| Theme |
Treatment for children, pregnant women and elderly patients with IBD |
| Title |
Pregnancy and patients with inflammatory bowel disease |
| Author |
Chikako Watanabe |
Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College |
| Author |
Ryota Hokari |
Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College |
| Author |
Soichiro Miura |
Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College |
| [ Summary ] |
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects women in their peak reproductive years. Women with IBD have the same rates of fertility as women without IBD unless they have had prior pelvic surgery or active diseases. However, women with IBD do have higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women with IBD should be followed as high-risk obstetric patients. Most medications used to treat IBD can be continued safely during pregnancy and lactation. The greatest risk to pregnancy is active diseases, which can be precipitated by discontinuation of effective maintenance medications. Preconception counseling should include education regarding the low risk of most IBD medications during pregnancy and lactation and the high risk of a significant disease flare during pregnancy. |