HELP!!! Questions about UC and getting pregnant

I have had UC since I turned 18-I am now 25. I was first put on Asacol for a few months and then my doctor switched me to Colozal (9 pills a day). I had my first flare up in 4 years back in June and became extremely sick. I believe it was due to the stress of planning my wedding, buying a house, and finding out my dad has cancer. However, things have since calmed down and I am much better. My doctor has since changed my medication to 12 pills of Colozal a day and 3 pills of Entocort a day.

My husband and I are ready to start trying to get pregnant and I don't know how these medications will affect my baby if/when I get pregnant. Does anyone have any advice for me??? My doctor is on vacation for the next week and I would really like to know what others have experienced with this. Please help! I hate feeling like I am in the dark about this.

Thanks so much!!!

Maureen

I had extremely active left sided disease when I was in my 20's. I took prednisone to get it under control, went off, got pregnant 12 months later with the help of chlomid. My baby was very healthy and I had no symptoms using no meds for almost 2 years between the pregnancy hormones and then the nursing hormones. I was able to conceive naturally for my second child and experienced the same remission during that pregnancy. My condition seems to really be affected by my fluctuations in hormones. Pregnancy, with all it's increases kept me feeling great. Post 40 dips in estrogen are wreaking havoc. I am sorry I can't weigh in on the meds you take. Best wishes to you for feeling GREAT during your pregnancy.

I have a lot of experience with this since I have a 1 year old and a 2 year old and a very stubborn case of UC.  The medications you are taking are considered safe during pregnancy.  I took asacol, rowasa enemas, cortenemas and prednisone at different times to control flares during my pregnancies.  Most people will tell you it is much more important to keep yourself healthy than to worry about those specific drugs.  I had no problems or complications.  I'm sure you'll be fine :)  Best of luck to you and keep us posted!

Hi - Welcome to HealingWell.

I am currently pregnant with our first child (32 weeks) and have taken Asacol and Rowasa throughout the pregnancy. I had a flare during my first trimester and ended up on a short taper of Prednisone, which pushed me back into remission. According to my GI, high-risk OB and my own independent research, Asacol, Rowasa and Prednisone are all safe for use during pregnancy. They don't cross the placenta, so they do not affect the baby at all.

As for Entocort, I would encourage you to research its use during pregnancy. Both my OB and GI have stated that it should not be used during pregnancy, as it can cause certain birth defects. I never researched it on my own, since it wasn't a necessity for me, so I went with their advice. Both were pretty adamant about it.

My best advice would be to find yourself a high-risk OB and have a consultation visit with him or her. You should also have a visit with your GI to talk everything through before you conceive. Make sure that your OB and GI can and will work together. Communication between the two of them is an absolute must. Also, make sure that your OB has dealt with Crohn's and/or UC patients before. It is important for him or her to understand your medical needs (including c-section vs. vaginal delivery) while, at the same time, ensuring that you have a healthy pregnancy.

I am also currently pregnant (22 weeks) with my first child. I'm also newly diagnosed with UC (July 2007). I've been flaring pretty much since late September/October, so I've been on various forms of Salofalk (pills, supps, enemas) and various levels of prednisone. I actually just ended up in the hospital for 3 days over Christmas when a liquid diet and 50mg of prednisone failed to get my flare under control. They put me on IV fluids and IV steroids (similar to prednisone - same risk) and everything is FINALLY under control!!! I totally understand your concern because I have no clue what the effects will be on my little one. But like someone who previously posted said, apparently the risks of the drugs are low compared to the effects of a flare (preterm labour). So I'm keeping my fingers crossed, trying to stay as healthy as possible, and working together with my GI, OB, and a dietician. By the way, everything seems to be okay with her so far. I'm gaining the right amount of weight and she's growing well and moving around lots every day! I'll be sure to let you know how things go for the remainder of the pregnancy and hopefullly I'll have a healthy baby girl to tell you about by the beginning of May!

I don't want to scare you, but this was my experience. I was diagnosed with UC in Sept 06. The dr put me on Dipentum and Entocort . I accidently got pg in Oct. 06. I immediately quit taking the meds the beginning of November. I had a miscarriage in December 06. My new GI said that Asacol is safe during pregnancy.
I wouldn't trust Entocort. I believe that is why I had the miscarriage.
I would definitely talk to your doctor.

snookiebow

I took both colazal (9pills daily) and entocort (3 pills daily) as well as 20mg of prednisone throughout my entire pregnancy and I have two healthy baby boys.  (Twins)   I hope this helps you.