Pregnancy and Crohn's

Not sure if this has been discussed before, but I am thinking of finally starting my family. Just not sure how to go about it with all the meds and stuff that I take for the disease. (my list of meds are in my signature below)

I know you can have children if you have Crohn's, but do you still take your meds when you are pregnant? Are their meds you shouldn't take? How are your symptoms when you are pregnant?

It just seems so much more complicated now, before I would have just stopped my birth control and started trying to get pregnant. Now I have no idea where to begin. Should I talk to my GI or my OBGYN, or both? All my GI told me before was that I should not get pregnant while flaring. Now that my inflammation is down and I am in remission I figured I could have a baby now.

Any advice or personal experience would be appreciated.

I would talk to both doctors to see what you should do. If you are in a flare I think it would be advisable to not have a child during that time but if you are not in a flare then you should be okay. I'm not quite sure. I would call both doctors and see what they think.

Good luck

I agree with Jeff D. on that one. I would consider talking to your doctors not only for your health and safety, but that of the unborn childs as well. Dont get discouraged though as I am sure you will be able to have a baby, just talk with your Doctors first as they would have first hand knowledge.

Remember to that stress can cause a flare and being pregnant is big stress on a womans body, it is very demanding. So you might have to be monitored by your Doctors more often than the normal healthy young woman to see how the baby and you are doing.

I hope all goes well for you and wish you the best.

Sincerely and Respectfully, Gary

I was told that people have a 1/3 chance of their symptoms worsening, 1/3 staying the same, and 1/3 getting better during pregnancy.
I was only on Sulfasalazine when I got pregnant, and I was not in a flare, nor did my symptoms get worse.
I did have very low amniotic fluid during that pregnancy and ended up on 1/2 day bed rest, but I don't know if it was Crohn's related or not. The baby was perfect, except a teeny underweight.
I had to switch from Sulfa to Asacol for the last trimester, but I don't remember why. I guess it is safe for the first 6 months, but something about the last 3 that it isn't. Also, I could breastfeed on Asacol, but not sulfasalazine.
Not sure about the rest of your meds. You might even want to check with the pharmacist as well as the OB. Pharmacists seem to be more reserved with their pregnancy/medication advice than doctors are. They err on the side of caution, if I said that correctly.
I think you can even take pred while pregnant, if for some reason you end up flaring.
Good luck with this oh so exciting time in your life. Being a parent is a completely different love than you have ever felt before. It can't be compared or explained until it happens.
Wishing the best for you!

I have to agree talk to both your obgyn and gi docs. The first time I was pregnant I wasn't on any meds at all. No flares at all throughout pregnancy and I actually went to the bathroom normally for the first time in years. I felt wonderful, it was the only time in my life when I didn't feel like I had Crohns. I also heard that with crohns you can stay in remission, flare or get worse during pregnancy. I was very lucky. My second pregnancy I was on Imuran, some doctors say it is fine others prefer that you aren't taking it, but since I was on it when I became pregnant I continued it throughout. My second pregnancy was the same as the first, I felt great, no complaints at all. My ob and gi doctors kept very close tabs on me I had ultrasounds every month which was exciting, they just wanted to make sure that they were growing and that they weren't under weight at all. I had two healthy little boys, my first son weighed 7lbs 6oz and my second son weighed 9lbs 1oz so no under weight babies here. A few months after I had my second son I began to flare, so I went on pred at that time. My gi said that it is common to flare after delivery, I think it is because of the hormone changes. Not really sure but anyway, Good Luck.

So I left a message with my obgyn. We'll see what she says. However, I swear my timing is totally sucky since my husband got his pay cut and I am waiting to see if I have a job. What the heck! This economy totally sucks!!!!!

Anyway, more waiting I guess...but I am going to have a baby. All these years I wasn't ready and now that I am it is like everything is trying to stop me.

So, I talked to my OBGYN and she said the meds are fine unless I get put on a high dose of any of them. Also, she did mention that towards the end I would have to be taken of the sulfasalzine, but I didn't catch why.

Just thought I would add a bit to this as well....I talked to my GI this week, and he said that Imuran is fine to take during pregnancy, but not advised when breast feeding.

Ok so I know it has only been like 2 months of trying, but I am totally impatient! How long does it usually take to get pregnant anyways?

How long would you wait till you seek fertility advice or should I be tracking ovulation? Let me know. All my friends got pregnant by accident. I feel like just because this was planned it will take forever...figures!

