[Pregnancy in Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. Maternal and fetal risks]

Familial occurrence in chronic inflammatory bowel disease is well established. Recurrence risks for first degree relatives range from 1 to 5%. A pregnancy is usually not negatively influenced by the disease. The risks for miscarriages are slightly increased, if conception takes place during periods of inflammatory activity. In the case of first manifestation during pregnancy, however, mother and child are exposed to increased risks. The course of the disease is usually not negatively influenced by pregnancy. The rate of relapse is similar to that of comparable samples without pregnancy. In women with an active disease, the prognosis is considerably poorer. The risk to children as a result of drug therapy can be regarded as low. Family planning, pregnancy and birth entail an increased psychological demand, which, in turn, necessitates specific therapy in some cases.