ibd and pregnancy cdhf talks with picture of dr. leung

CDHF Talks: IBD and Pregnancy Guidelines

Written by: Dr. Yvette Leung, MD, FRCPC

Updated: April 19th, 2023

CDHF Talks: IBD and Pregnancy Guidelines was recorded by Dr. Yvette Leung, MD, FRCPC Assistant Clinical Professor University of British Columbia IBD Centre of BC Clinical Lead Subspecialty Clinics.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects people of all ages, with the peak onset of 15-35 years for Crohn’s disease, and usual onset of 15-45 years for ulcerative colitis, both carrying the diagnosis through reproductive years.

If you have IBD and are looking to start a family, you may have a lot of questions regarding pregnancy. This video with Dr. Leung does not go over every detail, but is meant to act as IBD and pregnancy guidelines – including basic principles so that you can feel empowered to speak with your gastroenterologist and ask questions specific to your IBD and pregnancy journey.

In this CDHFTalks, Dr. Yvette Leung, MD FRCPC, answers the following questions:

I have IBD, should I even consider getting pregnant?
Is there a chance I could pass my IBD on to my child?
If my IBD is active, can I still plan my pregnancy?
Is it still safe to continue my medications during pregnancy?
How should I change my lifestyle habits and supplement my diet?
What about breastfeeding my baby, is it safe while on my medication?
Are my baby’s chances of infection higher because of my IBD? What about vaccinations?

If you prefer to read the answers, visit the IBD and pregnancy frequently asked questions article.