I have some good scientific tips for getting pregnant. I got preg on the first try with my first child and the second try with my second child. Poor husband, haha. Not much practicing - he was hoping for a lot I'm sure!

Anyways - I saw it on a tv show so it must work, right? (haha)

I would be tracking ovulation for sure if I were you. If your cycle is 28 days, then count 14 days from the first day of your period and you should be ovulating then.
Here is the stuff that makes so much sense, but you never learned it in health class -
There is a natural spermicide that is on the lining near your cervix. When you have an orgasm, the cervix pushes down and touches it. If there is semen there, it will suck up the semen (this is good). If there is no semen there, it will pick up the spermicide (this is not good). So make sure that he climaxes before you do. Doggy style will help get the semen closer to the right spot - but I am not a fan of that way. If you are on top, I would think that gravity would be working against you. Missionary should work just fine.
Also - don't masturbate anytime around ovulation as that will put the spermicide on your cervix.

Oh by the way you guys - if you do get pregnant using my scientific method, I completely expect the baby to be named after me. MBH, butt, butty, whatever you want as long as it's a take-off on My Butt Hurts.

(edited to put advice right on this thread instead of PMing it to people)

My Butt Hurts...I could use some advise too. I have been trying for a couple months now.

I think I'll go with Butty.....It's kinda like Buddy, right!

Ok, so I am totally bummed about not being pregnant yet. It is like my life's mission to get pregnant. All these years we have been married it wasn't a big deal. Now it is all I can think about. I am 29 and have been married for 6 years.

Sometimes I worry that I am infertile, or that my husband is infertile. Other times I worry that I will get sick again before I can get pregnant. I have been in remission for months, but still wake up every day in fear that a flare up will occur and my doctors will tell me that I should not get pregnant.

My GI changed my meds so that I am ok to get pregnant, but after months of trying...nothing.

My sister in law said it took her 2 years to get pregnant with her first child. It was comforting at first, but then 2 years sounded like forever.

I totally have baby fever! I try not to think about it, but then I know it is still in the back of my mind. Honestly it is depressing. A co worker told me yesterday that she is pregnant and having a girl. Normally I would have just been excited for her. Now I feel jealous. I am afraid to go to the dr. in that they will tell me that I am infertile. Guess it goes well with my fear of going over my stomach pains. I had thought for sure that I had cancer and then they told me I had Crohn's.

Anyway, thanks for listening. I never thought I was one of those women that would "need" a baby. I have learned that I am . I buy stuff to fill the void. I drink sometimes to fill the void. I want more pets to fill the void. Every time I get my period it is like a shout out as to how I am a failure at getting pregnant.

Keep your chin up kiddo - I waited four years for my first but when he got here he was totally worth the wait! Then almost immediately I got pregnant with the second... like buses....nothing forever then two at once!

I am thinking of you x

Lishyloo

I'm sorry Teeny. Don't give up. I think most people only have a 20% chance each month of conceiving. I know it is scary to go to the doctor and get things checked out, but it might really be helpful....I'm praying for you all.

Please try to stop worrying about getting pregnant, it will happen im sure. It can take a while when you come off the contraceptive pill and I would say that waiting for 9months to a year is long enough before seeing a doctor abourt it. I was very lucky that I was pregnant after 5 months and then the 2nd time it was the 2nd month so you are still in the early stage.

I was on prozac and they advised me to come off it when pregnant and definately whilst breast feeding. I was on Pred - 20mg for the whole of my 1st pregnancy and I have 2 lovely healthy boys.

I was flaring when I fell pregnant the 1st time but felt better with the Pred and the hormones so I think its up to you to decide, only if you think you ll cope. It is definately more rdifficult to look after the kids when ill but I wouldnt change it.

All the best, im sure you ll be fine

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and support. I know I shouldn't worry about it, but I feel impatient, anxious, and nervous all at the same time. I was on the pill for over 10 years. I would think that would give me some issues. It took probably 4 months just for my period to stabilize.

Just not sure if there is anything that can improve my chances of conceiving. Was thinking of getting a fertility kit thing that helps you determine when you are ovulating. I have been having a hard time "seeing" the clues myself.

What are your thoughts? Is it worth the money? I have never had an abnormal pap or anything. They always tell me everything looks great and that my cervix is beautiful (only an OBGYN could see it that way I guess!) I would never think that I would be infertile for any reason, I think my timing is just off. My husband and I are very busy with work so we don't always "try" for a baby as often as we could I guess. But then I have also heard that if you do it too often that can sometimes lower sperm count a bit.

