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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 7/18/2007 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone out there been pregnant since being diagnosed with RA?

I was diagnosed with RA about six months ago after having symptoms for almost two years, since the birth of my second child. So far prednisone is the only thing that keeps me functioning, although still not symptom-free. I've also been taking plaquenil for almost 4 months with no effect. I just moved and my new rhuematologist is thinking about switching me to methotrexate, and maybe the biologics if that isn't enough, and weaning me off the prednisone.

We would really like to have a third child. My doctor says to just let him know six months ahead of time so we can start getting off certain meds, etc. But what I want to know is, what is pregnancy like if you have RA? I've heard it generally goes into remission during the pregnancy. As much as I'd like to get pregnant again, I'm scared of the risks to my own health as well as to the baby's.

Any words of advice?
Posted 7/20/2007 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry I don't have any advice, but I wish the best of luck to you.

I'm scared out of my mind to ever be pregnant in the condition my health is in. (I'm only 21, how sad is that?)
but again, I hope all the best for you, and I hope it all works out okay.

Wish I had some better advice :\
Posted 7/20/2007 12:04 PM (GMT 0)
hey there tkmom.. I have heard the same thing as you, that the RA goes into remission when pregnant, what a repreive! :) :) Unfortunately I do not have any experience in ths arena.. I have 3 kids, but didn't get my arthritis til after they were born, and I do not plan on having anymore.. I'm sure someone willb e along shortly to share their stories.. good luck toyou!
Posted 7/20/2007 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
I have a sister-in-law with RA. She went off Enbrel (not sure if she ever took MTX) when trying to get pregnant. She is now pregnant and seems to be functioning well.

never been pregnant myself ... Craig
Posted 10/11/2007 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
hi, I was diagnosed with RA about 6 months ago. I'm 30 and also very concerned about having children while having RA. my rheumy suggested the following site as a resource http://www.raandpregnancy.org/?gclid=CJjnga_2hY8CFRbHIgoddjVexQ

hope that helps and best of luck to you.
Posted 10/16/2007 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
I too am concerned, beucase one day I would like to bear children someday...from all that I read, it has been said that many women can go into remission, however there is the the danger of going into a really bad Flare up right after giving birth, Iguess everyone is different....I wish u the best of luck, and let us know how it goes for u....

BabZ
Posted 10/16/2007 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Craig, I've never been pregnant either - d'you think it'd something they put in the water????

Wish everybody else the best though.

The Bear
Posted 10/16/2007 12:09 PM (GMT 0)

First, congratulations!  On two counts:  1) being pregnant; and 2) your RA, hopefully, going into remission.  I believe the research says that RA normally does go into remission during pregnancy.  However, delivery may trigger a new flare.  One of the reasons I don't believe I have RA (although that is my dx) is that during my twin pregnancy my joints were in terrible shape.  I could hardly walk at times between my hips and my feet.  Not to mention that I don't appear to have the erosive type arthritis associated with RA.  I wish you the best.

El

Posted 10/22/2007 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I had RA before my 2 children were born.....during the pregnancies I felt great.....really no pain and hardly any inflammation at all.....however, shortly after the births it surely didn't take long for the RA to come back full-swing.....about a couple weeks after the births. Had to get back on the meds!
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