What are the experiences of pregnancy for women living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Background

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a long-term condition affecting the digestive tract and is an umbrella term for two main conditions: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD), which can cause diarrhoea, anaemia, weight loss, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. Approximately 500,000 people live with IBD in the UK, with half being diagnosed before the age of 35 years (Ferguson, Mahsud-Dornan, and Patterson 2008). IBD increases the risk of pregnancy complications, with symptoms being unpredictable during pregnancy.

Methods

A mixed methods study was undertaken exploring what shaped the experiences of pregnancy for women living with IBD, including an on-line survey and one-to-one interviews. Data from the interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Findings

Expectations, control and care emerged as key themes which shape the experiences of pregnancy. These included expectations about pregnancy and of those providing care during pregnancy, the positive and negative impact of experienced lack of control and the effects of primary care providers during pregnancy.

Conclusion

This novel study enabled women living with IBD to share what shaped their experiences of pregnancy and recommendations about midwifery care to be made. Midwives need to be mindful of the additional risks for women and their babies, and ensure care involves multidisciplinary specialists.