A Few Suggestions for Pregnant Ulcerative Colitis Sufferers

Being pregnant when you suffer from ulcerative colitis is difficult. It is certainly an experience unlike any other. This is especially true if your ulcerative colitis is not yet under control. I have had a pregnancy without my ulcerative colitis controlled and one with it controlled.

When I was pregnant, both times, there were some good changes with my ulcerative colitis and there were some unpleasant changes with it.

One of the positive things that happened with both was that I could drink milk and eat dairy products without having a flare up. This was wonderful because I know that I needed a lot of calcium while I was pregnant and while I was breastfeeding. I could drink whole milk and eat cheese and eggs. I could enjoy cereal. Being able to enjoy dairy products continued the entire time I was breastfeeding.

One thing that I did not enjoy when I was pregnant with my youngest son is that I couldn't eat certain vegetables. Broccoli and carrots were off limits. It did not take long for me to figure that one out. Every time I would eat broccoli or carrots, I would have a flare up. Whole wheat bread and tortillas caused me to have flare ups. I had to be extra careful about the ingredients in everything I ate. If it had wheat, I had to pass it up.

Morning sickness proved to be a challenge. So, here is what I learned when you have morning sickness during a flare up. Keep a trash can with extra bags right near the toilet. You can be on the toilet with diarrhea and use the trash can if you get sick.

It is difficult when are not feeling good to continue to eating like you should. It is necessary to eat good foods and take your vitamins, especially if you have ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis affects the way that your body digests foods. This can mean, in some cases, that you have to eat almost double the amount of a food that someone else would just to get the same amount of nutrients.

Because of the difficulties with nutrition, I suggest talking to your doctor to schedule visits more often. This makes it easier to monitor weight gain and the baby's development.

In addition, you may want to go see a dietician or nutritionist to help you plan healthy meals that won't cause a flare up.

Make sure that you drink plenty of water or electrolyte replacement solution. Staying hydrated is essential, especially when you are pregnant.

Lastly, just relax. Stress seems to cause flare ups for some ulcerative colitis suffers. I know that it does for me. Relaxing is also good for your growing baby. Take some time to take a nap or just sit and breathe deeply a few times a day.