Ulcerative Colitis can be managed during pregnancy.
If you have an inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis, early pregnancy symptoms like nausea and indigestion may be signs of a flare up.Since a flare can increase your risk of delivering premature, having a baby with a low birth weight, or bleeding after giving birth, you'll need to work with your doctor to manage the condition.You can make changes to your diet and lifestyle to prevent flares.You can make it through the early stages of your baby's life with the right care.
Step 1: Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
You should contact your doctor if you suspect you're pregnant or have taken a positive home pregnancy test.You will need to discuss your treatment plan with your doctor.Discuss your plans to have a baby with your health care provider.If you have the condition under control, you should not get pregnant during a flare.
Step 2: Take your approved medications.
Even if you are pregnant, most ulcerative colitis medications are safe to take.It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about your risks.Your goal is to prevent flares.If the doctor thinks the medication will prevent flares, you might be prescribed it.Poor pregnancy outcomes are more common than birth defects or toxicities associated with the medications used to treat UC.You may need to use a potentially harmful medication if you want to prevent poor pregnancy outcomes.Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Step 3: It's a good idea to avoid medications that can cause birth defects.
If you're pregnant, you should avoid taking medications that can cause birth defects or harm the fetus.Do not take thalidomide.methotrexate should also be avoided.The risk of having a baby with the condition is low but may need to be avoided by the end of the baby's life.They shouldn't be given near the end of your third trimester if they can cross the placenta.In some cases, the potential benefits outweigh the risks.Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Step 4: Continue getting screening for the disease.
It can be hard to keep track of which procedures are safe.If you're pregnant, you should be able to get a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, upper endoscopy, rectal biopsy, abdominal ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imagery.If you are pregnant, avoid standard X-rays and computerized tomography scans.
Step 5: Get surgery for toxic megacolon.
Most pregnant women don't experience problems from ulcerative colitis.Your doctor will recommend surgery if you are diagnosed with toxic megacolon.The colon will be removed and repaired.Depending on how far along you are in the pregnancy, your doctor and surgeon may need to perform a specific surgery.You might need more surgery several months after the baby is born.
Step 6: Smaller meals are what you should eat.
Some of the early signs of a pregnant woman include nausea, indigestion, and headaches.If you have morning sickness, try to eat 5 or 6 small meals during the day instead of 3 large meals.When you eat smaller meals, your body won't have to work as hard to break them down.
Step 7: Try a low-residue diet.
Try to eat bland or low-residue foods if you have a flare up or are pregnant.These foods are low in fiber and will keep you from passing stools frequently.White bread is included in your diet.Breakfast cereals are refined.White rice, pasta and noodles.Vegetables are cooked and peeled.Lean meat and fish.Eggs.
Step 8: Stay hydrated.
It's important to drink a lot of water if you have a flare.Dehydration can cause problems for pregnant women.Aim to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.While juices, milk, and tea count towards your water intake, avoid drinks that irritate your bicyle.Don't drink beverages that contain alcohol and caffeine.You should limit the amount of alcohol you consume during your pregnancies.
Step 9: It's a good idea to take a prenatal vitamins.
Proper nutrition during a pregnant woman includes vitamins.They're even more important when you have ulcerative colitis because of the lower levels of folic acid.If you want to take a daily prenatal vitamins, make sure you take 2 grams of folic acid.Gummy prenatal vitamins are available if you have trouble taking a large capsule or tablet.It is possible that these are easier to take.
Step 10: Relax techniques can be practiced.
During a flare, it is possible to reduce the symptoms.It is a good skill to have for labor and delivery.It is possible to practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to manage stress.Make yourself comfortable by practicing breathing through your nose.You can exhale through your mouth.Continue to breathe in and out until you feel better.
Step 11: Get some exercise.
If you have ulcerative colitis, exercise is an important part of your pregnancy.Exercise can help you deal with stress and improve your mood.Discuss what exercises you can do with your doctor.You should try to choose exercises based on your trimester.For most of your pregnancies, walking, jogging, swimming, and yoga are good choices.Doctors recommend stopping gymnastics, diving, and cycling after the second trimester.