Arthritis Foundation Logo
Español ES
Your Local Area
Sign In
Popular Search
arthritis gout home ja
Suggested Content
Article
Rx for Access
Online resource that helps patients better understand health coverage options, choose the right coverage, manage the denial process and reduce health care costs.
Article
Do I Have Arthritis?
Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs.
Article
Gout
Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can come and go.
Arthritis Foundation Logo
  • 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
    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

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

    About Biosimilars

    More of these biologic medications will soon be available. Learn what they are, whether you should consider them and what to ask your doctor.

    Webinar: Sleep Solutions for Pain

    Experts discuss solutions on how to quiet nighttime pain to get better sleep.

    • 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.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

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

    Woman ExercisingYour Exercise Solution (YES)

    Movement is the best medicine, even when your joints hurt. Your Exercise Solution (YES) is a resource to help you create a physical activity routine with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
    • Physical Activity
    • Emotional Well-being
    • Daily Living
    • Family & Relationships
  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    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
  • Providers
    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
    • Funding Opportunities
    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
    • Partnerships
    • Publications
  • Get Involved
    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!

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! With Arthritis 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.

    Walk to cure arthritisWalk To Cure Arthritis

    Join the movement and make an impact by honoring those who rock your world at the Arthritis Foundation’s signature walk event, Walk to Cure Arthritis. Register as an individual or form a team and Rock the Walk in your community!

    • Advocacy
    • Ways to Give
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteer
    • Partnership
Donate
Back

Scleroderma and Pregnancy 


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

By Mary Anne Dunkin | Updated Nov. 7, 2022

Planning to have a baby can be an exciting time in life. But if you have systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, the excitement can be tempered by concerns related to your disease: Will scleroderma affect fetal development? Will being pregnant make my scleroderma worse? Will scleroderma complicate my delivery or affect my ability to breastfeed or take care of my child?

While a diagnosis of scleroderma certainly brings challenges to pregnancy, proper planning and prenatal care can help ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your baby, says Lisa Sammaritano, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at Hospital for Special Surgery – Weill Cornell Medicine.

Here is what you need to know about pregnancy from the planning stages to delivery and beyond. 

Planning for Pregnancy

If you think you’d like to start a family, it’s important to wait at least three years after your scleroderma diagnosis to become pregnant. During the first three years, the course of the disease can be unpredictable, and flares are more likely.

Ideally, you should discuss family planning issues with your rheumatologist early on, not just when you’ve decided you would like to start trying to have a baby, says Dr. Sammaritano.

There is no evidence that having scleroderma will affect your ability to get pregnant, so it’s important to practice effective birth control until you decide the time is right to have a child.

Effects of medications: Planning for pregnancy should always involve a discussion of which medications you can and can’t safely continue during pregnancy. Methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil and thalidomide should be stopped at least three months before attempting pregnancy, due to the risk of severe birth defects and effect on fertility.

Pre-planning will allow you and your rheumatologist to make sure disease activity is low while you’re on pregnancy-compatible medications, says Dr. Sammaritano. “This process can take some time, since changing a medication means giving it several months to make sure that it works and doesn’t cause side effects,” she says.

Effects of scleroderma on the fetus: Planning should also include an evaluation of factors that could make pregnancy riskier. They include the presence of two autoantibodies, anti-Ro (SSA) and/or anti-La (SSB), which occur in 8% to 10% of women with scleroderma. The antibodies are associated with a low risk of congenital heart block (CHB), an abnormality in the rate or rhythm of the fetal heart. Higher antibody levels are associated with a greater risk of CHB. Third-degree or complete heart block, the most severe form, usually isn’t reversible.

Outcomes of babies born to moms with scleroderma have been generally positive. However, low-birthweight babies – defined as below the 10th percentile for their gestational age – are more common in mothers with scleroderma. This is due an increased risk of a condition called placental insufficiency, where the blood supply to the fetus is decreased. Because of the increased risks, it is important to see an OB/GYN who specializes in high-risk pregnancies. You may be also need to see doctors to monitor and manage other aspects of your disease.

