Understanding Ulcerative Colitis and Pregnancy

Impact of UC on Pregnancy

Active Flare-ups: UC flare-ups during pregnancy can increase risks. It’s crucial to aim for remission before conception to minimize complications.

Nutrient Absorption: UC affects how the body absorbs nutrients. During pregnancy, this can lead to deficiencies that are harmful to both mother and baby.

Miscarriage Risk: Studies have shown that active UC can elevate the risk of miscarriage. This underscores the importance of disease management.

Preterm Birth: UC can also lead to a higher likelihood of preterm delivery. Babies born early might have low birth weight and other health issues.

Stages of Ulcerative Colitis

UC varies in severity:

• Mild: Few symptoms, manageable with specific diets and medications.
• Moderate: More frequent and severe symptoms, requiring stronger medication.
• Severe: Daily symptoms that significantly impact quality of life.
• Fulminant: A rare, life-threatening form of UC needing immediate medical attention.

Depending on how severe your UC is, your doctor might suggest different treatments.

Moving forward, let’s explore how to manage UC for a healthy pregnancy, focusing on pre-pregnancy planning, nutrition, medication management, and monitoring and care.

Managing UC for a Healthy Pregnancy

Pre-Pregnancy Planning

Getting into remission before pregnancy can make a big difference. It’s much safer for you and your baby if your UC is under control. Think of remission as the green light for starting your pregnancy journey.

Consult with a high-risk obstetrics specialist. If you have UC, your pregnancy might be considered high-risk. This doesn’t mean something will go wrong, but it does mean you need extra care. Your OB/GYN can connect you with specialists who know how to handle your unique situation.

Nutrition and Diet

Eating right is always important, but even more so when you’re planning for a baby. Here’s a quick guide:

• Eat a well-balanced diet. Include lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This helps keep your energy up and supports your baby’s growth.
• Prenatal vitamins are your new best friends. They’re packed with important nutrients like folic acid, which is crucial for your baby’s development.
• Iron and folic acid supplements might be needed, especially if you’re taking certain UC medications that affect absorption.
• Healthy fats are a must. Foods like salmon are great for your baby’s brain development. Just remember to choose low-mercury fish.

Medication Management

Managing your UC medication is a delicate balance during pregnancy:

• Stay away from Methotrexate and Thalidomide. These are no-gos because they can cause birth defects.
• Steroid use should be carefully managed. Some steroids are safer than others during pregnancy. Your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits.
• Biologics might be safe during pregnancy, but it’s a case-by-case decision. Always consult with your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Monitoring and Care

Regular checkups are key. Here’s what to focus on:

• Regular checkups with your OB/GYN and gastroenterologist will help monitor your UC and your baby’s health.
• High-risk pregnancy care means you’ll have more frequent visits and possibly more tests. This helps catch any issues early.
• Flare management during pregnancy is crucial. Work with your healthcare team to adjust your treatment plan as needed, without harming your baby.

By carefully planning and managing your UC, you can increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby. Your healthcare team is there to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any concerns or questions you might have.

Pregnancy Outcomes with Ulcerative Colitis

When dealing with ulcerative colitis and pregnancy, it’s vital to understand the possible outcomes and how to navigate the risks and complications. Let’s break it down into manageable parts.

Risks and Complications

• Miscarriage: Studies show that active UC can increase the risk of pregnancy loss. This risk emphasizes the importance of achieving remission before conceiving.
• Preterm Delivery: Delivering before 37 weeks is more common among those with UC. Preterm babies may face various health challenges right after birth and later in life.
• Low Birth Weight: Babies born to mothers with active UC flare-ups during pregnancy are at a higher risk of being underweight at birth. This can lead to additional health concerns for the newborn.
• Cesarean Delivery: The likelihood of needing a C-section increases with UC. This could be due to various factors, including the health of the mother, the baby’s position, and UC-related complications.

Fertility Considerations

• Fertility Rates: Generally, fertility rates in individuals with UC align with those of the general population. However, certain factors linked to UC, like psychological stress and the impact of surgeries, can affect fertility.

• Psychological Stress: The stress of managing a chronic condition like UC can impact overall health, including fertility. Seeking both medical and psychological support is crucial.

• Surgery Impact: Surgeries related to UC, such as colectomy, can lead to scarring that affects fertility. Discussing fertility preservation options before surgery is important.

Medication Safety

• Corticosteroids and Mesalazine: These medications are commonly used in managing UC and are generally considered safe during pregnancy.

• Biologics: Recent studies, including the PIANO registry, have shown that biologic medications can be a safe option for managing UC in pregnancy.

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Most UC medications can be safely continued during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider.

By understanding these aspects of ulcerative colitis and pregnancy, you can work closely with your healthcare team to manage your condition and aim for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Pregnancy and UC: find the right care

Navigating a pregnancy with ulcerative colitis (UC) can seem daunting, but with the right approach and support, it’s entirely possible to have a healthy and successful pregnancy. The journey requires careful planning, monitoring, and, most importantly, specialized care to manage both UC and pregnancy-related changes.

At Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology, we’re dedicated to offering you wholehearted, all-encompassing care for both your gynecological and pregnancy-related needs. Our goal is to equip you with knowledge and support so you can move through your pregnancy with assurance.

Feeling ready to step into this journey with confidence? Let us be your guide. Give us a call at (954) 340-1050 or book your appointment online.

Together, we can achieve a successful pregnancy, even in the face of UC.

Photo by cottonbro studio