Ensuring your IBD is in remission is of utmost importance for both yourself and your baby. IBD onset typically affects people during the young adult years during which time they may be planning a family. If you have questions or concerns regarding how IBD and IBD medications may affect you pregnancy and future children, please speak with your gastroenterologist and obstetrician. Please check out our resources and FAQs for more information regarding IBD and IBD medications and pregnancy.
We are developing to improve the care provided to people with IBD who are pregnant. We need study participants in order to complete these studies. We showcase some current research opportunities below. If you are interested or if you would like more information on participating in research, please click the JOIN study or Learn More! button below or contact preg.ibd@sinaihealth.ca
Fecal calprotectin (FCP) is a stool tests that measures the amount of inflammation in the GI tract by measuring the amount of an inflammatory protein called calprotectin. The higher the FCP, the more inflammation in the GI tract. Pregnancy does not cause a high FCP. Therefore if your FCP is high, it points towards inflammation in your GI tract, and your GI doctor may need to investigate or adjust your IBD medications.
There are several classes of biologics used to treat IBD. Anti-TNF, anti-IL-12/23, anti-integrins. These are all monoclonal antibodies that cross the placenta in the 2nd half of pregnancy. Previously, before the safety of these medications was understood physicians would administer the last dose of biologics before the third trimester, to minimize fetal exposure to the medication. However, women with IBD who require a biologic during pregnancy may continue the medications if the risks of having uncontrolled IBD outweigh the risks of fetal exposure
For more information regarding biologics in pregnancy, please go to our IBD Medications and Pregnancy Resources page.