Pregnancy and nursing.

The IBD patient should be optimistic about a potential pregnancy. Inactive IBD is not associated with decreased fertility. Inactive IBD does not affect the course of pregnancy; however, IBD has been associated with increased preterm deliveries. Active IBD during pregnancy is associated with increased stillbirths and spontaneous abortions but not with increased congenital abnormalities. Pregnancy does not cause exacerbation of previously quiescent IBD. If the disease is active at conception, it remains active or worsens in approximately two thirds of patients. Corticosteroids, sulfasalazine, and 5-ASA drugs are safe and should be used to maintain or induce remission. Antimetabolites may possibly be proved safe in the future during pregnancy but cannot yet be recommended. Both enteral nutrition and total parenteral nutrition can and should be used safely and effectively during pregnancy. Radiographs are to be used in diagnosis if an emergent condition, such as perforation or toxic megacolon, is suspected. The chance of an offspring developing IBD is about 9% but rises to 34% if both parents have IBD.