What I Wish My Rheumatology Team Had Told Me Before I Got Pregnant - in Rheumatology Nurse Practice
The patient perspective from multiple mothers about what would have been useful to know before initiating a pregnancy while living with rheumatoid arthritis.
Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Hereditary? - on NewLifeOutlook RA
Genetics only slightly increase the risk of developing RA. Instead, scientists believe that environmental factors are likely to play a much stronger role. While I've addressed this issue before, this article includes some updated statistics from the American College of Rheumatology.
Is
RA Hereditary? – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
Is
RA hereditary? A genetic component that influences susceptibility is not the
same as a disease being hereditary.
New FDA Pregnancy Labeling Standards - Not As Boring As It Sounds! - on RheumatoidArthritis.net
The FDA has new rules concerning how medications are labeled for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding!
Biologic Use During Pregnancy Doesn't Increase the Risk of Infection in Infants - on RheumatoidArthritis.net
If you end up needing biologics, there is some exciting new data to support the use of biologic medications to manage RA during pregnancy.
New FDA Pregnancy Labeling Standards - Not As Boring As It Sounds! - on RheumatoidArthritis.net
The FDA has new rules concerning how medications are labeled for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding!
Biologic Use During Pregnancy Doesn't Increase the Risk of Infection in Infants - on RheumatoidArthritis.net
If you end up needing biologics, there is some exciting new data to support the use of biologic medications to manage RA during pregnancy.
“Fertility
and Rheumatic Disease” at the 2015 American College of Rheumatology Annual
Meeting
– on RheumatoidArthritis.net
When I was diagnosed with RA at the age of 25, one of my first fears was how the disease might limit me from one of my major life goals – starting a family.
Pregnancy and Chronic Illness: What I Learned - in Women Magazine
Important things to keep in mind when considering a pregnancy while living with a chronic illness.
When I was diagnosed with RA at the age of 25, one of my first fears was how the disease might limit me from one of my major life goals – starting a family.
Pregnancy and Chronic Illness: What I Learned - in Women Magazine
Important things to keep in mind when considering a pregnancy while living with a chronic illness.
CONCEPTION:
Getting Pregnant In The First Place – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
If
you have RA and are thinking about starting a family, here are some things you
should consider and some tips that might help.
Life
Without RA Medications – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
Being
a parent is all about sacrificing your own needs for the needs of your
children. It’s a challenge that every parent faces. But, for those of us living
with chronic illnesses like RA, there are all sorts of extra sacrifices,
difficulties, and doubts we have to face.
Starting A Family When You Have A Chronic Illness
– on Mango Health
Deciding to start a family is always a big decision. But it can seem even more daunting when one partner lives with a chronic illness, or even both do. Here's five considerations - from pregnancy to baby gear!
What You Need To Know About Pregnancy With Rheumatoid Arthritis - on NewLifeOutlookRA
RA can certainly make pregnancy a bit more complicated. Whether you are thinking about your first pregnancy or considering expanding your family, if you’ve been diagnosed with RA you probably have a lot of the same questions that I had.
It's Complicated: Starting a Family With RA - on Clara Blog
Deciding to start a family is always a big decision. But it can seem even more daunting when one partner lives with a chronic illness, or even both do. Here's five considerations - from pregnancy to baby gear!
What You Need To Know About Pregnancy With Rheumatoid Arthritis - on NewLifeOutlookRA
RA can certainly make pregnancy a bit more complicated. Whether you are thinking about your first pregnancy or considering expanding your family, if you’ve been diagnosed with RA you probably have a lot of the same questions that I had.
It's Complicated: Starting a Family With RA - on Clara Blog
I share my own experiences with research and explain why I think it's so important for all of us!
American College of Rheumatology Issues Guidelines for Reproductive Health - on RheumatoidArthritis.net
In October 2018, the American College of Rheumatology presented brand new clinical guidelines addressing contraception, fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.
American College of Rheumatology Issues Guidelines for Reproductive Health - on RheumatoidArthritis.net
In October 2018, the American College of Rheumatology presented brand new clinical guidelines addressing contraception, fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.
Pregnancy
November 2017: Biologic Use in Pregnancy Does Not Increase Infant Infection Risk - on Rheumatology Network
New evidence is reassuring for women with rheumatoid arthritis who need treatment with a biologic throughout pregnancy.
TNF Inhibitor Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding - on RheumatoidArthritis.net
When I first started thinking about becoming a mom after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, one of the biggest challenges was figuring out my options for keeping my RA under control while pregnant and breastfeeding.
The exciting news is that the trend seems to be moving towards more and
more safe options for women with RA who want to get pregnant or
breastfeed their babies! So if you’re considering a pregnancy while
living with RA, make sure you know all your options.
