IBD Preconception, Pregnancy, and Post Postpartum Clinic

What is this clinic?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects many women during their 20s, 30s and 40s and they may wonder if their diagnosis of IBD can affect their ability to have a successful pregnancy. Women with IBD who are already pregnant may have questions about how their IBD and medications may affect their pregnancy and baby. 

In this clinic, you will have regularly scheduled visits with a gastroenterologist who specializes in pregnant women with IBD, along with a maternal fetal medicine physician who specializes in inflammatory diseases, who will guide you, your own obstetrician, and your own gastroenterologist during this unique period of time.

How does IBD affect pregnancy?

Many studies have shown that women who are in full remission generally do well during pregnancy, but those who have undertreated inflammation can have higher chances of smaller babies and babies who are born premature among other risks. It is equally important to plan for the postpartum period as some women can flare even if they have been well during pregnancy and to discuss wishes regarding breastfeeding which can be pursued with most IBD medications. Thus, our preconception, pregnancy and postpartum program is designed to help women with IBD who are contemplating pregnancy or who are already pregnant be as successful as they can with the goal of a healthy mom and healthy baby. 

What makes our clinic unique?

Our clinic is one of only a handful in the world that focus on women with inflammatory bowel disease who are considering pregnancy or are already pregnant. Regular visits with both a gastroenterologist who specializes in women’s health and IBD along with a maternal fetal medicine obstetrician who specializes in autoimmune diseases provides close monitoring of you and your baby to ensure the highest chances for a successful pregnancy.

Typical questions answered during your consultations

• “Are my medications safe to take for pregnancy and breastfeeding?”
• “I’ve had IBD for a long time. Will that impact my ability to get pregnant?”
• “Am I high risk because of my IBD?”
• “Will I flare during my pregnancy? If I do, what can be done?”
• “Do I have to get a C-section? Can I try to deliver naturally?”
• “Will I pass my IBD to my baby?”
• “Will my baby be different than other babies growing up because of my IBD or the medications I took during my pregnancy?”