1. Rheumatoid Arthritis Can't Be Inherited
Women with rheumatoid arthritis are just as able to conceive as other women, though it may take longer. The good news is that 70 to 80 percent of women with rheumatoid arthritis will get some relief from symptoms while pregnant. This can occur as early as the first trimester. So, your pregnancy should be no more challenging than it would be for women in the general population. Research doesn't support the idea that rheumatoid arthritis can be inherited, but in some types environmental factors may trigger a genetic component of the disease.
2. Experiencing Post-natal Flare-up
Unfortunately, after your baby is born, you may be among the many women who experience a flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. This may help you choose whether or not to breastfeed, both because of the potential effect of your medications on your child (see Thing 3) and because breastfeeding may contribute to your flare-ups.
3. Medications Could Affect Fetal Health
You can expect your fetus, on average, to be just as healthy as one whose mom doesn't have rheumatoid arthritis. As with all pregnant women, you need to be cautious about the drugs you take. Some rheumatoid arthritis medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, methotrexate and Leflunomide, should be discontinued before you conceive, so let your rheumatologist know when you're ready to start the process. Seek out a good gynecologist before you actually get pregnant, too, to start getting answers to the many questions about your medications that are sure to arise before, during and after your pregnancy. While you still need to control the joint pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis while pregnant, try using non-pharmacological methods, especially in your first trimester. You might also try paraffin baths, reducing your physical activity, splinting or cold packs.
Corticosteroids, including prednisone, are relatively safe in pregnancy, but your dosage might need to be adjusted to lessen the risk of side effects, such as hypertension, edema and diabetes.
4. The Delivery
Women with rheumatoid arthritis can have a vaginal delivery. In fact, rheumatoid arthritis doesn't seem to increase your chance of having a Caesarean delivery at all.
5. Staying Healthy While Pregnant
Maintaining a healthy weight by eating well and exercising regularly is a great way to meet the challenges of pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements, along with other prenatal vitamins. A good low-fat, high-carb/high-fiber diet and moderate doses of fish oils should help keep you in tip-top shape. To be on the safe side, stay away from over-the-counter herbal remedies. Also, unless you experience a flare-up of your arthritis, keep active. Consult your physician if you have any questions about diet, activity, medications or any unusual symptoms you might be experiencing. Other than that, relax. Keeping stress at bay is one great way to manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the day-to-day challenges of being pregnant.
