Overview: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for a chronic disease encompassing two main conditions: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, with symptoms including diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, anaemia, general fatigue and tiredness. Symptoms have a remission and relapse cycle, with a worsening of symptoms during relapse and fewer or no symptoms during periods of remission. It should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Approximately 261, 000 people in the United Kingdom (UK) are living with IBD (Crohn's & Colitis UK 2022). The peak incidence of IBD is between 15-30 years of age. This article provides an overview of the anatomy and physiology of IBD, implications for pregnancy, the need for improved education and key messages for the provision of the necessary clinical care.
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