Pregnancy and rheumatoid arthritis

[cakesandphotos]

Not sure how likely this is to get a response but I was wondering if there's anyone around who has been/is pregnant while suffering from RA? My rheumy always told me that my RA won't affect my pregnancy and vice vers but having seen the women's health consultant, I'm high risk with a chance of blood clots, a pre term labour and a small birth weight.
Has anyone experienced this? It's not at all what I was expecting and although I've been assured my baby is fine, I'm a little anxious going forward!

[Iamchanging]

Hi Cake
My mum has RA when pregnant with me and everything was totally normal apart from I was 12 days late and over 10 pounds!! So definitely not low birth weight!! She actually went into remission and felt so much better during pregnancy apparently. All the best!

[MyLittleHelper]

Have had good 3 pregnancies with Psoriatic arthritis. Normal sized healthy babies and only a flare post 3rd pregnancy. Are you on a medication they are concerned about?

[cakesandphotos]

I stopped taking medication when I found out I was pregnant but I've had a bad flare up so been advised to go back on. It's the medication that would cause the growth problems. I was hoping to go into remission but 16 weeks in, it only seems to be getting worse

[MyLittleHelper]

Can you discuss alternative medications with your consultant?
Some are considered safe during pregnancy. Wendy Jones with the breastfeeding network is a great source of information.

[cakesandphotos]

I have an appointment to see my consultant but seemingly what I'm on is the most effective and safest for baby, although with pre term labour and low birth weight it, I'm not convinced it's entirely safe! I guess the problem is there just isn't enough information out there for pregnancy

[teazle]

Hi - I'm a bit late to this thread (!) but yes, I have RA and have had three straightforward pregnancies. Came off meds beforehand and whilst breastfeeding, re-started meds when finished breastfeeding. No adverse effects on pregnancy and no joint pain either. Good luck!