Passing on scleroderma: There is a genetic component to autoimmune diseases, such as scleroderma. It’s possible that your child may develop scleroderma or another autoimmune disease, but many women with autoimmune diseases have healthy babies who don’t develop arthritis or any other type of autoimmune disease.

Disease activity during pregnancy: If your disease is stable when you become pregnant, research suggests that it’s likely to stay that way throughout pregnancy. In one study of 133 pregnancies in women with scleroderma, 5% experienced improvement and 7% experienced symptom worsening, while symptoms remained stable in the remaining 88%. Other research has shown that some symptoms, including Raynaud’s phenomenon and finger ulcers, are likely to improve during pregnancy, while heartburn (a common complaint among pregnant women with or without scleroderma) tends to worsen.

 

Pregnancy: The Whole Nine Months

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

Monitoring fetal development: Your doctors will monitor you for complications throughout pregnancy. If you test positive for anti-Ro (SSA) and anti-LA (SSB) antibodies, this may include monitoring the fetal heart rate from about the 16th until the 25th week of pregnancy.

Effects on delivery: While most women with scleroderma can deliver vaginally, any complications could necessitate an early delivery by C-section.

 

After Delivery

For most women with scleroderma, a healthy delivery and baby are possible.

Disease activity: If you notice your symptoms worsening, contact your rheumatologist, because some women experience increased disease activity after delivery. Even if your disease is stable, childbirth and caring for a newborn are exhausting, so fatigue is common with new motherhood.

Medication and breastfeeding: If controlling your disease after delivery 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 from paid help, if needed or possible. Parenthood is a challenging, lifelong job, but it also provides unique joys. Taking care of yourself now can help ensure your ability to care for your child in the years ahead.

Hello,
Quick Links
Managing Pain Treatment Nutrition Exercise Emotional Well-being Daily Living
Family & Relationships
View All Articles
Inflammatory Arthritis and Pregnancy

Family & Relationships

Inflammatory Arthritis and Pregnancy
Learn how your condition may affect different stages of pregnancy.
Read More
Pregnancy Risks With Arthritis

Family & Relationships

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.
Read More
Discuss What's on Your Mind
Get informed and inspired, ask a question or start a new conversation in our discussion forums.
Join Now
Track+React: What You Do, How You Feel
This wellness tool lets you track activities and symptoms so you can make adjustments that help.
Learn More

Stay in the Know. Live in the Yes.

Get involved with the arthritis community. Tell us a little about yourself and, based on your interests, you’ll receive emails packed with the latest information and resources to live your best life and connect with others.

 
Get Involved
  • Live Yes! Connect Groups
  • Live Yes! Online Forum
  • Local Office
  • Fundraising
  • Webinars
  • Volunteer
  • Store
About
  • About Us
  • Annual Report
  • Careers
  • Code Of Ethics
  • Financials
  • News and Stories
  • Privacy Notice
  • Terms of Use
  • Español
Join Us
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • JA Camps
  • Pathways Conference
  • Living Well Events
  • Walk to Cure Arthritis
  • Fundraise Your Way
  • JA Family Summit
Home Office
  • 1355 Peachtree St NE Suite 600
  • Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Helpline: 1-800-283-7800
  • Contact Us
 
75th anniversary logo
Ashburn, VA
56° Arthritis Index Beneficial
See More Details
Arthritis Foundation is a qualified 501(c)(3) EIN 58-1341679
I Want to Contribute
I Need Help
  • Donate

    Donate

    Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.

  • Volunteer

    Volunteer

    Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.

  • Partner

    Partner

    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

Donate


Ways to Give

Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

Make a Donation

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

Become a Member

Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. 

Make an Honor or Memorial Gift

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

Gift Planning

I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.
 

Other Ways to Give

  • Match Gift
  • Donate a Car
  • Donor-Advised Funds

Volunteer


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.

Become a Volunteer

More About Volunteering

  • Walk to Cure Arthritis
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • Fundraise Your Way
  • JA Camp
  • Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
  • Be an Online Community Moderator
  • Local Leadership Board

Partner


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.

More About Partnerships

  • Partner with Us
  • Ease Of Use Commendation
  • Let's Get a Grip On Arthritis
  • Promotions that Give Back