Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which causes inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues. It can lead to deformities in the hands and feet, anemia, decreased range of motion, numbness and tingling, pleurisy, and other mild to severe symptoms. It is a long term disease that can be managed (but not cured) by drugs that are incompatible with a healthy pregnancy. Does that mean women who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis can’t carry a pregnancy? Fortunately, that is not the case!
Conception
The pain and discomfort associated with RA may affect a couple’s sex life and account for the fact that women suffering from RA take longer to conceive. Another explanation could be irregular ovulation. It’s debatable whether the disease itself is responsible for this phenomenon. Either way, women who have rheumatoid arthritis should still be able to conceive.
It’s extremely important, however, that women who have RA consult with their doctor before trying to get pregnant. The drugs used to treat RA can cause severe birth defects. Some of these powerful medicines need several months to get completely washed out of the body. One drug in particular, leflunomide, has an extremely long half-life and takes two years to completely leave the system. Conception requires careful planning to protect the baby from harmful side effects and complications.
Pregnancy
Some women suffering from RA worry that the disease will be harmful to their growing baby. Despite the fact that the disease is essentially attacking their own body, it does not harm the baby and it is not passed on. Pregnancy may actually improve RA symptoms in the majority of patients, which is good news considering RA patients must find alternative treatments prior to conceiving. Many women are able to quit their medications cold turkey during pregnancy. Sadly, symptoms usually return shortly after delivery.
Have you gone through a pregnancy with RA? What was your experience like?