Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Pregnancy: Case Series with Review of Literature

Abstract Background:Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) affects women in their reproductive years with severe disease associated with maternal morbidity and adverse fetal outcomesMethodology and Results:We report our experience of managing pregnant women with IBD in South India. Of the five patients with IBD and 8 pregnancies, 2 presented with active severe disease during pregnancy and were treated with steroids and azathioprine. One developed chorioamnionitis and the other metabolic complications. All except 1 pregnancy required operative delivery by LSCS or instrumental delivery. The mean GA at delivery was 38+5 weeks with a mean birth weight of 2.93kg.Conclusion:Pregnancy outcomes in IBD are dependent on the disease activity status at conception. Diagnosis of IBD in pregnancy is a challenge as full length colonoscopy and CT imaging is not feasible. Chorioamnionitis is a complication associated with IBD, probably due to immunosuppressive drugs. There were no neonatal complications.