Rheumatoid arthritis and motherhood

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects three times as many women as men and can affect decisions such as whether or not to have a family. Pregnancy is not recommended if women are taking anti-rheumatic drugs, but RA does not affect a developing foetus. Women may need help to cope with a baby and midwives should understand RA before seeing and advising the woman. Labour may be difficult if movement is restricted or the hip is affected. Extra care needs to be taken by medical staff.