The decision to undergo a rheumatoid pregnancy requires careful consideration and planning. Fortunately, for most women with arthritis, pregnancy leads to healthy babies. But will you be able to care for an infant and, later, an active toddler and child? Do you have a supportive partner and family members who can help?
Another necessary consideration is your medications. Some medications, such as methotrexate, leflunomide (Arava) or mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), clearly cause birth defects and should always be avoided during pregnancy. For most medicines, like aspirin, the risks are less clear.
If you think you are ready to have a baby, it’s important to talk with your rheumatologist. You’ll want to be sure your disease is well controlled, and you may need to stop some drugs at least a few months before you try to conceive. Your doctor can give you specific instructions and perhaps switch you to medications that are safer during pregnancy, such as prednisone.
Many women report that their disease symptoms ease or even disappear completely during rheumatoid pregnancy, so you may be able to get by with minimal medication. But after delivery, the disease often flares and medication will once again be a concern. If you plan to breastfeed, you’ll need to work with your doctor to find the safest medication for you and your baby.
Pregnancy and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Will I be able to have a baby?
Zarin 16 Nov 2009, 00:08 |
| Never Take any medication accept Tylanol during your prehnenecy. My doctor suggest me to take prednisone. But i avoid it during my pregnency. Now i am 5 months of pregnent. Whenever pain comes i take tylanol extra strenth. |
Scott 21 Oct 2009, 16:34 |
| What is the percentage or chances that a baby will be born with or develop RA, if the male parent has RA, with no family history? |
Debbie 19 Apr 2009, 00:06 |
| Hi, Has anyone undergone knee fusion? How did it work out for you? |
Joanne Lee 26 Mar 2009, 02:12 |
| Hi, I have been diagnosed with RA in late 2004, with a blood test result on RhF at 618. Initially, I have been given medication on these: Mobic, Plaquenil, Salazopyrin-EN. Sometime in 2007/ 2008, I was on 1-tablet a day of Plaquenil till present day. My blood test result on RhF has improved to below 100. Now, at 37 years old (with heart murmur), planning to get marry soon and to get pregnant with a child. I have highlighted to my RA doctor of my future pregnancy plan, and he has changed my medication to Salazopyrin-EN (2 tablets a day). He advised me to take this medication for these periods: before pregnant, during pregnant & after birth. What is your advice on my concern? * Before pregnancy * During pregnancy * After birth + breast feeding to baby Another concern, is that whether my unborn child will have RA too? regards, Joanne |
