Pregnant may have ulcertive colitis...

[Vera9]

I was wondering if it was common for pregnant women to get colitis while pregnant.  I am 29 years old and 7 months pregnant.  This all started when I was 5 months.  I had some Indian butter chicken for dinner and the next day I had the runs.  From there on it never stopped.  It started with strange pain in my intestines and my doctor thought I might me lactose intolerant.  But the tests were negative.  Then we did parasite and bacterial stool samples and all neg. as well.  Then some blood started to show and then mucus and it got worse and worse.   I did a flex sigonoscopy and the GI said it is a 95% chance it is ulcerative colitis but the samples he took we would have to biopsy and confirm the other 5%.  He recommended that I start on  prednisone ( a steroid)  on a low dose asap.  I do not believe this is the best option for a pregnant woman.  So my questions are;  has anyone ever see a pregnant woman get her first flare up while pregnant?  Why would they suggest prednisone for a pregnant woman?  Is this safe at all?  Is there anything natural that can help?

Thanks for all you feedback
Vera

[Jennie325]

I became pregnant with my second child after being diagnosed with Crohn's.  My disease was fairly inactive until I became pregnant.  It started at about 5 mos and continued throughout.  After I had him, it subsided.  I did have to take prednisone for a few weeks because I was becoming a little dehydrated.  I believed worse complications would arise if me and the babe weren't getting the nutrients we needed (because everything was moving through me too fast).  Most nutrients are absorbed through your small intestine and if they are moving through too fast, not much is absorbed for you or the baby.  I took the steriods for a few weeks and it was just enough to control my immune system, then didn't really have to take them anymore.  You might try a week just to see if it helps.

[TrudieC]

I had my first ulerative colitis flare up when I was first pregnant and didn't know it.  I had just gotten married and we were planning on waiting a couple of years for kids so didn't realize I was pregnant and had all the x-rays, etc. without knowing.  This was 24 years ago.  I took Asacol but no prednisone since it wasn't that bad of a flare up.  I did lose that baby at the 16 week point due to the tests I'd had.  I then wanted a baby so waited 2 months and tried again.  My colitis was better when I was pregnant but I did continue the Asacol.  I can't answer you about the prednisone.  You will need to talk to a doctor.  I don't know if pregnancy really has any effect or not.  I think initial flare ups happen when we are stressed and for me that was the stress of a new marriage.  

I did have colitis for 10 years and then had the j-pouch surgery so am now cured.  Good luck with everything.  Don't be afraid to ask for 2nd opinions.