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  • About Arthritis
    Common Topics
    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
    • Arthritis Types
    • More About Arthritis
    • Where it Hurts
    • Related Conditions
  • Treatments
    Common Topics
    Woman holding shoulderWebinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management

    Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.

    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    Man with head in hands on bedWebinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions

    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

    • Treatment Plan
    • Drug Guide
    • Joint Surgery
    • Complementary Therapies
    • Insurance Management
  • Healthy Living
    Common Topics
    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    man exercisingStairs Workout Demo

    Strengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    • Ease of Use Products
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  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    2023 JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

    JA Camps

    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

    Juvenile Arthritis Volunteer

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • Professionals
    Common Topics
    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

    Fellowships

    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

    • Better Living Toolkits
    • Our Issue Briefs
  • Science
    Common Topics
    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

    Focus

    • Awards
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    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
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    Common Topics
    Capital hillAction Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    LiveYes! Insights thumbnailLive Yes! INSIGHTS

    Share your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! Podcast

    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

    • Advocacy
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    • Fundraising
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    • Live Yes! Arthritis Community
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Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pregnancy

Here’s what you should know if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant and breastfeed.

Planning to have a baby is a major milestone in a woman’s life. Some questions are universal – will I have severe morning sickness? Should I have natural childbirth or get an epidural? Will I use cloth diapers or disposables? But if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) you probably have some unique ones – will my disease or medication affect my baby’s development? Will my symptoms worsen during pregnancy? Will arthritis affect my delivery? Will I be physically able to care for my new baby?

In most cases, the answer to these questions can be quite reassuring, says Mehret Birru Talabi, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine in the University of Pittsburgh’s Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology.

Here’s what you should know about common concerns when you’re thinking about having a baby, during pregnancy and after the delivery. 

Planning to have a baby is a major milestone in a woman’s life. Some questions are universal – will I have severe morning sickness? Should I have natural childbirth or get an epidural? Will I use cloth diapers or disposables? But if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) you probably have some unique ones – will my disease or medication affect my baby’s development? Will my symptoms worsen during pregnancy? Will arthritis affect my delivery? Will I be physically able to care for my new baby?

In most cases, the answer to these questions can be quite reassuring, says Mehret Birru Talabi, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine in the University of Pittsburgh’s Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology.

Here’s what you should know about common concerns when you’re thinking about having a baby, during pregnancy and after the delivery.

Research suggests that some women with RA have more difficulty conceiving than women without the disease, yet you always assume you are fertile until you have been evaluated by a physician, says Dr. Birru Talabi.

Pre-pregnancy planning is important and should involve both your rheumatologist and OB/GYN, says Dr. Birru Talabi. “We know that many women who have well-controlled RA have healthier pregnancies and babies than women who have really active disease at the time they become pregnant.” Ideally, RA should be controlled for 3 to 6 months before attempting pregnancy. Women who have uncontrolled rheumatoid arthritis may be at increased risk of complications such as preterm birth and babies that are small for their gestational age. This may increase the likelihood that the baby requires more medical care early in life.

Effect of RA and medications on baby: Because controlling RA typically requires disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), there’s a role for safe DMARD use before and during pregnancy, says Dr. Birru Talabi. However not all DMARDs are safe. Methotrexate, for example should be stopped at least three months before pregnancy because of its potential to cause birth defects. Other medications should be discussed with the rheumatologist, and the individual risks and benefits should be weighed.

Passing on RA: While there’s a possibility that your child develops RA or another autoimmune disease, it’s really important to remember that many women with autoimmune diseases have healthy babies who don’t develop arthritis or any other type of autoimmune disease.

Disease activity during pregnancy: Disease control may be easier when you are pregnant. A review of studies published in the March 1, 2019, issue of the Journal of Rheumatology found that disease activity improved in 60% of patients with RA in pregnancy and flared in 46.7% postpartum. Doctors believe this is due to hormone changes and immune system changes that protect the unborn baby and are also beneficial to RA.

Caring for new baby: There’s a possibility that you may experience a flare after delivery and experience a lot of fatigue. “So, it’s important that women who are considering a pregnancy also consider their support systems and make sure they are in place before they deliver,” says Dr. Birru Talabi.

If the drugs you were taking at conception are controlling your disease, your doctor will likely have you continue them throughout pregnancy.

RA’s effect on delivery: If arthritis affects your back or hips, you may notice more pain in those joints as your baby grows and places more stress on those joints. Unless you have joint deformities in your pelvic region, RA should not affect your ability to have a normal vaginal delivery, says Dr. Talabi. While Cesarean delivery doesn’t appear to be more common in women with RA, research shows that high disease activity during pregnancy increases the risk for pre-term, low birthweight babies and the need for a Cesarean delivery.

If disease becomes more active during pregnancy or you develop any complications speak with your current OB/GYN about a referral to high-risk OB/GYN.

Planning for your newborn’s care: During pregnancy it’s important to plan for the help you’ll need after you deliver. Even if your disease is well controlled you may have more fatigue than other new mothers, so you’ll likely need extra help once the baby comes.

Ability to breast feed: There’s no evidence that RA lowers milk production, says Dr. Birru Talabi. However, some women experience pain when trying to hold their babies to breastfeed, especially if their RA is not well-controlled. While you can’t pass RA to your child by breastfeeding, you can pass along some medications. Many medications are safe to use in lactation, and medication passage through breastmilk is relatively low in many cases.

For most women with RA, a healthy delivery and baby is possible.

Baby’s health: Having RA does not mean health problems for your baby – including RA. Inheritance isn’t 100 percent, says Dr. Birru Talabi. “That is, just because a woman has RA doesn’t mean her children will have RA.”
Disease activity. If RA improved during pregnancy it may flare in the weeks or months after delivery as hormones and the immune system return to their pre-pregnancy state.

Medication and breast feeding: If you had a reprieve from your RA during pregnancy you may be experiencing more joint pain now. It’s important to work with your rheumatologist to ensure control of your disease. If this requires a change in medication, be sure to let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding. Many medications, but not all, are safe for breastfeeding.

Caring for baby: Taking care of yourself now is especially important – take your medications, eat healthfully, nap when the baby naps and get help from your partner, trusted family and friends and even paid help, if needed or possible. Parenthood is a challenging, lifelong job, but may provide unique joys. Taking care of yourself now can help ensure your ability to care for your child in the years ahead.

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Inflammatory Arthritis and Pregnancy

Family & Relationships

Inflammatory Arthritis and Pregnancy
Learn how your condition may affect different stages of pregnancy.
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Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

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Live Yes! INSIGHTS


Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community. 

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families. 

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

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Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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