Pregnancy and crohns

[wi_girl]

pregnancy and crohns

I was just wondering how others have dealt with their pregnancies while suffering from crohns.I wasn't diagnosed until after I had my 1st two children so I know how pregnancy is alone but now I'm pregnant with twins and trying to cope with my crohns as well.My GI told me that the crohns improves in some women when they are pregnant but with me it seems to has worsened and it's difficult to eat the foods my growing babies need because so many are off limits.Any advice would be much appreciated.Thank you.

 

[My Butt Hurts]

I was diagnosed when my son was 2, and I was in remission when I got pregnant with my daughter. I had to switch form asacol to pentasa for the last trimester and for breastfeeding, and that made my symptoms appear just a bit.
I think I heard that it was 33% chance of symptoms getting better, 33% worse and 33% no change.
If you are worried about getting enough nutrients, you might want to try Ensure or Boost or Carnation instant breakfast drinks.
Congrats on your twins!

 

[mommy1st]

I was one of the lucky ones whose Crohns seem to be gone both times that I was pregnant. I was off all my meds and felt like a million bucks. My doctor joked that I should be pregnant all the time. I could eat anything while I was pregnant I had no nausea no morning sickness no diarrhea. but I agree with my butt hurts try ensure or boost if you don't think you're getting proper nutition and best of luck to you and your twins. How far along are you?

 

[Rosemarie]

Congrats on your twins! It may seem like alot of work especially with Crohns, but keeping an optomistic mind state WILL help!!!
I'm pregnant with my first child now... Im 22 and Ive had Crohns since I was 18. I've been lucky so far, my disease was in remission when I got pregnant and Ive felt healthier in the last 6 months then I have since being diagnosed. Im sorry to hear your not doing as well, wish there was something more we could do then give advice.
If I was in your place Id have my doctors follow me CLOSELY just to be on the safe side. Preterm birth would be a high risk for you unfortunatly... but it would be that way regardless because your carrying twins. Get as much rest as possible, dont strain to do ANYTHING. Drink as many fluids as you can stomach- water and juice are the best for your babies and will keep you well hydrated (staying hydrated will lower your risk of preterm birth and will also help with Crohns symptoms). Take your vitamins if you can.... they might constipate you after a while, if that happens you can always switch to chewable flinstones vitamins or ask your doctors about prenatal vitamins with added stool softener. All I can say about eating is eat whenever you can, and make EVERYTHING YOU EAT COUNT!!! Dont fill up on junk food or something with less nutrients if you can possibly stomach something better. Of course thats easier said then done, but at least try for your sake and your babies!
Last... if you feel AT ALL wierd or in pain anywhere dont hesitate to go to the doctor or E.R. You never know when those little pains could be more serious then they feel. I learned this during the last week- had a few braxton hicks contractions and some back pain... Considered just going to bed and hoping it would go away. My husband insisted we go to E.R. to be safe, and it turned out my cervix was soft because I was dehydrated and had been on my feet to much. So now Im on bedrest and drinking water 24/7.

Also- dont be afraid to ask for help. Turn to those who are your support system, let them know when you need help! Now is the time for you to lie back and focus on yourself and your unborn babies.

I hope you start feeling better!

 

[butt-eze]

I had my first major flare during my first, last, and only pregnancy. Your blood work will really indicate if there is anything to be concerned about as far as nutrition goes. As long as you can keep pre-natals down for a period of time you are providing a lot of your little ones. My son was perfectly healthy and I was flaring during my first and third trimesters.

I didn't have the tools to cope because I didn't know I had crohn's. I truly thought my symptoms were due to hormone fluctuation. I would recommend just eating what is easiest on your system and getting plenty of rest.

I was told that whatever state you're in when you get pregnant is more likely what you will experience throughout the pregnancy. Obviously that's not he case for me.

I won't be having anymore kids. I've had too many complications with my crohn's and don't want to risk anything more. However, there are plenty of women who have perfectly fine pregnancies.