Impact of Pregnancy and Childbirth on Pre-existing Bowel Conditions

The rise in progesterone, oestrogen and the presence of relaxin during pregnancy all result in delayed gastrointestinal motility which can worsen pre-existing conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, gallstone disease and constipation. For patients with inflammatory bowel disease, a close liaison between gastroenterology and the obstetric team is required to achieve preconception disease remission and maintain it throughout pregnancy. Information on medication and birth route choices are required to support the patient from conception through to birth and beyond. It is now understood that continuing medications throughout pregnancy helps to reduce the risk of flares, and thereby improve obstetric outcomes.