Ulcerative colitis in pregnancy in Israel

Sixty pregnancies in 31 ulcerative colitis patients were studied retrospectively. Twelve patients (20 per cent) improved, 11 (18.3 per cent) deteriorated, while in 37 (61.6 per cent) there was no change during pregnancy. Seven pregnancies (13.7 per cent) ended by spontaneous and two by artificial abortions. There were 50 full-term deliveries and one premature birth. Seven of the patients were treated with sulfasalazine; five were given steroids; and two, azathioprine. All gave birth to normal children. Of unplanned pregnancies 38.4 per cent were associated with activity of the disease versus only 12 per cent of planned gestations. Pregnancy does not seem to aggravate the course of pre-existing ulcerative colitis, nor does the colitis interfere with the outcome of the pregnancy.