Family Planning, Pregnancy & Parenting
Arthritis can make having and raising a healthy family a unique challenge — and uniquely rewarding. Find out how to improve your chances of having a healthy baby, while protecting your own health.
of women or more with a rheumatic disease don’t get medical advice before pregnancy.
or more is how long it can take for women with RA to become pregnant in up to 42% of cases.
of well managed arthritis improves the chances for a healthy pregnancy.
Family Planning and Genetic Risks
It’s true that autoimmune diseases run in families, but that doesn’t mean your child will inherit your arthritis. Learn what research has found about the role of genes and the environment in developing inflammatory arthritis.
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Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy With Arthritis
Pregnancy can be difficult for women, especially if you have arthritis. Find out how to manage your arthritis during pregnancy.
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Best (and Worst) Birth Control for People With Arthritis
Planning a pregnancy is the safest way to have a healthy mom and baby, and that means using birth control until you’re ready. Learn the pros and cons of different types of birth control, and what might be right for you.
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Pregnancy Risks With Arthritis
Having a rheumatic disease and the medications used to treat it may raise the risks of pregnancy, and pregnancy can potentially worsen disease. Learn what to avoid, what tests you should have and how to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
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Breastfeeding Concerns With Arthritis
Breastfeeding can help a baby thrive physically and mentally. But not all women can breastfeed, and some arthritis medications can make it unsafe. Learn about the medication risks and how to safely feed your infant.
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Going Through Menopause With Arthritis
Symptoms of menopause can be similar to those of inflammatory arthritis, so it’s not always clear what the source is. But taking certain lifestyle measures can help relieve the symptoms of both. Find out what you can do to feel better.
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Fertility Treatments With Arthritis
Women with rheumatic disease often have a harder time getting pregnant than other women, and it can take longer. Techniques like in vitro fertilization may raise the chances of success — but know the risks as well as the rewards.
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Ending a Pregnancy When You Have Arthritis
Pregnancy in women with a rheumatic condition can be risky, especially for lupus patients who have certain complications. Find out what situations may lead doctors to recommend termination, and how it may be accomplished.
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Support & Referrals
Tips for Coping With Pregnancy & Arthritis
When you’re pregnant with arthritis, you may face a new set of challenges, both physically and mentally. Get some insights and advice from one mother who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Arthritis Foundation Helpline
Get more information about your disease, medications, insurance and find resources to help you and your family learn to navigate living with arthritis from our team of trained staff and licensed clinical social worker.
Contact UsParenting With Arthritis
Meet and share experiences with other parents living with arthritis in our virtual Connect Group. You’ll have a chance to learn, exchange advice and have fun through this peer-led support group.
Sex and Intimacy with Arthritis Podcast
Overcoming challenges with physical intimacy is an important part of romantic relationships. Learn how to improve intimacy in and out of the bedroom in this episode.
