Crohn's disease is an ongoing inflammation that can occur anywhere in your intestinal tract and is characterized by chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. If you have Crohn's disease, you can experience periods of flareups and periods of remission during which you have no symptoms. The National Women's Health Center states that there is no eating plan that has been proven completely effective for managing Crohn's disease, but your eating habits can help control symptoms. If you are pregnant and suffer from Crohn's disease, talk to your doctor about the best nutrition plan for you.
Continuing Treatment
If you are in remission when you conceive a baby, you might have a healthy pregnancy, although it is possible for symptoms to get worse during pregnancy. To minimize negative effects, stay on the plan your doctor recommended before you became pregnant. According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, your doctor might want you to remain on the vitamins you were taking before and minimize other medications you are taking. You also should continue to avoid foods that worsen your symptoms.
Antioxidants
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that a diet rich in antioxidants might improve Crohn's disease symptoms. Squash, bell peppers, blueberries, cherries and tomatoes are good sources of antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which might be irritating for your symptoms, so steam or bake your fruits and vegetables instead of eating them raw to consume less fiber.
Supplements
You might lack nutrients like zinc and vitamins B12, D and K if you are pregnant and have Crohn's disease, so talk to your doctor about taking nutritional supplements. If you take a medication called sulfasalazine for your condition, you will need a folic acid supplement. Sulfasalazine inhibits the absorption of folic acid, which is necessary to help prevent neural tube defects.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid common foods that can irritate Crohn's disease symptoms, like dairy, cream sauces, spicy foods and anything greasy or fried. Also limit your consumption of fat and sugar, as well as refined foods like white bread and pasta.
Recommendations
Eat small, frequent meals to help keep your symptoms under control during pregnancy, and talk to your doctor about other ways you can help manage Crohn's disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, exercise, some medications and stress management techniques might help reduce symptoms of Crohn's disease.
