Limited flexible sigmoidoscopy whilst pregnant

[LWooldridge]

Hi all!

Has anyone had a limited flexible sigmoidoscopy whilst pregnant? (Which I understand to be an endoscopy but just of the very lower end of the bowel).

I’m 14 weeks pregnant. I have had nasty symptoms since March and it took so long for an ‘urgent’ referral that now that I’m pregnant, I can’t have the usual investigations, such as a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. My symptoms are pointing towards Ulcerative Colitis.

The consultant has reassured me that the limited flexible sigmoidoscopy is safe, but they have to cover their backs and say there is a very low risk of miscarriage and I have to give consent.

I know ultimately finding out what’s going on and starting treatment means a healthier mummy and baby but I worry! Hoping another mummy has been in this situation and can put my mind at ease.

Thanks I’m advance!

No advice on having one whilst pregnant, but DH had one earlier this year, he was given sedation, so I suppose that’s where the risk is, as like you say they just investigate the lower bowel. You can have gas and air instead if sedation which may be lower risk. I dropped my DH off at 10 am got call to collect him at 10.20 am. He was diagnosed with diverticulitis and did then have a CT scan of the whole bowel just to check it.

Yes, I've had one whilst pregnant - no ill effects on me or the baby whatsoever. (The baby is now 13 years old). The risk of anything going wrong is tiny, but they need consent the same as for any other medical procedure. Try not to worry.

It was a while ago, so I can't remember the specific details, but I had gas and air, and went straight back to work afterwards. I'm an Ulcerative Colitis sufferer, so the veteran of many colonoscopies and flexible sigmoidoscopies.

Exactly the same as @ApplePippa . I have UC and had a flexi when pregnant. I had gas and air and even sedation as was only 8 weeks. Have had them later on too. No problems and all the nurses were lovely and asked about the baby and made a nice fuss.

They are never as bad as you fear!

Thank you @ApplePippa & @Scarydinosaurs, that’s made me feel lots better!