All living well guides
Pregnancy & family
RA and Pregnancy
RA often improves during pregnancy but can flare after delivery.
Video lesson
Why it matters
Active RA is linked to smaller babies and preterm birth, so control before and during pregnancy matters.
What you can do
Switch off methotrexate or leflunomide in advance. Sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, low-dose prednisone and TNF inhibitors, especially certolizumab, can be used. Plan your postpartum treatment before delivery.
Call your care team if
Your joints flare during pregnancy or after the baby arrives.
At a glance
Topic
Pregnancy & family
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.