I wonder how to prepare for pregnancy with RA?

The good news about pregnancy and RA is that it often brings about a remission in symptoms. I once heard a rheumatologist joke that he recommended his female patients be pregnant as often as possible to help them keep their RA under control. I did a little bit of research before answering your question and it appears that it might have something to do with fetal DNA in the woman's bloodstream (more here). As well, RA doesn't seem to affect your ability to conceive, although certain medications like e.g., methotrexate, will. After the pregnancy, some women report a flare in symptoms and some do not - I found a discussion in the comments of a share post here at HealthCentral where several women weighed in with their own experiences (click here).

There are a number of things to consider when planning a pregnancy - the Arthritis Foundation FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) contain a very good section about this (click here, it's the second question). In terms of medications and pregnancy, you won't necessarily have to give up everything. Although methotrexate is definitely not a good idea when you want to become pregnant, current research seems to indicate that the biologic drugs like Enbrel and Humira may not affect the fetus. However, they are still too new that most doctors wouldn't recommend you stay on them while pregnant. Our resident rheumatologist Mark Borigini wrote more here. You may be able to take low doses of prednisone to keep your symptoms under control while you're trying to conceive, as it is one of the safer drugs out there.

The research I did indicated that it's best to work closely with your rheumatologist before, during and after your pregnancy to help ensure that your RA has as small a role as possible in your becoming a mother. I would recommend that you make an appointment to see your doctor to talk specifically about pregnancy issues and treatment options. S/he will be able to recommend options for you that are particularly geared to your case.

Hello there..

Me and hubby were TTC baby #1 and was currently on 5mg of prednsione, 200 x 2 of plaquenil and about a few months ago put on Napronxen, 500 x 2 for my RA...

I got an all clear from my general Dr, my Rhumy and my OBGYN.. she even got an all clear from a high risk OBGYN. She did mention to me that once I got pregnant, to get off of the Naproxen.

WELL.. I took a home test and it came out positive! So, called the OBGYN and she said continue to take your prednisone, plaquenil but no more Naproxen. She said if I do get pain, it would be ok to take Tylenol, even the Tylenol Arthritis...

So , I am here keeping my fingers crossed that I go into remission soon so that I wont have to take anything! but worst case scenario that I dont.. at least I know that the meds got an all clear from all 3 of my drs and just pray that all goes out well.

Thanks for letting me share!

Irene =)

I came of all meds to become pregnant, and survived for around 6 months without anything other than Paracetamol,and the occasional ibrufen, As ibrufen can effect your unborn baby its not recommended in high doses,Its surprising what you can get through if you want a baby so bad:) I did this twice to acheive two beautiful babies, Both were worth it,And apart from RA I was considered healthy throughout both pregnancies, No problems having both children, although i had C cections with both, and was adviced not to have any more children, but to be honest im happy with two!!!!! And yes i felt fantastic while pregnant and had loads of energy.....And i believe it has stopped my progression of RA to...As i spent around three and a half yrs altogether trying and being pregnant,

Rachel xxx