PREGNANCY AND RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

Amelioration of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs in about three quarte rs of pregnancies. Most women who improve experience initial relief in the first trimester. RA almost invariably recurs within 3 to 4 months of delivery. The effect of pregnancy upon the risk of first developin g RA is similar in some respects but also differs from that observed i n women with established disease. Analogous to women with established disease, the chance of a woman first developing RA is significantly re duced during pregnancy but increased in the first year post partum; th ereafter risk is decreased. There is no indication of any adverse effe cts of RA on pregnancy outcome. Although limited, some medications can be used during pregnancy and during lactation without jeopardizing th e well-being of the fetus.