Introduction: Chronic inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic disease of the digestive tract, roughly divided into ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The incidence of the disease has been increasing in recent years due to various causes. The young people, between 20 and 30 years of age, are the most affected. As a consequence, its complications also affect women in their childbearing years. Despite advances in medicine, women still face worries and fears about conception, pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. Many of them therefore delay pregnancy or make a conscious decision not to have children. Purpose: The aim of diploma thesis is to raise awareness among professionals about the fears and concerns that women in Slovenia with chronic inflammatory bowel disease face during family planning and pregnancy. Methods: The diploma thesis consists of two parts. In the first part we used a descriptive method of work, with a review of professional and scientific literature. We searched for sources in PubMed, Medline, Google Schoolar, Science Direct and dLib databases. In the second part, we conducted a quantitative method of diploma work about the impact of chronic inflammatory bowel disease on conception, pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. The survey was based on a questionnaire available on the 1KA web portal and a review of data from the National Perinatal Information System. Participation in the survey was voluntary and anonymous. The target population was women aged 18 years and over with a diagnosis of the Chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The questionnaire was distributed to the members of the Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease Association. The data were statistically analysed by Hi-square, T-test and regression analysis. Results: The questionnaire was open from 6 March to 17 April 2024 and was fully completed by 26 participants. The majority of respondents belonged to the age group between 26 and 35 years. More than a third of them have an university degree. More than half of the respondents have a diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Infertility and the impact of the disease and the prescribed treatment on fetal development and its side effects are the main concerns at the time of family planning. The most frequent source of information was a discussion with a gynaecologist and a gastroenterologist. In the run-up to childbirth, they would most often turn to a certified midwife. Discussion and conclusion: The literature review and the survey showed that women face fears and worries during family planning and pregnancy, mainly related to the health of their children. Some women therefore make the conscious decision to discontinue treatment, despite being informed and the proven safety of the medication. This is where health professionals have an important role to play, to provide them with quality health care and education with the right information to help them make the right choices for the well-being of themselves and their baby.
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