Can Pregnancy Trigger Arthritis?

Are you looking for an ob-gyn in New Hyde Park? Women4Women ob-gyn consists of 6 female board certified/ board eligible OB/GYN physicians and one female certified nurse practitioner who works together to provide women with the best care possible. At Women4Women they care for women from puberty up to menopause. At Women4Women they are expert in general obstetric and gynecological care, high-risk obstetrics, laparoscopy, and hysteroscopy. They also provide specialty services, including bone densitometry, gynecological sonography, 4-D obstetrical ultrasound, minimally invasive surgery, cosmetic treatments, and personalized wellness consultations. Continue reading below to learn more about pregnancy and arthritis. 

Arthritis

Arthritis is swelling and tenderness of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and involves the wearing away of the cartilage that caps the bones in your joints and develops gradually over several years. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints beginning with the lining of the joints, and can develop and worsen over several weeks to a few months.

Symptoms of Arthritis

The symptoms you have depend on the type of arthritis you have, but it typically includes:

• Joint pain
• Weakness 
• Stiffness 
• Swelling
• Redness 
• Limited or decreased range of motion
• Clicking or cracking noises

How to treat arthritis

There are several ways to treat arthritis. You can first treat arthritis with both prescription and non-prescription medication. You can take painkillers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen to reduce any pain you experience. You can also apply hot and cold compresses to the affected area. Joint immobilization can also be very beneficial for those with arthritis. An example of joint mobilization is using a brace or sleeve that can lessen pain by keeping your body part in a stable position. Massage can also be helpful. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, also called TENS, can help control arthritis pain and reduce the amount of medication needed. Lastly, acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation in the area and potentially reduce pain.

Arthritis & Pregnancy

Arthritis affects the joints throughout the body and can worsen when you gain weight. The added weight of pregnancy can increase pain and discomfort. During pregnancy, you may notice it in the knees and legs due to the added pressure on the spine, causing muscle spasms or numbness in the legs. Suppose you believe you are suffering from arthritis induced by your pregnancy. In that case, you should speak with a doctor to determine what medications are safe to take during your pregnancy to treat arthritis. 

When pregnant, your medication options may be limited, so it is important to eat healthily and exercise to improve your arthritis. Eating healthy and frequent exercise will also be essential to your baby’s development. Throughout your pregnancy, you should include a range of motion exercises in your routine to promote flexibility as well as exercises to maintain muscle strength. Walking and swimming are great exercises for people with arthritis, but you should always consult your doctor about what exercises are safe for you and your baby. 

Arthritis during pregnancy: how to relieve pain 

Throughout your pregnancy, there are several things you can do to relieve pain. You should do your best to rest your joints, elevate your feet, and get a good night’s sleep. Improving your posture and wearing comfortable shoes can also help reduce your pain. In addition to the above, you should also try relaxation techniques.

Risks of arthritis during pregnancy

As stated previously, rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis. RA can increase the risk of preeclampsia if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis before becoming pregnant. Preeclampsia is when a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure and excess protein in her urine. This can be a life-threatening condition for both the mother and the baby. Women with RA are at an increased risk of other complications, like the baby being born smaller than average or having a low birth weight. Years ago, women with RA were advised not to get pregnant, but now with our advances in medical care, women with RA can have healthy and successful pregnancies.

Contact Women4Women Obgyn: ob-gyn in New Hyde Park

If you are looking for an ob-gyn in New Hyde Park, contact Women4Women Obgyn today! The women at Women4Women Obgyn will provide you with comfortable, comprehensive care.