Pregnant with Crohns disease?

Question

I have had crohns disease for 11 years now. My husband and I want to start a family in 2-3 years and I was wondering if anyone out there has advice for me. Did you stop all meds? Did your crohns go into remission when you were pregnant? How do you deal with your disease and having a family? Any input will help. Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi there. I have had crohns for 26 years and have 2 healthy kids aged 15 &18. With my first child I took no meds and found my crohns actually improved. The second was a different story and I really suffered with my crohns during the pregnancy. I was though quite well after he was born.
Even a well new mum is going to find the challenges of a baby hard going, having crohns just adds that little bit more. I did breastfeed for about 9 months and was able to do most of the things new mums do. I was really determined not to let my crohns get in the way. I was though REALLY tired and needed the support of my family who were great. I accepted help whenever it was offered. Dont let yout disease get in the way of having kids. Sure, its harder when you are unwell, but I would go through it all again. Hope this was of some help. All the best. caroline.

Answer 2

I do not have crohns, but my daughter in law was diagnosed
with crohns at age 26, she had two children before 26 and
two children after 26, with three miscarriages in between.
I always admired her discipline, she is strict about her diet
and aerobic exercise, She is 43 now, I can't recall about her meds at the time she was pregnant, but certainly that is up to your doctor. She has always been a none complainer of her
disease, but I could always tell of her flare ups, by her conplexion change. She dealt and deals with a family very well, she has boundless energy! her children were born healthy. Exercise is a big part of her life, She is a vegetarian
now, That started slowly a food at a time, the last she gave up was turkey and chicken. I wish you good luck, Blessings