“I just found out I’m pregnant, and while I’m excited, I’m also feeling totally overwhelmed,” shared Emily, a newlywed who has battled Crohn’s disease since her teens but was finally feeling stable. “I’m not sure if I should continue my meds, even though my doctors say it’s okay. I can’t sleep! I’m scared I might be harming my baby. What if there are long-term effects? And is it safe to breastfeed while on these medications? I had a nightmare when my insurance changed and I lost access to my meds.”
“Your worries are completely normal for any pregnant woman managing a chronic condition,” I reassured her. “This is part of being a mom—putting your baby’s needs above your own. But in your situation, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of your medication. The aim is to keep your Crohn’s under control to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Let’s go over some helpful info so you can feel more confident about your choices for both you and your little one.”
How Did Emily Come to Find Me?
I’m a counselor at a pregnancy studies center, where we provide the latest information about various exposures during pregnancy. By “exposures,” we mean anything from prescription drugs to caffeine and even hair dye—if someone has asked about it, we’ve likely tackled it.
Did you know that about half of all pregnant women in the U.S. take at least one prescription medication? For many, these medications are crucial for their health. This includes women taking meds for issues like seizures, mental health, pain, asthma, or even autoimmune diseases like IBD. If you’re dealing with Crohn’s or Colitis, you might find yourself in this same boat. Not treating your condition could make things worse, possibly leading to serious complications for both you and your baby, like hospital stays or surgeries, which would outweigh the risks of continuing with your medication.
Many women plan their pregnancies and consult their doctors about medication use beforehand, but over 50% of pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned. Regardless of how your pregnancy occurs, it’s essential to educate yourself about your meds. Some have been around for years with ample data on their safety in pregnancy, while newer treatments may lack comprehensive studies. Your doctor can help you understand the risks involved with your specific medications, as can specialists like me.
Breastfeeding and Medication
It’s also worth asking if your IBD medications could affect a breastfeeding infant. Breastfeeding is generally better for babies than formula, but understanding how your medications impact your baby is key. The American Academy of Pediatrics and your pediatrician can provide valuable insights on any concerns.
Planning Your Pregnancy
If you’ve planned your pregnancy, make sure to discuss your medications with both your gastroenterologist and your obstetrician. It’s vital to have a supportive medical team to guide you through your choices and ensure you’re healthy when it’s time to conceive. Research indicates that conceiving during remission lowers the risk of complications and flares during pregnancy. Plus, starting a prenatal vitamin with folic acid now is beneficial for your baby.
What If Pregnancy Isn’t on Your Agenda?
But what if pregnancy isn’t on your agenda this year? Use this article as a guide to think about the future. If you’re of reproductive age, every time you have sex, there’s a chance of pregnancy. It’s a good idea to know the potential medication risks should an unexpected pregnancy occur. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medications or check out resources like ACOG’s resource on treating infertility for more information.
Conclusion
In summary, whether you’re planning your pregnancy or not, understanding your medications and their effects is crucial for your health and your baby’s well-being.