Hindy’s Story Navigating Crohn’s Disease and Pregnancy
Crohn’s disease can be unpredictable in pregnancy, making it essential to receive proper healthcare and guidance during this time. Dr. Nathan Fox and guest Hindy discuss her journey with Crohn’s disease during pregnancy in the Healthful Woman podcast, “Hindy’s Story: Crohn’s in Pregnancy.” Crohn’s disease, a form of irritable bowel disease (IBD), can present a myriad of challenges for expectant mothers. Hindy, who experienced two pregnancies while managing Crohn’s disease, shares her pregnancy experiences.
Crohn’s Disease and Pregnancy
Crohn’s Disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person and, unfortunately, can be extremely difficult to manage during pregnancy. Women are often worried about the impacts this disease could have on their unborn child and themselves.
Hindy’s Condition
Hindy’s journey began with a long medical history of Crohn’s disease, diagnosed initially as colitis in 2012. Despite periods of relative control, her condition remained unpredictable. When she and her husband decided to start a family, Hindy encountered various health issues, including hearing loss and psoriasis triggered by medication. Additionally, she faced challenges with an anal fissure, which required surgical intervention. Amidst these struggles, Hindy sought specialized care from a gastrointestinal specialist (GI) and maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) expert, recognizing the importance of managing her condition during pregnancy.
Hindy’s First Pregnancy
During her first pregnancy in 2020, Hindy experienced a deterioration in her Crohn’s symptoms, combined with the discovery of Clostridium difficile infection (C. diff). Despite the challenges, she persevered through pregnancy, opting for a scheduled C-section due to medical considerations. Following delivery, Hindy encountered further complications related to her Crohn’s disease, causing a change in medication.
Hindy’s Second Pregnancy
Hindy’s second pregnancy with twins in 2022 presented a smoother experience despite the challenges associated with twin pregnancies. With professional monitoring and health management, Hindy successfully navigated the twin pregnancy, delivering healthy babies at 36 and a half weeks.
The Importance of Healthcare in Hindy’s Pregnancies
Reflecting on her journey, Hindy emphasizes the importance of proactive healthcare management and finding supportive medical professionals. Despite her initial discouragement, she remained determined to realize her dream of starting a family. Hindy’s story underscores the significance of personalized care and resilience in overcoming the unique challenges of Crohn’s disease and pregnancy. Hindy expresses, “Anyone who has Crohn’s and wants to grow their family should find a doctor who can encourage them and make it possible for them because it’s very much possible. Even if one pregnancy doesn’t go well, the next pregnancy could go really well.”
Learn More
At MFM Associates, located in the heart of New York City, we are dedicated to providing exceptional OBGYN services to all our patients. If you are an expecting mother dealing with Crohn’s disease or other medical concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. To learn more about Crohn’s disease and pregnancy, listen to the two-episode Healthful Woman series Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.
Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!