It is all so confusing. I don't even know what to believe or not believe. I feel like I am playing a game of craps with it.

I was on the pill about 10 years as well. I did purchase an ovulation kit because I was exremely paranoid about not being able to have kids. I ended up seeing my Ob/Gyn any way because the results were wacky. ( This was about 13 years ago, I'm sure the tests are much better now) He suggested counting 14 days after the beginning of your last period, and having sex at days 10, 12, 14 and 16. That way there is a little time for the sperm count to come back up. (Try to enjoy it....don't tell your husband what your up to. I think it helps????)

Ha, ha. That is funny what you say about not telling my husband. I am like on a covert mission. He says it will happen when it happens and doesn't want to plan it with me. He wants a kid but thinks I am a crazy I think for trying to coordinate our efforts.

Thanks for the advice

I would SO buy ovulation strips! In fact, you can get them super cheap here http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/ovulationtests.html (I stocked up on pregnancy tests from there, too). They also sell pre-seed lubricant which I hear works awesome. Personally, I never needed the kits since I knew my body well enough to know when I was o'ing, but I'd definitely recommend you starting to test if you're not sure. Also, even if you have a perfect cycle, you can still o earlier or later than expected, so better to be safe!

teeny5 said:

I know you can have children if you have Crohn's, but do you still take your meds when you are pregnant? Are their meds you shouldn't take? How are your symptoms when you are pregnant?

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i don't want any kids, BUT, i do remember when i saw my rheumatologist, she mentioned that imuran and humira are safe to take during pregnancy.

best wishes to you!

So here I am nearly 2 years later...no baby . I did have a few months earlier this year that my cycle totally got off track. I talked to my GI dr and he says just to be patient. My OBGYN says the same thing. I am on a mission to stay positive and make the best of it. Started taking my temperature this month. I am 6 days away from AF, hopefully she won't show up this month.

Usually by now I have extremely sensitive breasts and mood swings...nothing so far. This was also the first month I had cramping mid cycle. I think we timed the sex pretty good, but started charting my temp just in case for next month.

Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me!

Aw Teeny. My DH and I have been trying for 2 years as well. Its hard to stay positive when you want something so badly. Good luck and big squishy hugs.

I like using fertilityfriend.com to track my cycle.

Crossing my fingers for you teeny!!

Keep us posted!

i've heard from a lot of people that when they stopped trying, it happened. i know that's easier said than done! but try to relax and just enjoy life...enjoy sex, don't worry about positions and sperm count. and focus on your remission!!!!! congrats on that!

good luck with getting knocked up!

Hey Teeny so good to see ya back! No baby yet huh? Well like others have said relax. Has the hubby been tested for little critters doing the backstroke? or frontstroke? :lol:. At least practice makes perfect! Hugs!!!!!!!!

I haven't approached my husband about being tested. I think he will be put off by it. He really just wants me to relax. The only problem being I am by far not known for my patience.

Took a pregnancy test today and it was negative. Suppose to have my period in 4 days, but no signs of PMS or anything as of yet. Not sure what to make of it or if it is just wishfull thinking.

Just trying to hang in there.

Well I started my period today

I talked to my husband last night and we are going to get both of us looked at for fertility issues and I am going to start on an ovulation predictor kit.

He was actually not at all annoyed, I was kind of surprised. I just told him we have been "just letting it happen" for far too long and it is time to start really trying to plan it. Not as romantic but he agreed.

Wish us luck!

My Butt Hurts said:

I was told that people have a 1/3 chance of their symptoms worsening, 1/3 staying the same, and 1/3 getting better during pregnancy.
I was only on Sulfasalazine when I got pregnant, and I was not in a flare, nor did my symptoms get worse.
I did have very low amniotic fluid during that pregnancy and ended up on 1/2 day bed rest, but I don't know if it was Crohn's related or not. The baby was perfect, except a teeny underweight.
I had to switch from Sulfa to Asacol for the last trimester, but I don't remember why. I guess it is safe for the first 6 months, but something about the last 3 that it isn't. Also, I could breastfeed on Asacol, but not sulfasalazine.
Not sure about the rest of your meds. You might even want to check with the pharmacist as well as the OB. Pharmacists seem to be more reserved with their pregnancy/medication advice than doctors are. They err on the side of caution, if I said that correctly.
I think you can even take pred while pregnant, if for some reason you end up flaring.
Good luck with this oh so exciting time in your life. Being a parent is a completely different love than you have ever felt before. It can't be compared or explained until it happens.
Wishing the best for you!

