ADD/ADHD

Focusing on ADD/ADHD during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Disclaimer: This page houses important information and resources pertaining to ADD/ADHD during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, including links to our evidence-based Fact Sheets. However, the resources here should not replace the care and advice of a medical professional.

ADD/ADHD is a condition in which people may have trouble paying attention and focusing, controlling impulsive behaviors (act without thinking about what the result will be), or they may be hyperactive (overly active and restless). Although ADD/ADHD is more often diagnosed in childhood, it is not just a childhood disorder and can continue through adulthood. People with ADD/ADHD may also have other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.

“Effective treatment for ADHD in adult women may involve a multimodal approach that includes medication, psychotherapy, stress management, as well as ADHD coaching and/or professional organizing.”

— Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

For many of the medications used to treat ADD/ADHD, information on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited. Some people with mild to moderate symptoms of ADD/ADHD may be able to stop taking their medications when they are expecting or nursing, but other people may need to continue treatment with a stimulant to function every day. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about options for managing ADD/ADHD when planning to get pregnant or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Reference: Faraone et al. Psychol Med. 2006 Feb;36(2):159-65.

Please see our library of resources below on ADD/ADHD exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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ADD/ADHD

When Nature’s Fury Strikes

Disclaimer: This page houses important information and resources pertaining to natural disasters during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, including links to our evidence-based Fact Sheets. However, the resources here should not replace the care and advice of a medical professional.

Being pregnant or breastfeeding an infant can be a challenge under normal conditions, but doing it when your world is in disarray because of a natural disaster can feel overwhelming. No matter the form of chaos you’re dealing with – from hurricanes to wildfires, floods to tornados, earthquakes to volcanic explosions – there’s a good chance you’re going to have questions about how natural disasters could affect your pregnancy or your breastfed baby. That’s where we can help!

Specific exposure concerns may change depending on the type of disaster you’re facing and could be environmental in nature, such as concerns about air quality, drinking water contamination, mold from flooding, and how to safely clean your home if it’s still standing. There is also the emotional and physical toll that a natural disaster can have on you, from anxiety and stress to sleep deprivation and disrupted health care.

While an emergency can be devastating for any affected population, women who are pregnant and postpartum require additional considerations given the unique physical and psychosocial needs associated with pregnancy in both non-emergency and emergency scenarios.

— U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Maternal-Child Emergency Planning Toolkit

Natural Disasters Infographic 0624

Reference: National Library of Medicine

If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters, regardless of whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is always best to be prepared for the worst. Actions you can ahead of time that may help reduce your stress when disaster strikes include:

  • Developing an emergency action plan for your family.
  • Preparing an emergency kit that includes at least a 3-day supply of food, water, and critical items like medications, items needed for baby (e.g., diapers, clothing, formula if bottle feeding), items needed for pets, etc.
  • Signing up with your local emergency management agency for any emergency alert apps or systems they operate (e.g., text alerts).
  • Keeping copies of important documents in a waterproof packet with your emergency kit (e.g., driver’s license, insurance cards, birth certificates, passports, etc.).

Visit Ready.gov for information on specific types of disasters and emergencies as well as information on making a plan and preparing for disasters.

Please see our library of resources below on natural disasters during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

External Resources

Partners

ADD/ADHD

This sheet is about having depression in a pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information is based on published research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. 

What is depression? 

Depression is a serious medical illness. There are different types of depression, such as major depression, persistent depressive disorder, perinatal depression, seasonal affective disorder, and depression with symptoms of psychosis. Pregnancy can trigger the development of depression in some women (perinatal depression). This may be due to changes in hormone levels during pregnancy and the stress that comes with this major life event. 

Depression can change how someone feels, thinks, and acts. The most common symptoms of depression are strong feelings of sadness and not being able to feel pleasure or happiness. Other symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, trouble concentrating, feeling very tired (fatigue), and thoughts of death or self-harm. Physical symptoms of depression can include increased heart rate, appetite changes, stomach pain, and headaches. Treatment for depression can include counseling, psychotherapy, and / or medications. 

I think I have depression and I am pregnant. What should I do?  

Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. If you are in crisis (you feel you may hurt yourself, your pregnancy, or someone else) and need help, call or text 988 and/or seek emergency medical care at once. You are not alone in what you are experiencing, and there is help available. 

Healthcare and mental health providers can work with you to create a plan for the health of you and your baby. Also, share your feelings with people you trust (such as your partner, family, friends, or others) so you can receive support. Research suggests that social support is associated with less severe perinatal depressive symptoms. 