November 2017: Biologic Use in Pregnancy Does Not Increase Infant Infection Risk - on Rheumatology Network
New evidence is reassuring for women with rheumatoid arthritis who need treatment with a biologic throughout pregnancy.
TNF Inhibitor Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding - on RheumatoidArthritis.net
When I first started thinking about becoming a mom after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, one of the biggest challenges was figuring out my options for keeping my RA under control while pregnant and breastfeeding.
“Pregnancy
in Rheumatic Diseases” at the 2015 American College of Rheumatology Annual
Meeting
– on RheumatoidArthritis.net
The approach presented is a useful way for women with RA to evaluate themselves before deciding to start a family.
The approach presented is a useful way for women with RA to evaluate themselves before deciding to start a family.
Book
Review: “Arthritis, Pregnancy, And The Path To Parenthood” By Suzie Edward May –
on RheumatoidArthritis.net
As
soon as I started thinking about getting pregnant for the first time, I
immediately started researching how living with RA was going to impact my
pregnancy (and my chances of getting pregnant in the first place). I was very
happy to find this book!
My
Second Pregnancy Begins – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
I
am excited to share stories from my second pregnancy on
RheumatoidArthritis.net. I can’t promise that my story will always be
uplifting, but I can promise that it will be honest. And though it may not be
an easy task, I can promise that I will show it is possible (& wonderful!)
to start a family while living with RA
Morning
Sickness and Other Unpleasantness – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
Life
with RA can sometimes feel like a constant Catch-22, a paradoxical set of
circumstances where you find yourself forced to make a decision where it feels
like you lose no matter what option you choose...In a strange way, I think
these experiences make women with RA uniquely qualified to deal with the
completely bizarre things that happen to your body while you are pregnant.
The
Magic R-Word – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
Despite
more than five years of living with RA, sometimes the R-word still seems too
magical to say/type! But if you’ve ever read anything about RA and pregnancy, you’ll
have read some statistic about the possibility of going into remission while
pregnant.
Pregnancy-Safe
RA Relief – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
I'm
finding my symptoms to be even more frustrating because there are so few
options for addressing aches/pains while pregnant. I've been brainstorming what
I can do instead & wanted to share my ideas.
Sometimes
Being Pregnant With Arthritis Is Hard – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
Unfortunately
I don’t think it can be denied any longer: my RA is officially flaring. I'm
also waking up with the most extreme morning stiffness I have ever experienced
– it feels like I have been run over with a steamroller. And the fatigue
(combined from the RA flare, difficult pregnancy, and chasing a toddler) is
beyond soul crushing.
Balancing
Acts & Difficult Decisions – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
Life
with RA can be a near constant balancing act. You balance the benefits of
medications against the potential risks. You must balance exercise & continued
movement against pain and fatigue. You even have to balance your desires &
dreams against your realities & capabilities.
Pregnancy
and Parenting with Arthritis Study by the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance –
on RheumatoidArthritis.net
Though I had a lot of friends who were new mothers also, none of them could relate to the specific challenges I was facing because of my RA.
Pregnancy & Parenting with Arthritis – An Interview with Laurie Proulx - on RheumatoidArthritis.net
Laurie shares her own experiences with arthritis and pregnancy/parenting, as well as the resources she's worked to develop for other parents.
Though I had a lot of friends who were new mothers also, none of them could relate to the specific challenges I was facing because of my RA.
Pregnancy & Parenting with Arthritis – An Interview with Laurie Proulx - on RheumatoidArthritis.net
Laurie shares her own experiences with arthritis and pregnancy/parenting, as well as the resources she's worked to develop for other parents.
Birth
Birth
Positions – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
The
birth instructor kept talking about “using what nature provides” to make the
birth process easier, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how unfair it was that
nature had provided me with a bunch of inflamed joints and the ability
to get fatigued more easily than other women, which wasn’t going to make the
birth process any easier!
The
Post-Birth Flare – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
It
is common to experience an RA flare postpartum, but there are several things
one can do to make this period of time easier.
The
Birth of My Second Baby – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
It
is time for me to go back on the methotrexate because at this point I have been
living with partially treated RA for FOUR years. Though I must say it has been
totally worth it for my two beautiful boys.
Breastfeeding
The exciting news is that the trend seems to be moving towards more and
more safe options for women with RA who want to get pregnant or
breastfeed their babies! So if you’re considering a pregnancy while
living with RA, make sure you know all your options.
Making
The Most of Breastfeeding – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
Women
with RA can find breastfeeding to be challenging for many reasons. Here are
some tips to help you make the most of breastfeeding!
TNF Inhibitor Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding - on RheumatoidArthritis.net
When I first started thinking about becoming a mom after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, one of the biggest challenges was figuring out my options for keeping my RA under control while pregnant and breastfeeding.
