Posted on June 14, 2008 in Latest News
Having a baby obviously involves a lot of planning, since every couple wants to have a healthy, disease-free child. Every mom-to be will want to be in the pink of her health during pregnancy. Therefore, women who have any ailment should consider well and consult with experts before going ahead with conception. This is no different for women who suffer from arthritis.
Arthritis patients have their good and bad phases and therefore, it is important that women with arthritis choose the healthier season to have a baby. Planning is important because of the drugs you are likely to be taking. Some recent studies suggest that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken around the time of conception may increase the risk of miscarriage, so you might want to discuss the risks with your doctor.
You must not become pregnant or try to father a child while you are on methotrexate, cyclophosphamide or leflunomide. Other drugs are safe to take in this period and your doctor will be aware of these. It should also be possible to get help in the form of other measures, such as physiotherapy and acupuncture.
In some cases, the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are relieved during pregnancy. This can occur at any time during the pregnancy. In most women, the improvement occurs by the end of the fourth month. Although joint swelling may decrease, joint pain and stiffness can still persist due to existing joint damage. Unfortunately, the improved symptoms do not continue after the pregnancy is over. A flare in the disease can occur approximately two to eight weeks after the baby is born.
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