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (NMMHH) is also available for help at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). It is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in English and Spanish. For more resources and support services, please visit our mental health resource page at: https://mothertobaby.org/pregnancy-breastfeeding-exposures/mental-health/.  

I have depression. What should I talk about with my healthcare team before I get pregnant? 

It is important to talk to your healthcare team (including your obstetrician and mental health specialist) about plans for treating your condition before and during pregnancy, during delivery, and after delivery. If possible, talk with your healthcare team before getting pregnant. If your pregnancy is unplanned, contact your healthcare providers as soon as you find out you are pregnant.  

Things to talk about with your healthcare team include: 

  • Ways to monitor your pregnancy and depression symptoms. 
  • Any medications or vitamins you should take during pregnancy.  
  • Any other questions or concerns you have. 

I have depression. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant? 

Some studies suggest having depression might make it harder to get pregnant. 

Does having depression increase the chance of miscarriage? 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Some studies have reported a higher chance of miscarriage when depression is untreated or poorly treated in pregnancy. 

Does having depression increase the chance of birth defects? 

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like depression, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. 

Depression itself is not expected to increase the chance for birth defects above the background risk. However, depression during pregnancy should be treated. Many antidepressant medications have been studied during pregnancy and have not been linked to a higher chance of birth defects. For questions about specific medications and pregnancy, talk with your healthcare provider or a MotherToBaby specialist. 

Does having depression increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems? 

Some studies have reported a higher chance for preterm delivery (birth before week 37), low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2,500 grams] at birth), babies who are smaller than expected, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia when depression is left untreated in pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder, which can lead to preterm delivery and complications for the woman who is pregnant and for the baby.  

Pregnant women with depression sometimes notice changes in sleep and eating patterns. Studies suggest they may also have a higher chance of gestational diabetes. Additionally, women diagnosed with depression around the time of birth are at an increased risk of death, particularly within the first year after diagnosis, with suicide being a leading cause.  

Does having depression in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child? 

Some studies have shown that untreated or poorly treated depression in pregnancy might negatively affect a child’s behavior or development.  

I feel nervous about taking my medication for depression during my pregnancy. But my healthcare provider said that not treating my depression could be worse for my baby and me. Is this true?  

Studies have found that women who are pregnant with depression typically have better outcomes for themselves and their babies if they are getting effective treatment compared to having untreated depression. 

Stopping your medication could lead to a return of your symptoms of depression (relapse). One study found that women who stopped their medications for major depression had a 5 times greater risk of relapse during pregnancy compared to those who stayed on their medications. Restarting the antidepressant medication lowered the chance of a relapse, but it did not completely prevent the relapse in all cases. A relapse of depression during pregnancy could increase the risk of pregnancy complications. 

It is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take your medication. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. Consider your personal feelings, the severity of your symptoms, any past hospitalizations, how quickly symptoms have returned in the past if you have ever gone off medication, and how quickly you respond when you restart medications.  

If you decide to stop your medication, your healthcare provider may suggest that you slowly lower your dose before you stop completely. This is to help prevent possible withdrawal symptoms that some people experience when they suddenly stop taking antidepressants. 

What about other treatments (besides medication) for depression during and after my pregnancy?  

Other evidence-based treatments for perinatal depression include talk therapy (psychotherapy/counseling) and support groups such as the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline and Postpartum Support International (PSI). 

Most herbal remedies, supplements, and other nontraditional therapies have not been studied enough to know if they work and/or increase risks to a pregnancy. Because of this, it’s important to talk with your obstetric and mental health providers before using them. You can learn more from the MotherToBaby fact sheet on herbal supplements https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/herbal-products-pregnancy/ or contact MotherToBaby to speak with a specialist about specific treatments and the research on their use during pregnancy. 

I feel so sad and have so little energy that I am having trouble going to my prenatal care appointments. Can this affect my baby?  

Regular prenatal appointments can help improve outcomes for you and your baby. It is common for people with depression to not feel motivated or not to have the energy to participate in parts of their day-to-day life, including going to appointments. Studies have found that women with mental health conditions, including depression, go to less than half of their prenatal care appointments. Studies have shown higher rates of preterm births among women who did not have appropriate prenatal care. 

Do women with depression during pregnancy have a higher chance of having postpartum depression or mood disorders?  

One of the most serious effects of not treating depression during pregnancy is the increased chance of a postpartum mood disorder, including postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is depression following childbirth. About 1 in 10 (10%) to 2 in 10 (20%) women experience PPD. Several studies have shown a higher chance for developing PPD in women who were depressed during their pregnancy. Having PPD might make it harder to take care of yourself, your baby, and to bond with your baby.  

