When trying to conceive, women of childbearing age with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face many hurdles. But despite their challenges, women with IBD can still have a healthy pregnancy, and maintaining a healthy pregnancy is an important part of maintaining a healthy baby.
What is IBD?
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic health problems that affect the digestive tract. Most types of IBD are long-term, meaning symptoms often persist despite treatment. Inflammatory bowel diseases can cause significant symptoms that can’t be cured, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, weight loss, and vomiting.
Pregnancy is a special time for women with inflammatory bowel disease. The disorder can cause unpredictable flare-ups, so doctors usually recommend that women with IBD wait to start families until they are in remission (or as close to it as possible).
Risks of IBD in Pregnancy
Women with inflammatory bowel disease face several challenges when it comes to having a healthy and successful pregnancy. First, women diagnosed with IBD at a young age are at a higher risk for severe complications during pregnancy. Second, women who suffer from it are at increased risk for infertility, so even if they get pregnant, they may not successfully carry a pregnancy to term. Lastly, IBD itself puts women at risk for developing inflammation of the reproductive tract, which can lead to fertility issues. But, with the right treatment, women can successfully have a healthy pregnancy.
Does CBD help treat IBD?
CBD is an active ingredient found in cannabis plants. While marijuana contains the much more powerful tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive and does not cause the high marijuana users enjoy. Recent evidence suggests that CBD may be an effective treatment for IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. However, there is some concern that women with IBD who become pregnant may put both themselves and their babies at risk since CBD use during pregnancy has been linked to serious complications.
Although cannabinoids like CBD and THC have been found to have positive effects on people with inflammatory bowel disease, research shows that they are still not advised to use cannabis for it. While there are side effects associated with upfront cannabis use, they can usually be prevented by careful use. If you decide to use cannabis for IBD, make sure you consult your doctor first.
How does CBD help treat IBD?
The cannabis plant contains more than 400 different compounds, including CBD. It is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for people with inflammatory bowel disease. However, while this might make CBD an appealing medication option for women being treated for IBD, the potential risk for complications still exists.
Many women with IBD are able to have children. However, women with IBD face a variety of health risks during pregnancy, including an increased risk of intestinal blockage, preterm birth, and Cesarean section. Doctors need to know which medications are safe to take when pregnant, and many women with IBD are worried about how CBD will affect their pregnancy.
Is CBD Safe for Use During Pregnancy?
In a recent study, women with inflammatory bowel disease who expressed concerns about their risk of complications during pregnancy were able to conceive, carry to term, and have healthy babies after receiving CBD therapy before their pregnancies.
Women are more susceptible to IBD than men and often have more severe symptoms. The good news is that while it cannot be cured, it can be controlled, and many women are able to have children and maintain a healthy pregnancy.
