Pregnancy and RA

[leighdu]

I just found out last week that we are expecting :), however, I have an 8 year old, and when pregnant with her I had no RA symptoms. I was not diagnosed actually until 6 months after she was born. It is weird how out of nowhere, right after she was born, I started getting tons of joint pain. Now I am worried out of my mind that the extra pounds and other things are gonna be too much to take. Anyone have any advice?

[Terrie]

Hello:

I can only speak for myself but my Rheumy took me off my RA meds. when I tested positive on my pregnancy test. He said that most Women go into remission during pregnancy which indeed is what happened for me when I became pregnant with my Daughter, thankfully.

You probably will go into remission(little or no pain) also, so the extra weight shouldn't hurt your joints. Your Rheumy will put you back on your RA meds. afterwards because the pain will most likely return soon after your Child is born. Your Rheumy may have to put you on different RA medication, if you are planning to breastfeed or pump. Depending what medication that you were on before.

I was dxd. with severe RA almost 2 years after my Son was born, although I had symptoms starting about 8 months after he was born. Pregnancy may be a trigger for some Women who have a predisposition to RA.

Always rest as much as possible, try (ya, I know :rolleyes: ) to keep stress to a minimal. It is your time, so be Good to yourself. Your 8 year old can be Very helpful during your pregnancy. Perhaps a Friend or Family member can drop in a few times a week to help you out also. Do easy exercises to keep your joints flexible.

Congratulations!! :) Best Wishes!!

[leighdu]

Hello:

I can only speak for myself but my Rheumy took me off my RA meds. when I tested positive on my pregnancy test. He said that most Women go into remission during pregnancy which indeed is what happened for me, thankfully.

You probably will go into remission(little or no pain) also, so the extra weight shouldn't hurt your joints. Your Rheumy will put you back on your RA meds. afterwards because the pain will most likely return soon after your Child is born. Your Rheumy may have to put you on another RA medication, if you are planning to breastfeed or pump, depending what you were on.

I was dxd. almost 2 years after my Son was born. Pregnancy may be a trigger for some Women who have a predisposition to RA.

Always rest as much as possible, try (ya, I know :rolleyes: ) to keep stress to a minimal. It is your time, so be Good to yourself. Your 8 year old can be Very helpful during your pregnancy. Perhaps a Friend or Family member can drop in a few times a week to help you out also.

Congratulations!! :) Best Wishes!!

Thanks for the reply! I had read that remission occurs while pregnant but hearing someone else say it makes me feel a bit better :).

I think I am one of those that was predisposed to RA and then pregnancy triggered it:(.

Anyways, thanks again...this makes me feel a bit more confident about everything. It's one thing for a health care professional to tell you as opposed to someone who has "been there done that".