Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis While Pregnant

By Cathee McKeown, Health Guide Thursday, November 16, 2006

Another concern when thinking of getting pregnant is medications. We have all been privy to the latest and greatest treatments for RA such as Enbrel, Remicade and Humira, but do we really know the long term affects of these medications? For me personally, I have more questions than answers. I’m sure that all of us who suffer from RA and want children have the same concerns. The most important thing you can do is talk to your doctors. The Arthritis Foundation also hosts speakers that cover a wide range of topics including pregnancy. There is an endless amount of information available and a lot of opinions on the topic. I am 36 years old and feel as though my clock is ticking. I want to make the best decision possible for all involved. My health is obviously the first issue as well as my potential childrens’ health. I also need to make sure that I can care for a baby and provide a safe environment for him or her. These are all real issues and not something to take lightly. I am considering all of my options and hopefully will be able to make the best decision for myself and my family.

Have you gone through a pregnancy with RA? Share your story in the message boards.
By Cathee McKeown, Health Guide— Last Modified: 06/28/11, First Published: 11/16/06