Breastfeeding while I have depression: 

Breastfeeding has benefits for the health of both the woman who is breastfeeding and the baby. Studies have found that women with depression during pregnancy tend to breastfeed their babies for a shorter time. Breastfeeding might help lower the chance of postpartum depression or reduce symptoms of depression. 

It is common for women with depression to find breastfeeding to be challenging. Women who want to breastfeed can look for support from people such as family, friends, their healthcare providers, or a lactation consultant. You can contact a MotherToBaby specialist to talk about medications you might be taking while breastfeeding. Your mental health is important. Ask for help if you have any concerns. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

If a man has depression, can it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects? 

Depression and anxiety in men have been shown to lower semen volume and sperm density. This could make it harder to conceive a pregnancy. Anyone who has symptoms of depression should seek appropriate care. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase the risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.  

Please click here for references.  

ADD/ADHD

This sheet is about having diabetes in a pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information is based on published research. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. 

What is diabetes? 

Diabetes is a medical condition in which the body either does not make enough insulin or cannot use insulin correctly. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar (glucose) move from the bloodstream into the cells of the body, giving the cells energy to function. When glucose cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood (high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia). Higher than normal blood sugar levels can lead to damage of the blood vessels, nerves, and organs like the eyes and kidneys.  

Is there more than one type of diabetes?

There are different types of diabetes. This sheet is about type 1 and type 2 diabetes.  

  • Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the body does not make enough insulin or might not make any insulin at all. People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin injections and close monitoring to control their blood sugar levels.  
  • Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin the body does make is not able to work well. Some people with type 2 diabetes can manage their condition with exercise and changes to their diet. Others may need insulin or other medications. 

I have diabetes. What should I talk about with my healthcare team before I get pregnant? 

Planning your pregnancy and having well-controlled blood sugar levels before getting pregnant increases the chances of a healthy baby. Make an appointment with your healthcare providers before becoming pregnant to talk about the best treatment plan to keep your blood glucose levels well-controlled before and during pregnancy. The treatment plan might include medications, a personalized diet, and exercise. During this visit, your healthcare provider can also talk about other ways to prepare for pregnancy, such as taking a prenatal vitamin and/or folic acid. If you are already pregnant, make an appointment with your healthcare providers as soon as possible to go over the best pregnancy plan for you and the baby. 

Your healthcare provider might order a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) blood test to look at glucose levels in your blood over the past 2 to 3 months. Ideally, HbA1c levels should be within the normal range before pregnancy. Some healthcare providers will recommend blood glucose testing at home during pregnancy to check sugar levels more often during pregnancy.   

Well-controlled glucose levels are levels in the range that works best for a person. Uncontrolled or poorly-controlled glucose levels mean blood sugar levels are too high, even if the condition is being treated. What are considered well-controlled, poorly-controlled, or uncontrolled glucose levels can vary from person to person. According to the American Diabetes Association, ideal blood glucose levels for people with pre-existing type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes who become pregnant are:  

  • HbA1c below 6% 
  • Fasting glucose below 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L) and 
  • Glucose 1 hour after eating below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) or 
  • Glucose 2 hours after eating below 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L) 

However, because every person and every pregnancy are different, it is important to work with your healthcare team to determine what your own blood glucose goals are and how to meet them during pregnancy.  

I take medication for diabetes. Should I stop if I find out I am pregnant? 

Sometimes when people find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take your medication. Untreated diabetes increases risks to a pregnancy. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. You can contact a MotherToBaby specialist to learn more about your specific medication(s) in pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. 

I have diabetes. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant? 

Having diabetes can make it harder to get pregnant. Different factors that can be related to diabetes, such as having obesity, being underweight, having diabetes-related complications, and/or having conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant. Having good blood sugar control and a healthy body weight may help with conception. For more information on obesity, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/obesity-pregnancy/.    

Does having diabetes increase the chance of miscarriage? 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes whose glucose levels are not well-controlled have an increased chance of miscarriage.  

Does having diabetes increase the chance of birth defects? 

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like diabetes, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy.  

Most babies born to women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes do not have birth defects. However, having high glucose levels during the first trimester of pregnancy increases the chance of birth defects. The chance is thought to be highest when HbA1c levels are at or above 8% or the average blood glucose is >180 mg/dL. As HbA1C levels go above 8%, the chance of birth defects continues to increase. When blood glucose levels are not well-controlled in pregnancy, the chance for a baby to be born with birth defects is about 6% to 10% (about 1 in 16 to 1 in 10). With extremely poorly controlled levels in the first trimester, there may be up to a 20% (1 in 5) chance for birth defects. These can include birth defects of the spinal cord (such as spina bifida), heart, skeleton, urinary, reproductive, and digestive systems.   

