Crohn's Disease Pregnancy

Crohn's Disease Pregnancy
Crohn's disease is a long-term chronic illness that inflames and ulcerates the intestines or bowels. As such, Crohn's disease falls under the category of inflammatory bowel disease. The condition most commonly affects the ileum, although it can affect other parts of the small or large intestine, the esophagus, stomach and sometimes even the mouth. The condition can affect any age, but is most prevalent between ages 15 and 30.

People suffering from Crohn's disease will experience instances of severe symptoms, which will be followed by instances of no symptoms (known as remission). Sadly, there is no way to tell when the symptoms will recur or when the period of remission will start. Women suffering from crohn's disease may experience difficulties getting pregnant, although it won't be so hard during remission. Basically, a woman has to be in good health and in the remission period for conception to take place.

On the other hand, if a man suffering from Crohn's disease is under certain medication for Crohn's such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), the medication has to be changed as it causes a low sperm count. Methotrexate drug on the other hand can be adverse to fetuses and newborns hence men under such medication should stop taking three months prior to attempting conception. Chances of a baby contracting Crohn's disease if both parents have the condition are 1 in 3 cases, while if a single parent has it the chances are 9%.

With that said, crohn's disease during pregnancy may have positive effects on the women as pregnancy can reduce the symptoms. This is perhaps because pregnancy suppresses the immune system so that the body will accommodate the fetus. Flare-ups of the disease may be very minimal during pregnancy. However, if a flare-up occurs, one should be treated aggressively to control the disease which may call for hospitalization for closer monitoring of the fetus and for nutritional support.

In such cases, supplementation is highly recommended using extra folate, iron, and protein because maternal loss of such vital nutrients may occur very fast. Being pregnant and suffering from crohn's disease does not inhibit one to undergo sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, rectal biopsy, upper endoscopy, and abdominal ultrasound, when need be. CT (computerized tomography) and X-rays are however not advisable. Some cases of Crohn's disease during pregnancy may leave one with fistula whereby delivery through the Caesarian section is advisable, but generally, normal delivery through the vagina is always recommended in Crohn's disease pregnancy cases.