Treatment of pregnant women with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease

Core Tip

Core tip: Active disease prior to conception and during pregnancy increases the rate of pregnancy-related complications; thus, special attention should be given to pregnancy during the disease remission period. The safest drugs for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding are 5-aminosalicylic acid complexes, thiopurines and corticosteroids. Methotrexate and thalidomide are contraindicated. Anti-tumor necrosis factor treatment should be avoided during the third trimester. The risk of venous thromboembolism is increased in patients with moderate-to-severe disease. The delivery method should be selected according to the region of the body involved and disease activity. In this article, the problems encountered by patients with inflammatory bowel disease from pregnancy to breastfeeding are discussed, and appropriate management strategies are suggested.