Inflammatory bowel disease and pregnancy: Lack of knowledge is associated with negative views

Background: Enabling women with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) to have successful pregnancies requires complex decisions. The study aimed to assess patients' views on IBD and pregnancy and to evaluate any association with subject knowledge. Methods: General attitudes of females with IBD were assessed on fertility, medication use, delivery mode and pregnancy outcomes. Attitudes regarding personal situation were assessed in participants nulliparous since IBD diagnosis. Knowledge of pregnancy-related issues in IBD was assessed by the Crohn's and Colitis Pregnancy Knowledge Score 'CCPKnow'. Results: Of 145 participants 68% of participants agreed with need for medical therapy for flares during pregnancy, but 24% felt it more important to tolerate symptoms. 36% believed that all IBD medication is harmful to unborn children. Of 96 women nulliparous after IBD diagnosis, 46% were worried about infertility, 75% expressed concern about passing IBD to offspring and 30% considered not having children. Nearly all participants worried about the effects of IBD on pregnancy and the effects of pregnancy on IBD. General attitudes that 'medication should be stopped prior to conception' (P.