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I have Chron's disease and I want to have children in the future, but I am scared they will get IBD too. Has anyone with CD had kids and how did it go? Also, did it cause a flare up?

Reply posted for kelliwithchrons.

I had the very same fears...  I hated the thought of passing on a defective gene and setting a child up for a similar battle.  I did have a high risk pregnancy, but today I have a healthy, thriving, brilliant student athlete on my hands.  I cannot fathom what my life would be like if I didn’t have my child.  It can bring you so much joy, and give you whole new reasons to fight for wellness.  

Reply posted for JRWILSON.

Well said kelliwithchrons

Reply posted for kelliwithchrons.

I have Ulcerative Colitis and have had two healthy pregnancies resulting in two healthy boys!  I was on Remicade before, during, and after both pregnancies.  I was classified as high risk- which meant I got a bunch of extra free ultrasounds (and piece of mind which is important with stress induced IBD).  I know it is scary to think about passing your disease along to your child.  But to be honest- I have zero family histroy if IBD and ended up with UC.  The chances are increased if both parents have IBD but in reality if there is any family history of an autoimmune disorder your children have the chance of getting any of the auto immune disorders. 

I was told in pregnancy I would have 1/3 chance of my UC getting better, 1/3 staying the same, and 1/3 getting worse.  I would have to say with our first I was feeling better- however, my stress was less because I didn't already have a child so when I needed to rest I could rest.  With my second I have to say it stayed mainly the same (my father passed away unexpectedly when I was pregnant with my second but thankfully I was able to work through my emotions without over stressing myself).  

Having children has brought so much joy to my life.  However, not all medications are safe for pregnancy- I would talk to your GI.  I was lucky because my GI (who is absolutely the best GI-in my opinion) was the brother in law of my OB (who is the best OB-again in my opinion).  Communication was very easy in both pregnancies because my OB and GI talked regularly and I felt comfortable and confident in all the decisions that we had with my health and the baby's health.

There are other options though and I am a huge supporter of fostering children- you have strength and life lessons learned that could do so much good for these children.  Wishing you the best with your decision! 

Reply posted for blearue.

It is common to have questions and concerns in reference to pregnancy and IBD.
In general women with IBD are able to carry on healthy pregnancies as long as they are well prior to getting pregnant. As stated in our fact sheet on pregnancy and IBD, “Women should be well before becoming pregnant. It is not a good idea to begin a pregnancy when the disease is flaring, when the woman has recently begun a new treatment, or when she is on steroid medications. If she is already pregnant, she should continue on the regimen that has kept her well even if it includes steroids (although her doctor will try to minimize the steroid dose). Some women stop their medications when they learn they’re pregnant because they worry about harming the baby. If disease then flares, it can be very difficult to get it back under control. ” To view our fact sheet on “Pregnancy and IBD” you may go to http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/assets/pdfs/pregnancyfactsheet.pdf .
Contact the Help Center at info@crohnscolitisfoundation.org to request a copy of the article,  Care of the Pregnant Patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 126 (2): 401-412, August 2015.    This article is for health care providers, but it will answer your questions in regard to pregnancy and IBD.  Please discuss this information with your health care provider.

Reply posted for blearue.

I’ve been talking a lot lately about this to my OBGYN. He is actually a high Risk doctor too. He says that most of crohns patients health actually  improve. I have actually heard this from every woman with crohns I have come across. They say it’s just like any other delivery & pregnancy. I was Just told not to start your pregnancy with a flare up. 

❣️🌼✌🏾

Reply posted for kelliwithchrons.


I am now 28 years old and want to have another child. I am also afraid of complications with stopping my current medicaiton as well as passing the trait to my children. How are Croh's pregnancys managed? Is it safe to have children for you and the child?