Pregnancy And Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hello there Rheumatology Fans.

Pregnancy is branching away from my usual topics of blogs and reading but here is something I get asked about with reasonable regularity.

Remember that the inflammatory arthropathies commonly onset in the younger years of adult life, when people are working and wish to start having families.

Previously when asked about this my stock answer is “Rheumatoid Arthritis tends to get better during pregnancy and often flares after”. After some more in-depth research this still holds up as a statement but I am going to add a little more depth below.

What to Expect in this Issue:

1. Fertility and Conception (free)

2. Disease Activity Post-Partum

3. Pregnancy Complications

4. Effect on Males

5. Advice

6. Audio and Video Version

Fertility and Conception

Fertility and conception, integral components of the pregnancy journey, are intricately connected, and the challenges become more pronounced in the context of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) among women. The process of conceiving is notably affected by various factors in individuals grappling with RA. A crucial aspect is the diagnosis, which is associated with an extended "Time To Pregnancy." Women with RA often experience a lengthier period to conceive compared to matched controls, with a significant proportion requiring more than 12 months for successful conception.

The complexity of this delay is exacerbated by the level of disease activity. Notably, higher disease activity in RA is linked to a more prolonged time frame for conception. Elevated disease activity corresponds to heightened pain levels and impaired functionality, prompting more aggressive medical intervention. Compounding the challenge, many medications prescribed for treating RA exert a direct influence on fertility. This intersection of prolonged conception periods, intensified disease activity, and fertility-impacting medications underscore the inherent difficulties faced by women with RA in achieving pregnancy.

In essence, the correlation between RA and delayed pregnancy is a multifaceted challenge influenced by the intricate interplay of disease severity, medical interventions, and their collective impact on fertility. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for healthcare professionals and individuals navigating the complex intersection of rheumatoid arthritis and the journey to parenthood.