Assessing Psoriatic Arthritis and Pregnancy Risk

Topic: Assessing Psoriatic Arthritis and Pregnancy Risk

Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis may be understood as a chronic inflammatory disease that affects certain areas of the body, including the joints and where the tendons and ligaments connect to bones. It can be quite painful and uncomfortable for individuals, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain. It is a condition that should not be left untreated, due to its ability to cause lasting damage to the joints.

Does Psoriatic Arthritis Affect Pregnancy?

Individuals suffering from psoriatic arthritis may be concerned if it will affect their ability to get pregnant, or any part of their pregnancy if they do get pregnant. However, there is no current evidence that psoriatic arthritis affects fertility. In short, this condition does not stop many individuals from getting pregnant and does not impact the health of the fetus.

However, if you have psoriatic arthritis and are wanting to get pregnant or have found out that you are pregnant, it is still important to consult the physician who treats your condition. For example, some medications used to treat psoriatic arthritis may need to be discontinued so they do not pose a risk to the fetus.

While psoriatic arthritis has not been proven to adversely affect pregnancies, it is important to keep in mind that not many studies have been conducted, and some have had various results. For example, some risks may include pre-term births, the need for a C-section, low birth weight, or the development of diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia. Again, it is important to remember that more studies need to be conducted and that everyone’s body is different. Consulting a physician is always a highly recommended step.

Key Takeaway

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can be quite painful for some individuals. For example, it can cause swelling and affect the joints and other areas. If left untreated, it may cause permanent joint damage. While some individuals may be concerned that their psoriatic arthritis will affect their ability to get pregnant or to have a healthy pregnancy, it is important to remember that there has been no conclusive evidence to support this claim. It has not been shown to impact fertility or the health of the fetus.
However, some individuals with psoriatic arthritis may be at risk for certain occurrences, such as pre-term births, the need for C-sections, low birth weight, or the development of other conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and preeclampsia. It is always important to consult a physician if you are pregnant or are considering getting pregnant, especially due to the fact that some medications may need to be stopped or altered.

Topic Discussed: Assessing Psoriatic Arthritis and Pregnancy Risk