Pregnancy, breastfeeding in arthritis

It’s crucial to plan ahead and have honest discussions with your rheumatology team about your parenthood aspirations. For women managing rheumatoid arthritis, the journey to pregnancy might require extra time and understanding, considering potential obstacles. Fertility becomes a consideration, influenced by the effects of medications on conception. While the chances of passing arthritis to your child are generally low, having a pre-conception conversation with your rheumatologist, ideally six months before attempting to conceive, is a smart step. Pregnancy, particularly for those with lupus, demands vigilant monitoring due to increased risks. Post-birth, approximately 40% of women may encounter arthritis flares, underscoring the importance of postpartum rheumatological check-ups.