TTC and IBS

shae387

My husband and I want to TTC in the next year or so, but about 6 months ago I was diagnosed with IBS. I still am not even convinced that is what my problem is. I get horrible stomach cramps and nausea when I eat something that doesn't agree with me. It could last anywhere from 1-3 days depending on the severity. I have lost about 15 lbs and when I have an attack I lose more weight because I just can't eat much until it completely goes away. There is no rhyme or reason to what causes it. I think dairy is a big issue, various fruits and raw veggies, fried foods, etc. I have been going to acupuncture to try and get it under control and have gotten some good advice and supplement recommendations that have seemed to help me control it, but it hasn't gone away and I am ready to see a specialist. My acupuncturist mentioned that women with digestion issues have a harder time TTC and have a higher chance of miscarriages. It has been weighing on my mind lately. I'm just wondering if there is anyone else out there with this issue that can offer some words of advice?

CowgirlK39

I have IBS but what you have sounds like celiac disease. My brother has it and that's exactly how it started. Get some of that straightened out first before you TTC. It's important to know what's goin on there so you know how to nourish yourself and later, a baby.

carrotcake06

I've had chronic digestive problems for the past 12 years, though mine trend towards constipation and bloating.

I've had no problems either getting pg or sustaining a pregnancy. I have a 3 yo DS born at 37w1d and one month old spontaneous fraternal b/b twins born at 34w. My water broke w both. Both were conceived our first cycle trying.

Good luck! Digestive issues can really be a life suck. I hope you can find methods to control your symptoms soon!

I'll also add that my digestive problems actually abated for the most part while pregnant.

lookame3639

I have crohns disease and ulcerative colitis (basically I have open sores all along my digestive system...or I am lucky enough to have both forms of IBD) anyway as long as I am not in a flare and feeling well enough for sex on my fertile days then I should be able to conceive normally and have a full to term pregnancy. I will be monitered more and have more frequent OB app along with more ultrasounds to measure growth but that is all.

I do have to say I woukd be considered high risk with my digestive issues but nothing terrible. I am also on several medications to control my IBD.

FemShep

I have Crohn's Disease (an inflammatory bowel disease), diagnosed when I was 20, off and on medications, and had 1/3 of my colon removed.  I have two wonderful, healthy daughters.  

I was considered high risk because of the CD, and I had c-sections because of some relatively rare pre-pregnancy complications, but both girls were born full-term.  I didn't have any miscarriages.  With my 1st pregnancy, the CD got worse in the first trimester and I took prednisone without any issues.  With my 2nd pregnancy, I was completely med- and symptom-free and never felt better.

I agree with PP that you should see a specialist to better identify the source of your problems.  I'd also suggest food logging, and cutting processed foods and refined sugar.  Good luck, and don't get discouraged, it's absolutely possible to have healthy babies if you've been diagnosed with IBS or IBD.

lovelainie

So if you feel that certain foods might aggravate your symptoms, have you tried any kind of elimination diet? I have always had mild digestive issues, but most of them went away when I cut out dairy. I later switched my eating habits over to being almost paleo, and felt immensely better.