Going to have IVF soon, never medicated because of fear of birth defect. Has anyone taken prednisone before, during pregnancy? Any side effects/birth defects on baby? RA is getting worse and I need to make a decision on whether to continue to not medicate or to start the prednisone. I am scared!
Q: Prednisone and Pregnancy - Risks - Birth defects
Answers (8)
8/14/09 4:52pm
Hi Coco,
Earlier this year I discussed the changes in meds I would need to take if I wanted to try to get pregnant. Currently, I'm taking methotrexate and sulfasalazine for the RA (as well as other medications for other condition).
Here is what she told me (I'm looking at her notes):
1. Stop methotrexate 3 months before attempting pregnancy.
2. Could take Ibuprofen 800mg 3x daily for pain, but it may possibly interfere with implantation.
3. Could take low dose prednisone if needed.
4. Also, do not eat skim or low-fat dairy. Eat full fat dairy when trying pregnancy.
This is not a recommendation, just what my rheumatologist told me.
Good luck with the IVF!!
8/13/09 3:43pm
You shouldn't take any steroid including prednisone while pregnant. Most of the RA meds should not be taken while pregnant.
10/20/09 3:54pm
It is not true that prednisone and steroids can not or should not be taken during pregnancy. It is safe and helpful to people with RA to take. Also, when a baby is going to be delivered prematurely they often give the mother shots of steroids to help develop the baby's lungs, giving the baby a better chance of survival.
8/19/09 4:10pm
My Dr had me on sulphasalzine for the last year because he knew i was planning on trying to get pregnant. It has been working well for my RH and is safe to take when you are trying to concieve and even when pregnant.
He said it was my choice when pregnant if I continued on the sulphasalzine or stopped. He said many mothers just feel better metally about not being on meds but it is safe.
I'm now 5 weeks pregnant and just stopped my meds. I'll go back on them if my RH flares.
Linda
8/27/09 10:56am
Currently I am at 37 weeks preg. and this is such a personal decision. I stopped all meds but ended up having some localized steroid injections into my knees. My RA dr told me that i could stay on a low dose of prednisone during my whole pregnancy, I didn't. The only side affect was possbily low birth weight. But I have also read that just having RA increasing the risk of low birth weight. All of my Dr., ob and RA have said I could stay on the Enbrel too but I didn't. I have not gone into remission and have mananged the RA with exercise,Tylenol, and actually i belive fish oil has helped. My Dr told me not to take Ibuprofen. I guess i would say talk to your dr and do your own research.
Good luck.
8/31/09 10:58pm
Hi I went off my meds and started prednisone when I wanted a baby. It took 1 year to get pregnant. I took prednisone through the whole pregnancy. She is 5 years old and very healthy so far (knock on wood) the pregnancy went perfect I had her 3 weeks before due date she was perfect. The only thing I noticed was her bones cracked easily when picking her up. This happened till the age af 2.
Only thing you really need to watch out for is Osteoporosis take a lot of calcium if your going to be on it awhile.
10/16/09 2:27pm
I am 28 weeks pregnant with my second child and have RA. It always flares up and becomes unbearable around the 20th week. I can barely walk or use my arms. Sleeping is out of the question. During both pregnancies I have taken Prednisone and it has made me feel wonderful! The pain is gone and I can live again. My Rheumatologist starts me with 30mg, next day 20mg, next day 10mg, next day 5mg, the 2.5mg (which is so low) everyday for as long as I need it. The Prednisone breaks up before reaching the placenta and is safe in low doses.
10/20/09 3:49pm
I was actually diagnosed with RA during my second pregnancy. The only drugs safe enough to take were hydroxycloroquine and prednisone. It is hard enough to endure the pain of RA with no anti- inflammatory drugs. The prednisone is the only thing that can provide some relief. It has been around forever and very safe during pregnancy. RA itself can cause heart defects in the baby, so you will probably be monitored as a high-risk pregnancy. I'm happy to report that I had a healthy happy baby. Good luck to you!
4/30/10 8:40pm
i've had RA for a couple years now an wuz on medz! i got pregnant an wuz continuing my medication which wuz prednisone cuz my pain wuz severe i wuz only prescribed to 5 miligrams of prednisone a day thru out my entire pregnancy! i now have a beautiful an healthy seven month old baby girl:-) i recommed that u visit a rheumatologist an look at all the medication options they have trust me, it definently helped me alot...jus be sure to ask questions if ur still unsure:-)hope this little info helped!
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By COCONYC— Last Modified: 05/13/12, First Published: 08/12/09
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Prednisone is prefectly safe to take during pregnancies in low doses! It is life saving to women that cannot walk or use their arms such as myself when my RA is terrible. I have used it during both pregnancies as I had no choice. I could not walk or sleep without it.