TNF Inhibitor Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding - on RheumatoidArthritis.net
When I first started thinking about becoming a mom after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, one of the biggest challenges was figuring out my options for keeping my RA under control while pregnant and breastfeeding.
Parenting
6 Things Mothers With RA Wish You Knew - on Rheumatology Network
A wish list for doctors from patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are—or who want to become—mothers.
6 Things Mothers With RA Wish You Knew - on Rheumatology Network
A wish list for doctors from patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are—or who want to become—mothers.
How To Talk To Your Kids About Having a Chronic Illness - on Mango Health
Five ideas to help you navigate talking to your kids about your chronic illness.
How To Entertain Kids When You Aren't Feeling Well - on Mango Health
Keeping kids safe, clean, fed, and entertained can be exhausting – even when you are feeling your best. So how do you manage when you’re sick?
Mamas Facing Forward - A Community to Help Mamas Facing Chronic Illnesses Move Forward – on RheumatoidArthritis.net and CrohnsDisease.com
When I realized that there seemed to be no resources addressing the unique challenges of motherhood with a chronic illness, I decided to start one of my own.
5 Tips on Parenting With Chronic Illness – on
Mango Health
Parenting is never an easy job. But raising kids can be even more complicated when one parent (or both) lives with a chronic illness.
Parenting is never an easy job. But raising kids can be even more complicated when one parent (or both) lives with a chronic illness.
How To Handle Parenting With Rheumatoid Arthritis
– on NewLifeOutlook RA
Being a parent can bring such joy to
your life! Here's how to manage all the challenges that come along with
parenting with rheumatoid arthritis.
RA
Friendly Baby Gear – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
Buying
the right baby gear can be overwhelming for anyone, but even more so if you're
also dealing with RA. In this article I share my recommendations to make life
as a parent with RA a little easier.
Babywearing
For Parents With RA – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
After more than 4 years of wearing both of my boys, I honestly can’t imagine motherhood without the benefits of babywearing.
After more than 4 years of wearing both of my boys, I honestly can’t imagine motherhood without the benefits of babywearing.
Things
I Want My Sons To Learn From Having a Mom With RA – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
Strength
isn’t about being the strongest. Sometimes strength is about getting back up
when you fall down.
24-Hours
In The Life of An RA Mom – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
Being
a mom is hard work…being a mom with a chronic illness can be even more of a
challenge. I chronicle an ordinary day in the life of an RA mom.
Talking To Your Kids About Having A Chronic Illness – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
“My rheumatologist suggested bringing my kids to an appointment with me. That really helped them.” And other tips for talking to kids about RA
Managing Stress About Giving Your Kids Your Chronic Illness - on Mango Health
Raising kids is stressful enough. But parents living with chronic illnesses may face the added concern of passing their own diseases on to their kids. I share my own perspective and the insights of four other moms living with chronic illnesses.
Talking To Your Kids About Having A Chronic Illness – on RheumatoidArthritis.net
“My rheumatologist suggested bringing my kids to an appointment with me. That really helped them.” And other tips for talking to kids about RA
Managing Stress About Giving Your Kids Your Chronic Illness - on Mango Health
Raising kids is stressful enough. But parents living with chronic illnesses may face the added concern of passing their own diseases on to their kids. I share my own perspective and the insights of four other moms living with chronic illnesses.
2 comments:
I'm just wondering how you found your RA after baby #2? My rheumatologist tells me that the literature says that the disease changes/is more active after each pregnancy? My first pregnancy was tough-no remission until about 20 weeks and even then I flared occasionally. Considering baby #2 now but scared my RA will be even worse afterwards. Did you find that the same meds you were on before having baby #2 worked the same after baby #2? Im on Enbrel and Plaquenil. Thank you so much for this site btw!
Hi Anonymous ~
After baby #2, the bad news is that the Enbrel - which had been a miracle medication for me for many years - basically stopped working all together. So I had to go back to square one in searching for the right combination of medication. But the GOOD news is that I found one that worked better than anything else I had ever experienced! When I was on Rituxan I was doing so well that last September I was able to do that crazy bike ride. So while pregnancy #2 certainly did seem to impact my RA, my rheumatologist and I were still able to fight back. So I'd say that if a second baby is something that you really truly want, you should definitely make sure you've got good communication with your rheumatologist so you will be ready and able to address whatever may come. Also, my two pregnancies were SO DIFFERENT - which really surprised me because I thought I more or less knew what I was getting into the second time around! My point being, you might have a completely different experience.
If you'd like to get some input from other women in a similar situation, I'd recommend requesting to join my private Facebook support group for moms living with chronic illnesses! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mamasfacingforward
Best,
~Mariah~
Post a Comment