Family Planning, Pregnancy & Parenting

Arthritis can make having and raising a healthy family a unique challenge — and uniquely rewarding. Find out how to improve your chances of having a healthy baby, while protecting your own health.

Having autoimmune inflammatory arthritis or a related condition may have thrown a wrench in your dreams of having a family. The disease itself, related conditions and the medications to treat them can pose risks to having a healthy baby. But plenty of people with arthritis do have happy, healthy families. Learn what you can do to minimize the risks.

Family Planning With Rheumatic Disease Arthritis Medications During Pregnancy Parenting with Arthritis

50%

of women or more with a rheumatic disease don’t get medical advice before pregnancy.

12 Months

or more is how long it can take for women with RA to become pregnant in up to 42% of cases.

3-6 Months

of well managed arthritis improves the chances for a healthy pregnancy.

Family Planning

Family Planning and Genetic Risks

It’s true that autoimmune diseases run in families, but that doesn’t mean your child will inherit your arthritis. Learn what research has found about the role of genes and the environment in developing inflammatory arthritis.

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Adult

Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy With Arthritis

Pregnancy can be difficult for women, especially if you have arthritis. Find out how to manage your arthritis during pregnancy.

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Family Planning

Best (and Worst) Birth Control for People With Arthritis

Planning a pregnancy is the safest way to have a healthy mom and baby, and that means using birth control until you’re ready. Learn the pros and cons of different types of birth control, and what might be right for you.

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Family Planning

Pregnancy Risks With Arthritis

Having a rheumatic disease and the medications used to treat it may raise the risks of pregnancy, and pregnancy can potentially worsen disease. Learn what to avoid, what tests you should have and how to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

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6+ yrs Diagnosed

Breastfeeding Concerns With Arthritis

Breastfeeding can help a baby thrive physically and mentally. But not all women can breastfeed, and some arthritis medications can make it unsafe. Learn about the medication risks and how to safely feed your infant.

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Going Through Menopause With Arthritis

Symptoms of menopause can be similar to those of inflammatory arthritis, so it’s not always clear what the source is. But taking certain lifestyle measures can help relieve the symptoms of both. Find out what you can do to feel better.

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Fertility Treatments With Arthritis

Women with rheumatic disease often have a harder time getting pregnant than other women, and it can take longer. Techniques like in vitro fertilization may raise the chances of success — but know the risks as well as the rewards.

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Family Planning

Ending a Pregnancy When You Have Arthritis

Pregnancy in women with a rheumatic condition can be risky, especially for lupus patients who have certain complications. Find out what situations may lead doctors to recommend termination, and how it may be accomplished.

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Arthritis and Pregnancy

What should I know if I have...?

Inflammatory Arthritis

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Scleroderma

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sjögren's Syndrome

Psoriatic Arthritis

Support & Referrals

Tips for Coping With Pregnancy & Arthritis

When you’re pregnant with arthritis, you may face a new set of challenges, both physically and mentally. Get some insights and advice from one mother who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

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Arthritis Foundation Helpline

Our trained staff — including a Spanish-speaking expert — understand arthritis and are available by phone or web chat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday. Available times on holidays may vary.

Parenting With Arthritis

Meet and share experiences with other parents living with arthritis in our virtual Connect Group. You’ll have a chance to learn, exchange advice and have fun through this peer-led support group.

Sex and Intimacy with Arthritis Podcast

Overcoming challenges with physical intimacy is an important part of romantic relationships. Learn how to improve intimacy in and out of the bedroom in this episode.

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