Your Action Plan for Pregnancy and Arthritis

Managing pregnancy and arthritis simultaneously can raise many questions, like, “Is it safe to get pregnant with arthritis?”

The good news is that with the right care, women with arthritis can have healthy, full-term pregnancies.

The key is careful planning — starting with consultation with your dedicated healthcare team. By partnering with your doctors and with the support of digital health platforms like the REAN Foundation’s REAN HealthGuru, you can confidently manage both your arthritis and pregnancy.

This guide outlines key aspects of pregnancy and arthritis — starting with medication and therapy management. Let’s begin.

Understanding Your Medications and Arthritis Therapies

Managing your medications and therapies can help you control your arthritis and enjoy a healthier pregnancy journey:

• First and foremost, never stop prescribed arthritis medications without consulting your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation can trigger a disease flare — which can be risky for both you and your baby.
• Some medications are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, while others may require nutritional support when trying to conceive.
• Some medications must be stopped well before conception or avoided entirely during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Certain advanced arthritis therapies are considered safer as they minimally reach the baby.
• For male partners trying to conceive, most arthritis medications are safe — with a few exceptions requiring caution.
• To stay on track, work with your rheumatologist and obstetrician to review and update your treatment plan.
• Once your medications and therapies are appropriately managed, you can better understand how pregnancy changes may affect your arthritis symptoms — let’s discuss this next.

How Your Body Changes During Pregnancy With Arthritis

You might be wondering: “Does pregnancy make arthritis worse?”

Many women with rheumatoid arthritis actually notice an improvement in their symptoms during pregnancy — particularly in the second trimester — due to immune and hormonal changes.

However, pregnancy can introduce new discomforts for women with arthritis:

• Weight gain may increase strain on joints — such as hips and knees.
• Fluid retention can cause stiffness and may lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and fingers.

Therefore, managing arthritis activity during pregnancy becomes essential as:

• High arthritis activity during this time can increase the risk of complications for both you and your baby.
• Understanding these changes is the crucial step, and proactive management can significantly improve comfort and outcomes throughout pregnancy — let’s take a look at this next.

How to Manage Arthritis in Pregnancy

Here are the practical strategies for managing symptoms:

1.Stay Active With Safe, Moderate Exercise

• Staying active promotes flexibility and muscle strength.
• Try low-impact activities — like walking / swimming — to keep muscles strong and increase endurance.
• Aim for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate activity — like brisk walking — every week.
• If you haven’t exercised much before, pace yourself, listen to your body, and gradually increase activity.

2.Protect Your Joints

• Use hot / cold packs on your joints — safe throughout pregnancy.
• Splints may help — especially for hands and knees.
• Reduce daily strain by wearing comfortable, supportive shoes and maintaining good posture at all times.

3.Manage Fatigue With Energy Conservation Techniques

• Use relaxation or meditation techniques.
• Prioritize a good night’s sleep.
• Rest your joints by elevating your feet.
• Consider gentle massages to alleviate discomfort.

4.Maintain a Healthy and Nutritious Diet

• Eating well is important, as arthritis can sometimes affect appetite.
• Eat small, frequent meals to reduce nausea.
• Include high-fiber foods to relieve constipation.

Using these non-medicated pain relief strategies — from exercising during pregnancy and joint protection techniques to energy conservation techniques and dietary management — can help you feel more in control day-to-day.

This sense of control allows you to focus on the next important step: planning for your birth and the postpartum period.

Also Read :What’s the Ideal Weight Gain During Pregnancy?

Preparing for Delivery and the Postpartum Period

Planning ahead can help you manage arthritis, stay comfortable during labor, and care for your baby after delivery.

1.Arthritis and Labor

As you continue managing your pregnancy and arthritis, it’s helpful to know that arthritis typically does not interfere with labor and delivery.

• Even if you’ve had a hip replacement, giving birth vaginally is usually possible.

However, if you experience pain or stiffness in your lower back or hips, your healthcare team can suggest more comfortable laboring positions. In some cases, you may opt for a cesarean delivery — so it's important to discuss all possibilities with your maternity team as part of your birth planning.

2.Pain Relief During Labor

Several pain relief options during labor are available:

• Epidurals offer complete pain relief for most.
• Water births and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machines are other options that can help manage contractions.

3.Managing Arthritis After Delivery

Preparing for the postpartum period is equally important — as many women experience a flare-up of symptoms after giving birth.

• For those with rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms often flare two to eight weeks after delivery.

Therefore, you should make a post-delivery plan with your doctor before your due date to manage this risk.

After giving birth, your doctor can help determine the best time to resume your prescribed arthritis medications to prevent a flare — taking into account breastfeeding and medication safety.

4.Caring for a Baby With Arthritis

Caring for a baby with arthritis can be challenging, but many adaptive techniques for baby care can help manage the physical demands.

Consider these practical tips:

• Raise the crib mattress so you don't have to bend over as far to pick up your baby.
• Choose baby clothing made of stretchy materials, and consider replacing small buttons with Velcro fasteners.
• Use a cart with wheels to move items around the house and eliminate multiple trips.
• If possible, plan for family, friends, or paid support to help, and remember that accepting help is a sign of strength.

With thoughtful planning, practical strategies, and the right support, you can navigate delivery and the postpartum period confidently while managing your arthritis.

Journeying Towards a Healthy Pregnancy With Arthritis

Ultimately, proactive planning and careful management are essential in your journey through pregnancy and arthritis — helping to prevent flares and ensure a smooth pregnancy.

Therefore:

• Openly discuss any problems with your doctor and healthcare team to make informed decisions about medications and treatment.
• Build a support system of partners, family, and friends to nurture your well-being and that of your child.

Ready to turn an overwhelming journey into a confident one? REAN Foundation supports expecting mothers with arthritis globally. Connect with us today — start your journey to a healthy pregnancy!