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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How is pregnancy with RA?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Philadelphia Area, PA

I have four children but I had them before I was diagnosed or even had any symptoms of RA. I was just curious how pregnancy effects women with RA.

July 18, 2023
 · 
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A myRAteam Member

Hi. I don't know from experience (I had my child before being diagnosed, too), but I've read that RA goes into remission when pregnant. But it comes back, sometimes hard, after having the baby. I had a really bad, long flare when going through menopause. I found research about this and that's when I found out about what happens while being pregnant. It all has to do with hormones and how RA is affected while going through these situations. At that time, I really wanted to see a rheumatologist who also is a gynecologist or someone educated in women's health. They are out there, but only in certain areas. I believe hormones play an important part with this disease.

July 18, 2023 (edited)
myRAteam

Pregnancy with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be managed successfully, but there are important factors to consider:

- Medications: Many RA medications, including some DMARDs, are safe during pregnancy, but not all. Rheumatologists often recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time
- Complications: Women Show Full Answer

Pregnancy with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be managed successfully, but there are important factors to consider:

- Medications: Many RA medications, including some DMARDs, are safe during pregnancy, but not all. Rheumatologists often recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
- Complications: Women with RA have a slightly higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age babies.
- Symptom Changes: Many women experience an improvement in RA symptoms during pregnancy, but flares are common postpartum.
- Birth Plan: It's crucial to make a birth plan with your rheumatologist and obstetrician. RA usually doesn't affect the ability to have a vaginal delivery unless there are pelvic joint deformities.
- Postpartum Care: Flares are common after delivery. A strong support system and strategies for managing joint pain while caring for a newborn are essential.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the article "RA and Pregnancy: What To Expect (By Trimester)" on myRAteam.

July 12, 2024

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