GHAPPcast: Women of Childbearing Age With IBD

November 2025

Navigating pregnancy with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can bring unique questions, concerns, and misconceptions—especially for women of childbearing age. In this expert-led episode, Janette Villalon, PA and Angelina Collins, MSN, ANP-BC, two dedicated IBD specialists break down the latest evidence and global consensus recommendations on pregnancy and IBD. Together, they explore fertility considerations, preconception counseling, voluntary childlessness, medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the impact of disease activity on maternal and fetal outcomes, and how to debunk persistent myths around IBD and pregnancy. Learn why remission at conception is critical, how to approach family planning conversations in the clinic, which therapies—including biologics and biosimilars—can be safely continued, and when to involve maternal–fetal medicine or colorectal surgery. The hosts also discuss managing flares during pregnancy, monitoring strategies such as fecal calprotectin each trimester, and when C-section may be recommended. This conversation provides timely, practical guidance to help clinicians counsel women with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis with confidence, reduce fears, and support healthy pregnancies and postpartum outcomes for IBD patients.