My GI has just told me that it might be advisable to have a temp or perm. ileostomy during my second trimester and keep it until I am done having kids (if temp) and decide from there. Has anyone had this type of surgery during their pregnancy on an elective and not an emergency basis?
I have a pouch and now crohn's diagnosis with recurring anal and vaginal fistulas. I had bad reactions to remicade and would rather have an ostomy then be on matienence humaira for life.

So anyone with any insight into being pregnant and having abdominal surgery in the second trimestser or letting me know what their experience was with an ostomy during pregancy I would really like some advice and imput. Thanks,

Marcene
Crohn's
J-pouch
16 weeks pregnant
fistulas

I'm sure there are other women here that can offer you advice on a personal level I just wanted to share what my OBGYN told me. I was speaking to her about the possibility of getting pregnant and the risks and complications I would face with all my scar tissue and the normal problems that go with having a J pouch. She said that the worst thing that could happen was if I had to have surgery during the pregnancy because there would be a risk of losing the baby. I'm somewhat surprised at someone suggesting operating on you during a pregnancy when it's as you said, elective and not an emergency.
I'm not an expert and I'm sure there will be others that will have more to share but I would be hesitant to have surgery. If I am ever able to get pregnant and carry a baby, I will try my hardest to avoid surgery of any kind unless it was something to try and save the life of my baby.
Does your doc think there is risk of losing the baby by NOT having this?

I had a near total bowel obstruction around 16 weeks (I have a perm ileo). Surgery was discussed for several weeks. THe OB drs kept saying that as long as it was done before 24 weeks, they weren't particularly worried about it...they preferred if we could avoid surgery, but basically told the surgeons if you need to do it, get in there before 24 weeks.

If you aren't having issues, I'm not sure I would take this on...if you started to have problems, then you could consider this option again. Up to you, but I think I'd take the "if it ain't broke" approach during the pregnancy.