HEALTH MY LIVES

Learn About Arthritis During Pregnancy

By Dr. Ganga Sapkota · · Updated

ARTHRITIS DURING PREGNANCY
Contents

Table Of Contents

  1. Overview- Causes of arthritis during pregnancy- Signs of arthritis during pregnancy- The risk of pregnancy may be encountered if arthritis occurs during pregnancy- Measures to support pregnant women with arthritis during pregnancy - Acupuncture- - Apply hot/cold compresses- - Massage- - Take omega-3 supplements- - Wear comfortable footwear - Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Many people think arthritis only affects older adults, but joint pain and arthritis can also be a concern during pregnancy.

Pregnancy brings weight gain, a growing belly, and hormones that loosen the ligaments. These changes put extra strain on the joints and can cause pain.

Not all joint pain in pregnancy is arthritis. But women who already have arthritis, or who develop it, need to manage it carefully while pregnant.

Causes of arthritis during pregnancy

Pregnancy itself does not cause arthritis. But the changes in a pregnant woman's body can trigger joint pain or worsen existing arthritis.

Weight gain puts a heavier load on large joints such as the hips, knees, and ankles. In women who already have osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the cartilage), this can make symptoms worse.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation. According to the NIH, it may improve during pregnancy and flare after delivery.

Joint injuries are another cause of pain. A shifting center of gravity makes falls more likely during pregnancy. An injured joint that isn't treated properly can develop arthritis years later.

Signs of arthritis during pregnancy

Some symptoms that a pregnant woman may have arthritis during pregnancy include:

  • Pain, stiffness, or swelling in joints such as the knees, hips, or hands
  • Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
  • Morning stiffness, fatigue, and swelling in several joints, which can point to rheumatoid arthritis
  • Fluid retention can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, with numbness, tingling, and pain in the fingers and hand. This is common in pregnancy and usually improves after delivery.

The risk of pregnancy may be encountered if arthritis occurs during pregnancy

Inflammatory arthritis, especially when the disease is active, has been linked to pregnancy complications such as:

  • Babies who are born small for their age or with low birth weight
  • Preterm birth
  • Preeclampsia, a dangerous rise in blood pressure that needs close monitoring

Keeping the disease under control with your rheumatologist and obstetrician lowers these risks.

Measures to support pregnant women with arthritis during pregnancy

Some arthritis medicines are not safe in pregnancy, but others are, and many women need medicine to keep their disease under control. Never stop or start a medicine without talking to your doctor.

The FDA recommends avoiding NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later unless your doctor advises otherwise. Low-dose (81 mg) aspirin prescribed by your doctor is an exception.

You can also try these support measures to ease pain in daily life:

Acupuncture

Some people find acupuncture eases pain. If you try it, tell the practitioner you are pregnant and choose a licensed practitioner who uses sterile, single-use needles.

Apply hot/cold compresses

Warm or cold compresses on sore joints are simple and often helpful. A warm (not hot) bath at the end of the day can also ease stiffness. Avoid hot tubs and saunas during pregnancy.

Massage

A gentle massage can help you relax and ease sore muscles around the joints. Prenatal massage therapists know which positions are safe. Ask your doctor before using essential oils, since their safety in pregnancy is not well studied.

Take omega-3 supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids may modestly reduce inflammation. Good sources include low-mercury fish such as salmon and sardines, and fortified foods. Ask your doctor before taking fish oil capsules.

Wear comfortable footwear

Choose comfortable, supportive shoes with a low heel. Good footwear takes pressure off the knees, hips, and back and lowers the risk of falls.

Stay active with gentle exercise, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, to keep your joints and muscles strong. Consult your doctor or health professional about the correct posture to distribute the weight evenly across the body and reduce any unwanted pressure on the joints.

Rest when you need it, and manage stress, since stress can make pain feel worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some questions that pregnant women may ask about arthritis during pregnancy include:

Does pregnancy cause arthritis?

Pregnancy itself does not cause arthritis. Joint pain in pregnancy is usually caused by weight gain, posture changes, and hormones that loosen ligaments. Existing arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can change during pregnancy.

Can I take ibuprofen for joint pain while pregnant?

Ask your doctor first. The FDA recommends avoiding NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later unless your doctor advises otherwise, because they can cause rare but serious kidney problems in the baby.

Does rheumatoid arthritis get better during pregnancy?

For many women, yes. Rheumatoid arthritis may improve during pregnancy and flare after delivery, so plan follow-up care with your rheumatologist after the birth.

Sources

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