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Semin Reprod Med
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1790255
Review Article

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pregnancy: Managing Disease Activity and Fertility Concerns

Daniele Marcy
1   Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
,
JoAnn Zell
1   Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
,
M. Kristen Demoruelle 
1   Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
› Author Affiliations Funding This study was funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. T32 AR07534.
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Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that more commonly affects women, including many women during the childbearing years. This can make management challenging for practitioners involved in the care of these patients. This review article will discuss the available data and expert recommendations pertaining to women with RA who are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Herein, we will consider pregnancy complications associated with RA, the benefits of maintaining low disease activity prior to conception and throughout pregnancy, flare management during pregnancy, ensuring pregnancy-compatible medications to treat RA, and the reduced rates of fertility in patients with RA. While research in this area has greatly expanded over the past decade, it continues to be an area where more research is needed to best support women with RA as they navigate pregnancy.

Keywords

rheumatoid arthritis - pregnancy - infertility


Publication History

Article published online:
28 October 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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