[Crohn's disease and pregnancy]

The interrelationship of pregnancy with Crohn's disease is as nebulous as aetiology and pathogenesis of this inflammatory bowel disease. In the years 1964-1981 we have operated upon 342 patients with Crohn's disease. 47 women suffering from this disease became pregnant. Whereas pregnancy appears to have little influence on the course of Crohn's disease, the incidence of miscarriages appears to rise with increasing activity and extent of bowel involvement. Only in case of exacerbation or complications is medical or even surgical therapy indicated in the course of pregnancy. Abortion does not appear to influence the course of Crohn's disease favourably.