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Bowels and Babies

The Effects of Chronic Bowel Disease on Pregnancy

By Jennifer Lacey

Following a proper diet is essential for women with IBD to achieve healthy pregnancies. "Take a daily multivitamin and a folic acid supplement," says Dr. Robert P. Dillard, chief of pediatric gastroenterology at Nemours Children's Clinic in Pensacola, Fla.

Since certain foods can trigger an attack, changing or modifying a diet may help. Some pregnant women with IBD find it beneficial to seek advice from a registered dietician or nutritionist. They can look at the nutritional needs for both mother and baby.

Netty Levine, a registered dietitian with the Nutrition Counseling Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif., has counseled several pregnant women with IBD. "We make sure the mother is receiving an adequate intake for all of her needs," she says.

Over-the-counter stool softeners such as Citrucel, Metamucil and Senokot also can be used, depending upon a woman's gastrointestinal tolerance. The addition of high fiber foods may help ease some symptoms in pregnant women who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. However, this is not always the best thing to do. "If a patient with ulcerative colitis adds roughage to their diet, it will increase their bowel movements, meaning more frequent trips to the bathroom," says Dr. Abreu. "This can lead to rectal bleeding."

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