Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Pregnancy Clinical Care Pathway: A Report From the American Gastroenterological Association IBD Parenthood Project Working Group

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In the United States, approximately 0.5% of the population, or 1.6 million people, have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).^1,2 Of those, roughly half are women, and most will carry the diagnosis during their reproductive years.³ Caring for this complex population is a challenge for the multidisciplinary group of providers involved, compounded by misinformation and differences in priorities. There is fear surrounding the impact of IBD and its therapies on pregnancy and infant outcomes, as well as fear surrounding the impact of pregnancy on IBD and maternal health.^4–6 Oftentimes, the default is to stop all therapies through pregnancy and lactation, despite the significant risk of worsening disease activity, which is the greatest known risk to pregnancy outcome.⁷ By looking at only one part of the puzzle, the greater picture of maternal and infant health is missed. The challenge of improving care to the woman with IBD is best met with the power of information, collaboration, and shared decision-making.