Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints. It is more common in women than men, and often starts during childbearing years.

Women with RA who wish to become pregnant, or who become pregnant while living with the condition, should be aware that they may be at an increased risk of certain pregnancy complications. This article will discuss the most common pregnancy complications for women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Premature birth

Women with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of premature delivery. A premature delivery is defined as a baby born before the 37th week of pregnancy.

The reason for the increased risk is not fully understood, but some researchers believe it may be due to chronic inflammation, or the medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that affects 5-8% of pregnant women. Women with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of developing preeclampsia.

The symptoms of preeclampsia include high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling in the hands and feet. Preeclampsia can harm both the mother and the baby, and may require early delivery of the baby to prevent further complications.

Gestational diabetes

Women with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born.

Women with gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Infection

Women with rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of developing infections during pregnancy. Infections can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby. Infections can be caused by the disease itself or by the medications used to treat the disease.

Low birth weight

Women with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of having a baby with low birth weight. Low birth weight is defined as a baby weighing less than 5 pounds 8 ounces at birth.

The reason for the increased risk is not fully understood, but some researchers believe it may be due to chronic inflammation or the medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Anemia

Women with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of developing anemia during pregnancy. Anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Anemia can harm both the mother and the baby, as it can lead to low birth weight and premature delivery.

Medication risks

Women with rheumatoid arthritis may need to take medication to manage their symptoms during pregnancy. However, some medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can be harmful to the baby.

It is important for women with rheumatoid arthritis to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine what medications are safe to take during pregnancy.

Increased disease activity

Some women with rheumatoid arthritis experience an increase in disease activity during pregnancy. This may be due to changes in hormones or changes in the immune system during pregnancy.

An increase in disease activity can harm both the mother and the baby. Women with rheumatoid arthritis should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider throughout pregnancy and after delivery.

Cesarean delivery

Women with rheumatoid arthritis may be more likely to require a cesarean delivery than women without the condition. This may be due to joint pain and stiffness, which can make it difficult to push during labor.

Women with rheumatoid arthritis should discuss their delivery preferences with their healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding

Some women with rheumatoid arthritis are hesitant to breastfeed due to concerns about medications and disease activity. However, breastfeeding is generally safe for women with rheumatoid arthritis.

It is important for women to speak with their healthcare provider about any concerns they may have about breastfeeding.