A mixed-methods exploration of the experiences of women living with inflammatory bowel disease of pregnancy

摘要

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition affecting the gastrointestinal system and is an umbrella term for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, affecting one in 250 people. Management of symptoms of IBD prior to and during pregnancy is key, with an increased risk of pregnancy complications developing if there is active disease. An initial literature search highlighted the paucity of evidence about women's experience of pregnancy and IBD. Asm of the study: To gain insight into the experiences of women living with IBD of pregnancy. Methods: An exploratory, mixed-methods design was selected, with data collected through an anonymous online UK survey. This was distributed through Crohn's and Colitis UK's website and social media platforms for six weeks. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics due to the amount of data obtained and template analysis was used for the qualitative data. Results and findings: The study identified women felt ill-prepared for the unpredictability of the disease's activity during pregnancy and that they had concerns about mode of birth, with the differences in experience either detracting from, or positively contributing to, experiences of pregnancy. Women had varied experiences regarding IBD medication use in pregnancy. A lack of midwifery knowledge about IBD also emerged. Conclusion: Midwifery knowledge about IBD is lacking and advice about medication varies despite the literature being dominated by medication and safety efficacy. Therefore, this wealth of literature does not appear to be translated into meaningful information given to women by health professionals.