Starting a family
Becoming a parent is an exciting prospect, but it can be overwhelming for anyone, especially for those with long-term health conditions like UC.
If you or your partner has UC, you may have a few additional things to consider when starting a family.
Will I be able to get pregnant?
The chances of a woman with UC becoming pregnant are not usually affected by the condition. However, infertility may be a complication of surgery carried out to create an ileoanal pouch. The risk is much lower if you have surgery to divert the small intestine through an opening in your abdomen, a procedure known as an ileostomy.1
What will my pregnancy look like with UC?
The majority of women with UC who decide to have children will have a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby. Nevertheless, if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss it with your care team. Doctors will usually recommend trying to get UC under control before getting pregnant, because if you become pregnant during a flare-up or you have a flare-up while pregnant, there's a risk you could give birth prematurely, or have a baby with a low birthweight.1
Do I need to stop any of my medications when pregnant?
Most UC medicines can be taken during pregnancy,2 including corticosteroids, most 5-ASAs and some types of immunosuppressant medicines. However, certain medicines, may need to be avoided as they're associated with an increased risk of birth defects.1 It’s important to speak with your healthcare team to determine the best options for you.
References
- NHS – Living with Ulcerative Colitis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ulcerative-colitis/living-with/. Last accessed April 2025.
- Crohn’s and Colitis UK – Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Available at: https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/information-about-crohns-and-colitis/all-information-about-crohns-and-colitis/living-with-crohns-or-colitis/pregnancy-and-breastfeeding. Last accessed April 2025.