It is unknown what effect inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has on pregnancy in Korean patients. We aimed to determine the effect of IBD and its treatment on pregnancy outcomes using web-based survey.

A web-based survey was conducted in three Korean internet communities for IBD patients between May and September 2008. Pregnancy and birth outcomes were examined, and the influence of IBD activity and drug therapy were analyzed.

Of 56 pregnancies in 36 female IBD patients, live births occurred in 60.7%, miscarriages in 10.7%, and artificial abortions in 17.8%. These results were similar to those expected for pregnant women in the general Korean population. All artificial abortions occurred in unplanned pregnancies, and 80% of those cases were due to a misunderstanding of IBD and medications. IBD was aggravated in 11.1% of the patients in remission or with mild activity and in 85.7% of patients with moderate or severe activity at the time of early pregnancy. Of 57 pregnancies in the spouses of 39 male patients, live births occurred in 78.9%, miscarriages in 8.8%, and artificial abortions in 3.5%. There was no significant influence of therapeutic medications on the natural course of pregnancies.

Pregnancy outcomes in IBD patients appear to be similar to those of the general Korean population. A properly planned pregnancy and a comprehensive treatment course before and during pregnancy are important considerations for increasing the likelihood of a normal pregnancy in those with IBD.