Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Pregnancy

Learn more about pregnancy care for patients with IBD including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Overview

If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it is important to have specialized care during pregnancy.

Our maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists are high-risk obstetricians who provide pregnancy care for patients with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and other health conditions.

When IBD is in remission, the risks to your health and your baby’s health are low. Although active IBD during pregnancy can lead to some complications, our team will work with you to decide on a care plan that is specific to your needs.

If you are not currently pregnant, we recommend speaking with your family physician or gastroenterologist before planning a pregnancy.

Our care

Learn more about the specialized care provided at Mount Sinai Hospital for Medical Disorders of Pregnancy.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. It does not replace the need for consultation with a health-care professional. Please speak with your health-care professional for questions about your health.

Your pregnancy care

It is important to us that you actively participate in decision-making about your care. Our MFMs will help you understand your treatment choices so that you can make the best possible decisions for both you and your baby.

We work closely with gastroenterologists specializing in pregnancy. You will have prenatal appointments at the Medical Disorders of Pregnancy Clinic. You will also have appointments at the Preconception and Pregnancy IBD Clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital. 

Treatment

Care plans will focus on controlling IBD flare ups and monitoring the health of both you and your baby.

Your MFM specialist will work with you to design a care plan that may include any of the following:

Monitoring for flare-up in pregnancy and postpartum
Adjusting medication to ensure both safety and effectiveness during pregnancy
Additional monitoring of your baby
Delivery planning based on your specific needs

Labour and delivery

Our recommendations for your labour and delivery care may include some of the following:

Scheduling an induction of labour if necessary
Scheduling a planned Caesarean section for patients with J-pouches or perianal disease
Monitoring your health throughout labour
Monitoring the health of your baby throughout labour

It is important to continue to monitor for IBD flares throughout the postpartum period. Please continue to follow-up with your gastroenterologist.