Inflammatory bowel disease affects many women of childbearing potential. Women who wish to conceive face many uncertainties. Effects of their medications and their disease may interfere with normal pregnancy and development of the child.
A 30 year old woman with Crohn's disease has a wish to conceive. Her disease has been in remission for 2 years with infliximab use. She is concerned about effects of the medication on her pregnancy and child. An individual risk assessment was made and infliximab was continued until week 22 of gestation. Her pregnancy was monitored, a healthy neonate was born at 38 weeks.
For women on chronic medication an individual preconceptional risk assessmentis needed. The influence of the disease on pregnancy and fetushas to be weighed against possible risks of the drug(s). Crohn's disease is preferably in remission well before and during pregnancy.