Arthritis During Pregnancy

Pregnancy does not cause arthritis and having it won’t affect your ability to get pregnant. Unfortunately, you can’t take any medications before consulting your doctor because it may affect your pregnancy or your unborn baby. Women with arthritis during pregnancy have an increased risk of their baby’s birth. They may give birth to babies under average weight or a bit smaller. To learn more about arthritis during pregnancy and treating it properly, speak to our best OBGYN in Nassau County here at Women for Women!

Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis is the tenderness and swelling of joints that causes pain and stiffness. Since pregnancy involves a lot of weight gain, increasing weight on the joints may cause more pain and discomfort for pregnant women. Some of the common symptoms of arthritis during pregnancy include:

• Swelling or tenderness around joints (may be noticeable in knees)
• Added pressure on the spine
• Stiffness in knees, hips, ankles, and feet
• Fatigue
• Carpal tunnel syndrome from water weight

The above symptoms usually go away within a couple of days or weeks once the baby is born. This condition can also cause preeclampsia which increases the mother’s blood pressure and the protein in their urine. 

Treating Arthritis During Pregnancy: Medication

It is best to consult your doctor before taking any medications that may affect you and your baby. Let your doctor know if you plan on breastfeeding and taking any dietary supplements, over-the-counter medications, or any other prescriptions to ensure they don’t prescribe you something that may cause complications. Our best OBGYN in Nassau County will find alternative medications or lower the dosage to ensure you don’t suffer as much pain and discomfort and keep the baby safe at the same time. 

Arthritis During Pregnancy: Diet and Exercise

Having arthritis while pregnant may cause dry mouth or cause difficulty in swallowing, so maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet is very important. The discomfort in swallowing may cause a loss of appetite, and it is essential for the development of the baby. Normally, women take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy for an extra boost in nutrients, but it is recommended that you speak with our best OBGYN in Nassau County for further assistance. 

During pregnancy, it is important to exercise regularly with or without arthritis. Women with arthritis during pregnancy should prioritize exercise to promote flexibility and muscle strength when joints are swollen and inflamed. Nor exercising or staying still for long periods may cause immobility and sometimes increase pain and discomfort. 

Not sure what exercises are safe for you and your baby? Ask our best OBGYN in Nassau County at Women for Women about exercise routines that promote flexibility and muscle strength while having arthritis pregnant. 

Pain Relief Tips

Fortunately, aside from taking medications that may cause complications, there are safe, helpful tips to cope with arthritis while pregnant. We recommend the following:

• Hot and cold packs with a little pressure on joint pain 
• Relaxation or meditation techniques
• Wearing comfortable shoes
• A good night’s sleep
• A safe exercise routine
• Resting your joints by elevating your feet
• Maintain a good posture when sitting and standing

Potential Risks

Women have an increased risk of the baby’s birth when they have arthritis during pregnancy. Arthritis can cause preeclampsia which increases the mother’s blood pressure and the protein in their urine. This usually occurs postpartum but is a life-threatening condition for the mother and the baby. Discuss with your doctor potential risks. 

Arthritis Postpartum

Your doctor will likely suggest you resume your prescribed medication for arthritis after giving birth because you no longer run the risk of harming your baby or yourself. However, always consult your doctor before making this decision yourself because if you plan on breastfeeding, the strong medication can get in your breastmilk and potentially harm your baby. 

The Best OBGYN in Nassau County

Arthritis is not something you should deal with by yourself, especially when pregnant. Luckily, Women for Women has the best OBGYN for you specializing in this area of care and will help you treat this safely. Give us a call or visit our website to make an appointment!