Would having diabetes increase the chance of other pregnancy related problems? 

When glucose levels are not well-controlled during pregnancy, there is a higher chance of stillbirth, preeclampsia (high blood pressure and problems with organs, such as the kidneys), too much amniotic fluid around the baby (polyhydramnios), and preterm delivery (delivery before week 37). At birth, the baby can have trouble breathing, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes). 

In addition, having poorly-controlled diabetes increases the chance of having large babies (macrosomia), some weighing over 10 pounds. In some cases when ultrasound shows macrosomia, the healthcare provider might discuss the option of delivery by C-section rather than by vaginal delivery, in order to reduce the chance of injuries to the mother and the baby. There is also a chance for the baby to be smaller than expected when blood glucose levels are not well-controlled. This is because some babies might not get the nutrition they need to grow well before birth. Chances for growth issues in the baby (being bigger or smaller) go down when blood sugar levels are in the normal range in pregnancy.  

People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who also have other medical issues like high blood pressure or obesity have a higher chance for pregnancy complications. 

Does having diabetes in pregnancy cause long-term problems or affect future behavior or learning for the child?   

Infants born to women with diabetes have higher chances of childhood obesity and developing diabetes later in life. These outcomes are thought to be influenced by both genetics and blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Some studies suggest that poorly-controlled diabetes during pregnancy could affect development of the central nervous system (CNS) in the fetus. If this happens, it could increase the chance of problems with learning, behavior, and development for the child later in life, However, data from these studies are limited. 

What kinds of tests are recommended during pregnancy for people with diabetes? 

Your healthcare providers will follow you and your developing baby’s health closely during the pregnancy. They will talk with you about the screenings that are recommended to help monitor your diabetes and pregnancy. Some might include:  

  • Blood tests and ultrasounds to screen for certain birth defects such as spina bifida.  
  • Ultrasounds to look at growth of the baby, the placenta, and the fluid around the baby. Women who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes may need to have more prenatal ultrasounds than women without diabetes.  
  • Glucose level monitoring throughout pregnancy.  
  • Nonstress tests in the third trimester to monitor the baby and amniotic fluid levels. 
  • Eye exam before pregnancy and in the first trimester. People with diabetes may develop an eye problem called retinopathy, which can lead to vision problems. People with poorly-controlled diabetes may find that this condition worsens during pregnancy.  

Breastfeeding while I have diabetes:

Having diabetes is not considered a reason to discourage breastfeeding. Keeping glucose levels well-controlled is important when breastfeeding. Some research has found that high glucose levels in the mother’s blood can overflow into the breast milk as sugar. This could cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) in the infant.  

Having diabetes might slow down the production of breast milk. Insulin is necessary for milk production, which may partly explain why some women with diabetes are slower to produce milk.  

Insulin is a normal part of breast milk. Insulin taken as medication does not enter the breast milk in large amounts, and is not expected to cause problems for the breastfed baby. Some oral (swallowed) medications used to treat diabetes might enter the breast milk. If you take an oral medication for diabetes and suspect the baby has any symptoms such as jitteriness (a sign of low blood sugar), contact the child’s healthcare provider. You can also contact a MotherToBaby specialist to learn more about your specific medication(s) during breastfeeding. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all of your breastfeeding questions.  

Will breastfeeding affect my blood sugar levels? 

Breastfeeding can lower blood sugar in women with diabetes. Some women need less insulin to treat their diabetes if they are breastfeeding. Your healthcare team can talk with you about how often to monitor your blood sugar and work with you to adjust your medications dose, if needed. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all of your breastfeeding questions.  

If a man has diabetes, can it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?  

Having diabetes can decrease the number and motility (movement) of sperm and affect ejaculation in some men. This could cause problems with a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant). However, a study looking at couples undergoing fertility treatment compared almost 1,000 couples in which the male partner had diabetes to other couples in which the man did not have diabetes. The study found no differences between pregnancy rates and live births between the groups. There is no evidence to suggest that a man having diabetes would increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Some research suggests that children born to fathers who have diabetes have a higher chance of developing diabetes or other metabolic disorders (conditions in which the body has trouble processing and using energy and nutrients) later in life. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.  

Please click here for references.

ADD/ADHD

This sheet is about having inflammatory bowel disease in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information is based on available published literature. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.  

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?  

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestine illness with symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. IBD includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). CD and UC involve serious inflammation of the intestines.  