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I got crohns when I was 5 weeks pregnant. And it was very hard. Bed rest the whole time. Lost 60 pounds. Doctors told me my Crohns was totally hormonal related. I had 2 GI Specialist, my OBYN and a Peds Specialist the whole time. We made it though but there were times I did not think we would. All my doctors suggested not to even think about having any more babies.
I would like to hear of anyone that crohns went away during menapals?Like everytime my body changed it got crohns now crohns is gone during menopals

I think hormones can affect Crohn's in some but not necessarily all people. I more lean towards the thought that extreme stress on the body can stir things up per se.

I know that I risk going into a flare by getting pregnant, but I have always wanted children and it is a risk I am willing to take. I have great insurance and an understanding company so at least I won't have to worry about that aspect.

Does anyone know if there was a thread about symptoms or changes in symptoms during pregnancy?

I am sorry to hear the test was negative. I sure hope you'll have success soon!

I would definitely recommend getting your DH tested. It's far less invasive than the tests done for women and you'll be able to rule that out quickly. DH and I both went through all the testing and found out he had miniscule numbers of sperm and the ones that were there, weren't mobile. They said there was no possibility of getting pregnant. No clue why, as he never had any injury or anything. I had an HSG (hystersalpingogram-they shoot dye into the uterus/tubes to see if there's a blockage) and found out I had a uterine septum (wall down the middle of my uterus). During surgery to repair that problem, they found moderate endometriosis, which they removed. I also found out I had PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). So obviously, the odds were stacked against us. Once my uterus healed, we proceeded to do IUIs with donor semen, but they didn't take. Long story short, we have two beautiful kiddos from Vietnam. Not trying to scare you, but there's no use in trying for years without at least getting tested to see if there's a problem. Neither of us knew we had a problem until we went through infertility testing.

Hi Teeny5
I've had Crohns since i was 18, i'm now 54. I had my first child at 23. took me nearly a year to get pregnant.i was on codeine phos, prednisone and salazypyrin at conception.had to stop salaz.my crohns all but disappeared while pregnant.it was like Nature stepped in to keep me healthy so as to protect baby.within 2 weeks of having her, i had a relapse and had to stop breastfeeding due to taking too much out of me plus i wasn't eating and she was always hungry.second pregnancy took longer to achieve- 3 years.i had acupuncture to get pregnant but also had first course of fertility treatment so don't know which worked.my problem was i only ovulated about twice a year so it was always guna be a hit and miss. i do believe that if you become too focused on it it won't happen.my second pregnancy went well too and i had no relapse afterwards as at her birth i had a massive dose of prednisone via injection.i was able to breastfeed for 6 mths.BUT my first daughter has had ongoing health probs.she is 31 now.she has lupus, depression and borderline personality disorder.i can't help wondering if my illness/meds have contributed.but that's just me blaming myself and looking for a reason.so i'd be finding out everything about your meds and effects on foetus.

curtis43k said:

I got crohns when I was 5 weeks pregnant. And it was very hard. Bed rest the whole time. Lost 60 pounds. Doctors told me my Crohns was totally hormonal related. I had 2 GI Specialist, my OBYN and a Peds Specialist the whole time. We made it though but there were times I did not think we would. All my doctors suggested not to even think about having any more babies.
I would like to hear of anyone that crohns went away during menapals?Like everytime my body changed it got crohns now crohns is gone during menopals

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Hey! I was just wondering how you were dx when you were 5 weeks pregnant? I was dx after I had my daughter about three years ago, and I am now pregnant with our second child, and I am having problems. Thanks!

Still no baby for us...oh well. Dr's still saying everything is fine with us and we just need to stop "trying." I am also weening off Prozac now so maybe that will help????? Anyway, I got good at timing my cycle thanks to Fertility Friend! This month I am not temping or anything until my fertile window. I just couldn't take it anymore. I felt like I was living around my ovulation day and I was totally stressed out!

Just wanted to update everyone on how I was doing. I haven't been on the forums in a long time due to the baby obsession LOL.

Thanks for all your support and hopefully it will happen this year. 2012 is the year I can feel it!

Good luck to you!!!

It took me about 8 or 9 months to get pregnant. I know that is not very long. However, it did seem like once I wasn't really thinking about getting pregnant it just happened.

Keep us updated!! I hope you get pregnant soon.

