Pregnancy Advice for Women With Arthritis

Pregnancy advice is important for women with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases who worry about becoming pregnant. It is recommended that all women with arthritis be counseled by a rheumatologist and an obstetrician before attempting to get pregnant. In addition, women considering pregnancy should have their rheumatic condition under control for at least 3 to 6 months before attempting to get pregnant.

Some women with rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, and Sjogren's syndrome, have even been advised against becoming pregnant. The worry comes from uncertainty about how a woman's rheumatic condition will affect the pregnancy as well as how pregnancy will affect her rheumatic condition.

• Can pregnancy cause your condition to flare?
• Are arthritis medications acceptable or unacceptable to use during pregnancy and lactation?
• What actions can you take to ensure a healthy pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or if becoming pregnant is a consideration, know what pregnancy advice applies to your condition. Pregnancy advice from experts allows you to assess your risk of complication. Read these 8 Important Facts About Pregnancy and Arthritis.

Related Resources:

• Pregnancy and Arthritis: Overcoming the Difficulties
• Complications of Pregnancy (Pregnancy at About.com)
• How to Best Raise Children When You Have Arthritis
• Why Does Pregnancy Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?
• Women With Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis Have Greater Pregnancy Complications

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum

_{Photo by Emiliano Rodriguez (iStockphoto)}