I have IBD. What should I talk about with my healthcare team before I get pregnant? 

It is important to talk to your healthcare team about plans for treating your condition before and during pregnancy, during delivery, and after delivery. If possible, talk with your healthcare team before getting pregnant. If your pregnancy is unplanned, contact your healthcare providers as soon as you find out you are pregnant.  

Things to talk about with your healthcare team include: 

  • Ways to monitor your pregnancy and your IBD symptoms. 
  • Ways to avoid triggering flare ups. 
  • Any medications or vitamins you should take during pregnancy. Women with IBD might not have enough of certain vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamins D and K.  
  • Any other questions or concerns you have. 

I have IBD. Can it make it harder for me to become pregnant?  

In general, women with UC and inactive CD are as likely to get pregnant as women without IBD.  

Active CD might lower the ability to get pregnant by increasing inflammation in the pelvic organs. Achieving remission might improve the chances of becoming pregnant.  

It might also be harder to get pregnant if a woman has had surgery for IBD, as the surgery might have caused scar tissue to form in the pelvic region and/or around the fallopian tubes.  

How will pregnancy affect my symptoms?  

Women who are in remission from their CD at the start of pregnancy might have no change in symptoms, or they might have an improvement of symptoms, or a worsening of symptoms. Women with active symptoms at the time of conception, are likely to continue to have active disease throughout pregnancy. Women who had symptoms in a previous pregnancy might be at an increased risk for experiencing symptoms again in their next pregnancy. 

UC might become more active in the 1st or 2nd trimester. However, some women will see their symptoms improve early in pregnancy. Among women with active UC at conception, approximately half (1 out of 2, or 50%) have worsening symptoms during pregnancy.  

Does having IBD increase the chance for miscarriage?  

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. In women whose IBD is inactive, the chance for miscarriage is not expected to be greatly increased. The risk might be higher with active IBD depending on the severity of the symptoms.  

Does having IBD increase the chance of birth defects?  

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like IBD, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Most studies suggest that the chance for birth defects is not increased in women with inactive IBD. It is not clear if there is an increased chance of birth defects with active IBD. If there is an increased chance, it is expected to be low.  

Does having IBD increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems? 

There are some studies that suggest that women with active disease have an increased chance for pregnancy complications, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37), stillbirth, or having a baby with low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth). There have also been higher rates of delivery by C-section reported in women with IBD. The chance of experiencing these pregnancy-related problems might be related to the severity of the woman’s illness during pregnancy. 

Women with CD might be at an increased chance for having vitamin deficiencies, including vitamins K and D. Vitamin K is important in the blood clotting process. Vitamin D is important in lowering the chance of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure and problems with organs, such as the kidneys) that can lead to seizures (called eclampsia), preterm delivery, and babies that are small for gestational age. For these reasons, it is important that women with IBD talk with their healthcare provider about their condition and their nutrition. 

Does having IBD in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?   

Based on most studies, IBD is not expected to increase the chance for developmental delays. However, having an active IBD disease can increase the chance for preterm delivery. Preterm delivery has been associated with an increased chance for children to have intellectual disabilities. 

What medications can be used to treat my IBD during pregnancy?  

It is important to talk with your healthcare providers as soon as possible about the best way to treat your condition during pregnancy. There are different types of medications used to treat IBD. In some cases, women will need to take more than one medication during pregnancy. For information on a specific medication, see our fact sheets at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets-parent/ or contact MotherToBaby to discuss your specific exposures. 

IBD itself can be associated with risks during pregnancy, and it is important that IBD remain as inactive as possible. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding while I have IBD:  

Studies have not shown breastfeeding to affect disease activity or symptoms in women with IBD. There is some data to suggest that breastfeeding might protect against flare ups in the first year after having a baby. 

There are medications that have been used to treat IBD that are considered acceptable for use while breastfeeding. For information on specific medications, see our medication fact sheets or contact a MotherToBaby specialist. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

If a man has IBD, can it make it affect his fertility or increase the chance of birth defects? 

Available information suggests that active disease or experiencing a recent flare-up can impact a man’s ability to conceive a pregnancy. Factors such as swelling, anxiety, depression, and effects of medication used might impact fertility. Men who have had surgery for IBD might have problems related to ejaculation. Men affected with IBD should discuss their condition and treatment options with their healthcare provider. In general, exposures that males have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.  

Please click here for references. 

 

MotherToBaby is currently conducting a study looking at Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the medications used to treat this condition in pregnancy. If you are interested in taking part in this study, please call 1-877-311-8972 or sign up at https://mothertobaby.org/join-a-study-form/.  

ADD/ADHD
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