Thanks! It is nice to not be temping and peeing on sticks everday for a bit LOL! I admit I was a bit stressed out about the whole thing and that is just not good for baby making.

Hi Teeny5, how is it all going? I hope all is well.

My husband and I have decided to start trying for a baby so I have been combing the Crohns Forum for everything! We only decided a couple of weeks ago but I am doubtful it will happen anytime soon.

No baby for me still We had a bunch of tests run by the infertility Dr. but nothing was found wrong. So...we just keep trying each month. Going to start some herbal supplements before trying the actual fertility meds. The Dr. said that I didn't need fertility meds but we could "try" it. That just didn't sit well with me. Made me feel like she had no idea why I wasn't getting pregnant. I don't need more meds than I already take. Honestly I feel like I just work too much and it puts too much stress on me physically and mentally. So my new year's resolution is to work less...we will see how that goes and if this is the year for a baby for us. Wish us luck! Any suggestions or thoughts are welcome.

Just a quick update...still no baby

I feel it just isn't in the cards for us. I just turned 35 and though I know there is still time...each day seems to reduce the odds. So, if it happens it happens. I tried with everything I had for the last few years and I have lost the energy to try anymore. The herbal supplements greatly helped PMS issues and I'm still in remission...woohoo! There's always a silver lining I guess.

I am trying to move forward...the last 2 years have been very difficult. Feelings of failure month after month while everyone around me gets pregnant. Questioning why is this so hard for me? I thought once I got my Crohn's in control it would happen. So much for that. My GI seems happy with me not trying anymore. He felt it would be very difficult on my body. My mom was afraid I would go into a terrible flare if I got pregnant. So it will be husband and I and our 3 cute little doggies that make up this family.

Just have to try to come to terms with another unexpected medical issue...infertility. Just like Crohn's I feel my body has betrayed me. It is hard, but I can get through this.

Hi Teeny,

Just reading your post has broke my heart. Our bodies can be so cruel! I see somebody suggested that you and your OH got your fertility levels tested? Did you ever go ahead?

Big hugs being sent to you, but 3 cute doggies and a husband sounds luxurious. Congratulations on being in remission. :dusty:

Yes we did. He is fine...they told me I have old eggs! Had several tests done. Tubes are open, I ovulate regularly, and my uterus looks amazing...or so I hear. So just a bad bunch of eggs. Several people have said "just do IVF" but I feel uncomfortable about it and believe it will be not only hard on my body, but also my mind to go through all that. They are unsure if IVF or other assisted pregnancy options will work because everything says I should have gotten pregnant already...even with the old dying eggs. If it's meant to be it will happen, if not we will move on. I feel we did all the testing we could up until IVF.

All the tests I had done were excruciatingly painful! Some they had to try multiple times because my cervix was not cooperating...one Dr said that would be an issue for any assisted procedure. My GI believes it's the Crohns, even though everything, everywhere says it shouldn't affect my fertility. He said my body might be stopping the pregnancy because of the inflammation. He said the body will always try to protect itself any way it can and inflammation might be signaling my body to not allow a pregnancy. At least that's what makes sense him...He added "I'm not a fertility dr though, just my thoughts."

I would say most days I am ok, but I always seem to have days where I get really down about it. Hoping that goes away soon. Just another possibility (infertility) that was completely not even on my radar. I always felt like a healthy person...then Crohns came and since then I feel like I have one issue after another.

Did your OH ever have tests? I really like the theory that the doctor gave, with your body having to protect itself any way it can.

Sending big hugs to you, I know the feeling of one thing after another. Focus your love into what you have, your OH loves you and you have 3 darling dogs! Things will fall into place. I'm just sorry that it has happened this way.

I can understand wanting a baby of your own but have you ever considered adopting? There are plenty of babies out in the world that need a mother's love

I'm very sorry that you couldn't get pregnant and have a baby of your own ..my sister tried to get pregnant for many years, then finally decided to adopt at age 44. She has no regrets.

We have talked about it, but not ready for that. We didn't want kids for so many years, just figured that when we finally decide to try we can't. For me it's not a deal breaker. Yes, I would like to be a mother. Yes, it's disappointing that it looks like I won't be having a child of my own. But, I have my husband and we have a great life together.

With my first pregnancy, all my symptoms vanushed and it was the best nine months ever. With my second I flared badly and I'm still struggling to get it under control again (nine months post partum). Talk to your doctor. It seems to be luck of the draw.