
The risk of a child inheriting UC from a parent is very low. If only one parent has UC, the chance of a child inheriting the condition is less than 10%. If both parents have UC, the child's risk of inheriting it rises to 40%. Doctors will treat a pregnant person with UC as high risk and want to check in regularly to manage complications. They recommend attempting to conceive when a person's IBD is in remission and advise trying to get pregnant when they have been symptom-free for a few months.
Fertility problems in people with IBD can result from psychological stress or repeated surgeries due to the condition. Most medications prescribed for ulcerative colitis (UC) during pregnancy do not cause developmental abnormalities or pregnancy complications. A doctor can work alongside a person to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
In a 2021 analysis, about 80% of people who had active UC at conception achieved remission during pregnancy, but pregnancy can also worsen UC symptoms and cause flare-ups in about 30% of cases. The course of UC varies among individuals, and as such, there are no guarantees of a pregnancy that is free from complications.
In summary, the best outcomes in pregnancy for women with UC occur when the disease is well-controlled before conception. Careful management and consultation with specialists are essential to optimise maternal and fetal health. It is important for a person with UC or any other form of IBD to consult a doctor before becoming pregnant to ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.
- Pregnant women with ulcerative colitis (UC), a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), may face additional concerns, but with careful management and specialist consultation, they can optimize their chances of a healthy pregnancy.
- Achieving and maintaining remission before conception is crucial for women with UC, as conceiving during an active flare-up increases the risks of pregnancy loss, low birth weight, and premature birth.
- Managing iron deficiency anemia, sexual dysfunction issues, and medications is essential when trying to conceive with UC to reduce risks and complications.
- Continuing medication for IBD during pregnancy can help prevent flare-ups and adverse outcomes, and the rates of fertility challenges in females with IBD are similar to the general population.
- Pregnancy cannot cure ulcerative colitis, but it can have a beneficial effect on symptoms for some people, especially when they conceive during remission.
- The risk of a child inheriting UC from a parent is very low, less than 10% if only one parent has UC, and 40% if both parents have UC.
- It is essential for a person with UC or any other form of IBD to consult a doctor before becoming pregnant to ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.
