Pregnancy and Rheumatoid Arthritis

[Jeiko]

Hi all, I've just found out I'm pregnant and was wondering if anyone else on here is pregnant or has been pregnant with RA and what their experience was? TIA x

@EllyNC aw thanks! From what you've said it sounds like you haven't been diagnosed for that long and not being diagnosed is an awful part followed by essentially testing drugs to find out what works. It's all super difficult and don't beat yourself up for allowing yourself to wallow a bit, it's perfectly normal! I've been diagnosed for nearly 18 years and I still have my moments, but as long as they are moments I figure it's natural and allowed 

It's certainly on my mind about being a mum with RA, but as someone on here has said it's playing to your strengths and that's got to be the best advice... although I certainly have my moments where I don't think I'll have any to offer! I'm hoping the world has returned to normal a bit more as my plan was always to rely heavily on family that are local and for both my parents and my hubby's it's the first grandchild so hoping the excitement will mean they are eager to help!!
Yes I've been on hydroxchloroquinn as well in the past, I don't recall it really doing much for me but know others are big fans. Fingers crossed it works well for you and kicks in soon - I always hated the waiting game when on new meds... yep I'm certainly impatient 

@MrsB2019x thanks, I've not been as bad today which has been nice  It's when I get flare ups in hands and feet when I really struggle, fortunately they don't generally flare up together!

@Violetbeau Thank you! Congratulations to you as well OMG that's amazing you're not on any medication to manage your RA, that's my dream!! Sorry to hear about the carpal tunnel, I've heard RA makes you more likely to get it. What wrist braces are you using? I want to replace mine as they aren't as good as my old ones. Do you find compression gloves help? It's something I've never tried but thought about a few times. I was thinking for wearing something like fingers gloves to bed to see if that helps but compression gloves might be worth a shout Sounds like you've managed to find a good routine to help
Fingers crossed you don't need to go back to the consultant, sound like other than the carpal tunnel (which sounds awful) it sounds like you're doing well

@Jeiko yup I was only diagnosed in October last year, although I had an inkling for about 6 months before Then it just took a long time to find the right drs to listen/see me! Not helped by the pandemic. My flares are my hands and feet so really feel you guys who are the same, it’s so hard to get on with everyday life when your hands hurt to move and you can barely walk!! Mines manageable most days at the mo but Some days randomly still wake up with incredibly sore and swollen feet!! Fingers crossed for us all that things stay settled for pregnancy and post pregnancy! 🤞🏻
I’m also really hoping that things have settled before baby arrives- know we will really appreciate the help. My mum has RA too so she understands what’s hard and I know she’ll be super helpful if she’s allowed to be!! Great that it’s yours and husbands parents first grandchild, they must be so excited ☺️ Do you know what you’re having?
@Violetbeau absolute inspiration that you are on no meds! Hope the carpal tunnel can be helped for you 🤞🏻

Yes I know I’m very lucky! I think that can happen that it just kind of goes away sometimes when you’re diagnosed as a juvenile, my brother was also diagnosed juvenile and hasn’t been so lucky unfortunately so it’s a constant firsthand reminder for me.

@Jeiko yes the compression gloves and bandages seem to be helping, particularly if I ice before putting them on. Having said that I’ve never tried for arthritis swelling, think this is general pregnancy puffiness that’s then putting pressure on the nerves. I just bought some wrist braces on amazon, they seem to be working ok. The left one doesn’t really fit properly as I can’t really put my wrist in a neutral position so I have to wear it quite loosely. Ideally I would get one properly fitted by a physio but I figure by the time I get a referral I’ll probably have given birth!

Thanks @EllyNC - managing it for now so hopefully doesn’t get worse. I’m in the last trimester as of Monday and I’ve read that it tends to go away after birth for most people so fingers crossed!

My RA, SLE and SS went into remission. Hopefully you will experience a decrease in symptoms as well. Watch out for a big flare afterwards though.

Do any of you that had flare ups after givIng birth have any tips for prepping for that? Giving birth is what triggered my RA but at the time I didn’t know that was what it was- so finding it hard to think ahead to what I might need to put in place incase it happens again (and remaining optimistic it won’t happen lol!!)
@Violetbeau Are you in the UK? definitely worth getting in touch with gp for a physio If so- I needed one during my last pregnancy and they fast tracked me because of it and I was seen very quickly! Like you said tho, 🤞🏻 It goes away as soon as you give birth!!

@Loti92 yes my first child. Thanks for the heads-up, as you say, hopefully it doesn't happen but good to be mentally prepared for the possibility!

@EllyNC I am in the UK - that's good to know about fast-tracking, may be worth a try then!

Hey!! I’ve got RA diagnosed last year and I’ve found out I’m pregnant too! I’m 6 weeks I’ve been feeling soooo sick but managing day to day tasks much easier! Congratulations!

Hi @Anon1324! Congratulations! Sorry you’re feeling sick, I’m still feeling rough too but it is getting a bit easier as the weeks go on!! Is your RA quite well controlled?

Hi all! Wondering if anyone has been in the same situation - I was offered the COVID vaccine due to arthritis, presumably because of the medication I took pre-pregnancy for it, but as I’m no longer on any medication, am I still considered clinically vulnerable (and therefore better to have it?) I’ve so far spoken to my GP, midwife and obstetrician who have all told me to speak to someone else - very helpful!

I’d like to get the vaccine but would prefer to follow the guidance at the mo!

Hi @Devonfirsttimemum93

That sounds unhelpful!! Have you tried speaking to your RA consultant? Where I am they have a help line you can ring and the nurses have always been really helpful. They may be able to advise your current 'risk' given your medication changes.

I'm afraid I'm not in the same situation, due to my RA being under control and the medication I'm on I've never been classed as high risk and just been on enhanced social distancing.

I'm on a couple of Facebook groups for those due in Autumn (you're welcome to join, they are private so no one can see unless they are a member) and COVID vaccine has been a hot topic and the advice does seem to vary depending on where you are. Someone did pull together a lot of information and shared it with us.

From what I can tell if it's offered it's very much a judgement call for you to make.

Personally I'm going to carry on social distancing once the rules do relax more and I work from home so will try to continue to avoid too much contact until after baby has arrived and will opt out of the vaccine even if offered to me. I appreciate I'm in a position where I can do this and not everyone can.

I hope you are able to receive some advice that helps you xx

I've got Psoriatic Arthritis and have just been transferred to consultant led care. So far so good with my joints although it's early days for me. It's nice to read of others experiencing the same. I am concerned about the birth and how taxing it might be for my joints.

@2021WillBeGreat how far along are you?
My joints are a bit worse than usual but still manageable (with painkillers!) at the moment. I'm the same and more worried about the birth and afterwards and the effect that will have on me xx

I don't know how helpful this is but my mum had RA while she had me. Hers went into remission during the pregnancy and for about 2-3 years after. Unfortunately she did have problems with thyroid after which caused more problems than the RA. But she found the pregnancy great and if she could, she would have kept having babies.

@Jeiko I am 9 weeks now. I'm hoping to gain some confidence from speaking to the consultant re. birth and what will put the least strain on my body.