Ulcerative Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Frequently asked questions

How is the diagnosis made? This was made before pregnancy. All women with IBD, Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis should receive preconception counselling to optimise their health before pregnancy.

What does this mean?

For me:

You are at risk of preterm delivery and developing flares (worsening) of your symptoms. You may need to attend more hospital visits during pregnancy. You are at higher risk developing of pre-eclampsia.

For my baby:

Your baby is at risk of preterm delivery.

What will the medical team recommend?

You will be seen more frequently in a specialist consultant-led maternal medicine antenatal clinic.

What tests will/may be considered? How often may they be needed?

You may need further tests if your symptoms worsen.

What symptoms and signs should I be looking out for?

Abdominal pain, blood and/or mucus in your stool or increased frequency of passing stool (poo).

What are the ‘red flag’ symptoms/concerns, which means that they should be reported immediately?

If you have a worsening (flare) of your symptoms.

How are recommendations made regarding treatment options?

Most of the drugs used are safe during pregnancy. You may be on special medication (known as a biologic) for your condition. If you require these during the third trimester of pregnancy you will need to delay giving your baby live vaccines, this includes the BCG and rota virus until six months after birth. Be sure to discuss this with your medical team after the birth of your baby.

How are recommendations made regarding timing of birth?

By 36 weeks your team should be working with you to plan your delivery.

How may this impact my birth choices?

If you have had previous operation for your condition you may need to birth your baby by caesarean-section.

How may this affect care after the birth?

A birth plan prior to delivery should have been agreed to ensure you are on medication that are safe to use during breastfeeding. Your medication may need to be increased or changed if your symptoms worsen after birth.

What will this mean for future pregnancies? How can I reduce my risk of this happening again?

Optimise your health and your symptoms between pregnancies. What will this mean for future/ my long-term health and how can I influence this? Contraception and a follow up plan should be made to optimise your health for future pregnancies.