Pregnant

[sdk81]

Hi! I'm 5 weeks pregnant and just wanted to know around when RA might go into remission. I'm hoping to be one of the lucky ones. I'm having a pretty good flare right now but I'm not on any meds. I take the occasional tylenol but that's it. It's very annoying and seems like every morning it gets worse. I'm wondering if I should call my OB or Rheumy and see about prednisone. It's the only thing that controls the flares. What are the effects on baby?

I also have gestational thrombocytopenia (low platelets while pregnant) and when I was pregnant with my second son I had to be on a prednisone burst from 34 weeks on but that was to see how my platelets would raise. It worked and they were stable. But I'm wondering the effects in early pregnancy. Hmmm maybe I'll give my OB a call today.

[cavansmom]

Hi Sara,

Wow!  I'm sorry to hear about the platelet thing.  I imagine that's a bleeding danger when pregnant/delivering?  "They" say that prednisone is safe when pregnant, but I have had concerns about it.  I took it when breastfeeding (not during pregnancy), and my son stopped pooping!  It was freaky.  It certainly would be worth a conversation with your doctor, as I recommend to all moms talk to their doctors.  I don't think remission typically comes until the second to third trimester, and my understanding is that it's rare for it to be a full remission.  It seems like many women on our site have had a pretty good lessening of symptoms or remission though, so that's a good thing.

I hope you are feeling well.

Lori
MomsWithRA.org

[sdk81]

Since I had posted, I gave my OB a call. She said that I could take Motrin once or twice a week. HA! Like that's even going to help so why try. She said it's not safe after 20 weeks so I just think I'm going to nix that idea altogether. My legs and fingers are hurting pretty bad. This is probably the worst I've ever been. I'm not one to take any kind of med when I'm pregnant. But I'm desperate right now. I know Tylenol is safe and I've been taking it sparingly. I'm wondering how much is safe. Like if I take it everyday or even twice a day. Like I said, I'm not big on taking anything period. I just hope that I can get a little bit of relief soon just so that I can function and play with my other 2. So frustrating. I have an appointment with my rheumatologist on Monday. Hopefully he'll see me and suggest something. I'm not a pretty sight right now. lol

[cavansmom]

Hi Sara,

Have you talked to your OB about tylenol?  Different docs say different things, of course, but my OB told me no tylenol.  I know ibuprofen is out (causes miscarriages early in pregnancy and heart problems later).  I would also wonder (and again, ask your doctor as I cannot give medical advice) about some kind of sports rub stuff.... aspercream or something like that?  I think that can get absorbed through your skin though, so definitely ask your doctor.  I would also think about diet stuff (again, ask your doctor as I have no idea if there could be an impact on baby).  I've heard ginger and green tea (of course has caffeine, so ask doctor) are good for inflammation.  I've personally been a fan of green tea (seems to help, although I can't say I'm particularly fond of it).

I wish there were some great options!  Keep us posted on what your rheumy says!

Lori

[berjnsan21]

The best way to do is to consult your doctor, sdk81, for you to be able to get an advice, for your health and for your baby. if you are pregnant, then it is now your new responsibility to take care the new life inside your womb. You just have to trust in the Lord. He will be there to guide you as well as your parents.