Getting Pregnant

Things to consider when planning your pregnancy

So you're thinking about becoming pregnant. How exciting! By coming to this site, you are taking the initiative to learn about how IBD may affect your fertility and pregnancy.

IBD & Fertility

Did you know the most common age for a woman to be diagnosed with IBD is during her reproductive years? This can make medication and treatment strategies before and during pregnancy a concern for many mothers to be.

However, you can take solace in the fact that women with IBD are thought to be just as fertile, or able to conceive a child, as those without it. There are some exceptions to this standard, however, including if your disease is not under control or if you’ve had specific surgeries.

Whether you've had surgery or not, there is a lot to consider when it comes to planning your pregnancy with IBD. That’s why we’re ready to shed light on some of the major topics that may influence your decision and chances of becoming pregnant.

IBD & Intimacy

The road to pregnancy starts with intimacy with your partner. This can involve disclosing your disease with your loved one as well as having honest conversations about what a pregnancy with your IBD can mean. Intimacy also comes into play when faced with specific sexual health challenges, including sexual desire and satisfaction. These may be affected by depression, anxiety and how well your disease is controlled.

In the Intimacy portion of this site, we will explore these areas and provide insight into how to approach and manage these common experiences.

IBD & Hereditary Concerns

Like many women with IBD, you may wonder if your baby is at risk of eventually developing IBD. This can be a complicated question without a clear-cut answer as there are many variables that come into play.

As you’ll learn in the Heredity & IBD section, your diagnosis and whether or not your partner also has IBD will affect your child’s probability of inheriting the disease.