Community Forum

I was diagnosed with UC a year and a half ago.  And in that time I’ve had 4 flares- one bad enough to put me in the hospital, and one, right now, where my doc went so far as to say that I have “severe” UC and have a tough road ahead of me.  I nearly lost it because, to me, that means that I can not have children.  I didn’t ask… because I was afraid of the answer. 

So I’m just looking for women who are on the severe side of UC to tell me they did manage to have kids.  I read Jessy’s post and know that it could be darn hard- especially to get to a point where I can stop the Remicade and 6-MP, and to have my disease and another person to care for.  But I just want to hear it’s possible.  I’m having a hard time having that door closed to me.  I always thought I’d be a mom and to lose this possibility in my 20’s?  Well, it’s really hard to deal with…

Thanks

-A

 Reply posted for abbemsp.

You poor thing... Dont worry! Its 100% possible to get pregnant and have a healthy, beautiful child (or children!). Start with a good conversation with your doctor, and keep them informed (as well as yourself). You can use many drugs safely during pregnancy - including Remicade, Humira, and steroids to treat flares. Your doctor will tell you to wait until youre somewhat healthy to get pregnant, which increases your odds of staying healthy throughout the pregnancy... and having a good OB who is well-informed is helpful too.

I am currently 35 weeks pregnant with my second child. I got pregnant on the first try both times - no miscarriages, no problems - and carried my son to full term before having a planned c-section (due to prior history with perirectal abscesses). Im almost full-term now and am feeling great! I had a good team of doctors to take care of me and manage the flare I experienced (Ive been on prednisone much of this pregnancy, as well as Humira since 2005).

The most important thing is being informed and paying attention to your body. If you experience a flare-up, go to the doctor! If you have the baby and then get sick (which is common), get it taken care of. But in the end, it will all be worth it.

Heres an article from Mayos Medical Edge that just ran regarding IBD and pregnancy, just as an FYI:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge-newspaper-2009/jan-09b.html
 

 Reply posted for abbemsp.

Thanks guys.  I actually didn't check this site until today because I wanted to avoid any bad news- not that anyone would really write in to say don't do it!    I really appreciate the support.  It just got hard there, you know?  I wish the best to you all and your wonderful children.

 Reply posted for abbemsp.

I am playing with my 2 month old little girl while I write this. You can do pregnancy!! You just need a great team of doctors (gastro and ob/gyn) to work together with you to make it happen.

I am 28 and have had severe Crohns for 7 years. I had to stop taking azathioprine so I could try to have a baby. When I did, I had three severe flare ups, all placing me in the hospital. The worst was when I was 8 weeks along. I almost had to have a colostomy bag, but luckily Remicade did the trick. I also lost 20 pounds, which is not great when you are trying to GAIN weight with a baby!

Needless to say, with steroids and Remicade I was able to carry my little girl to full term. She is totally healthy- I am even able to breastfeed while still taking Remicade treatments.

There is some risk with pregnancy...but the benefit clearly outweighs the risks you have to take. Remicade is not totally proven to not pass to your baby, but like I said, you have to be willing to take some risks with this illness (as I am sure you know).

Some women even find a loss of UC symptoms when they are pregnant. The body goes into protective mode and symptoms subside a bit. I was not one of those lucky women, but I still made it. Just remember, an upbeat "can do it" attitude is the best remedy when it comes to acheiving your goals with UC.

Best of luck!

 Reply posted for abbemsp.

I have 2 children and I had undiagnosed severe UC during both pregnancies.  With my first son the bleeding and urgency to go to the bathroom started when I was 4 months pregnant with my first child, the docs said it was probably just hemmeriods.  The bleeding stopped after i delivered my son. During my 2nd pregnancy it was much worse I started bleeding at 2 months, again the doctors said its probably just hemmeriods, until I started losing weight instead of gaining weight while pregnant.  I was already slated to have a c section because I had complications in my first pregnancy, so I delivered a week early by c section.  I lost 35 pounds while pregnant and gained not one, a month after I had my second baby I got diagnosed with severe UC.  It is possible but the pain is hard to handle. And it would be considered high risk. And you wont be able to take certain medication while pregnant.

 Reply posted for abbemsp.

I was diagnosed with UC a year ago, right around the time I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. I also have a son who is almost three. It is definitely 100% possible to cope with UC and kids, in fact I find that having my kids around is a great distraction, and helps me keep things in perspective. I was really sick with my UC during my last pregnancy, mainly because it was so newly diagnosed AND I was pregnant they weren't really sure what I needed to control it. My daughter ended up being 10 weeks early, my water broke prematurely during a flare, which is not uncommon. So your pregnancy would be high-risk, make sure you find an OB that understands the complications of UC.

Hope that helps a little!!

 Reply posted for abbemsp.

I am a single mother of a wonderful 3 year boy. I was just diagnosed in November with UC. At first I worried about how I was going to take on raising my son, working full time, remaining active and being sick. I then relized that all the things I want in life will keep me going. I know it's tough to cope with a illness, but if you have a support group and you keep focused on your dreams it makes it a little easier. Don't allow this illness to stop you from having children. It may not be the way you had in mind, but in the long run it will make you appreciate your children more. Never stop dreaming!

 Reply posted for abbemsp.

    I have severe UC and I have twin daughters, however, pregnancy is not easy to do with severe UC. I have had three miscarriages and the twins were 31 wks gestatation, 9 wks early and had an up hill battle in the NICU. The raising them part isn't too bad as long as you have a supportive family and spouse.
I  have come to the conclusion in life that you do what you have to, why let being sick no matter how severe ruin your life?? I am going to school full time to be a teacher, raising my twin girls and my husband and I are building our house ourself. Determination and attitude is everything with this disease. So what if I run to the bathroom a lot , am tired a ton and have to wear depends to go to the bathroom?! Right?
I am 24 and have been sick since I was 12, I had my twins when I was 21 and being sick isn't getting any better, in fact I am a lot worse the more the time passes, but it's easier to have something to live for with my kids, it gives me a reason to get out of bed each day and do what I do, so don't let being sick hold you back from doing what would be something so fullfilling like raising a family.
Hope my insight into parenting with UC helps...