I’ve had so many people recently ask me this question on social media and email. Does rheumatoid arthritis really go into remission during pregnancy?

There are so many articles about this subject online. They all say the same thing…. most women go into remission during pregnancy. All of these articles are written by medical journals or websites, but not from actual people who have experienced it.

So today, I want to share my journey with you!

Also be sure to check out a Chemist’s guide to pregnancy survival!

Does rheumatoid arthritis really go into remission during pregnancy?

Shortly after I found out I was pregnant, I got really sick. I had been going through an arthritic flare for awhile, so my joints were already inflamed. Up until about week 17 or 18, I was too sick to notice much of anything, but I still had joint pain and swelling.

When the sickness died down, I realized how swollen my elbow was. This has been my problem joint for the last eight or nine years. Even when I am doing great, this elbow is always troublesome.

I started getting back into my healthy eating routine at this time. Before, I was too sick to even think about a fruit or vegetable! My elbow wasn’t getting any better, and my knee started acting up too. I couldn’t walk very well which was difficult for me because I love to walk and stay active.

The pain got so bad in my elbow, I went to my rheumatologist. She couldn’t believe how inflamed by problem joints were.

I asked her right away, isn’t this RA going into remission soon??

She said, not everyone goes into remission. The majority of her patients do NOT! I was surprised to hear this because everything I had read online to this point always showed the majority of women getting into remission during pregnancy.

I really didn’t want to be on medication during pregnancy to be safe for the baby, but she said I could take a small dose of prednisone while this flare lasted. There are other medications to take if it becomes unbearable, but steroids were the safest option.

The next day I went to my OBGYN to talk with her about it. She said steroids are usually safe, but there is a small possibility of physical defects to the face.

The minute I heard this, I said NOPE, I won’t risk anything to my little girl.

So, I talked with my husband about it and we decided to pray and trust God to get me through the pain. It isn’t worth risking anything to the baby.

The arthritic pain continued off and on the next few months.

Each day was different. Some days I would wake up in severe pain, other days I felt fine. I spent so much time in prayer to get through it because it did get unbearable at times.

Now at 35 weeks pregnant, I still have elbow issues off an on along with knee pain. It isn’t as bad as it was, but again each day is different.

Has the pain gotten better?

The arthritic pain has gotten a little better during this third trimester. The arthritis is still there with some swelling, but not as bad as it was during the first and second trimester.

So, does Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Really Go Into Remission During Pregnancy? I think everyone is different, but it is important to remember, it may not for you. That’s okay though! There are ways to get through it with a healthy and good pregnancy.

Things You Can Do to Help Rheumatoid Arthritis During Pregnancy (And Things to Help Anyone Who is Pregnant!)

These tips are really great for anyone who is pregnant or wanting to be pregnant. If you have any type of auto-immune disease, these are helpful tips to follow too.

1. Stay Active!

I walk 2 miles a day (almost everyday). Even when I am hurting, it is so important to keep moving. It helps your body stay healthy, keeps pregnancy weight down, and keeps your joints moving. I share my day to day on instagram stories, and I always get asked about this. I am currently 5 weeks from my due date (picture above), and I still walk and stretch when I can.

By keeping pregnancy weight down, it will also keep unnecessary pressure off weight bearing joints which is so important for arthritic knees, hips, ankles and feet.

2. Eat Well

I follow many of these tips on how to deal with an arthritic flare. While I don’t do all of them while pregnant (I don’t take supplements or do certain drinks), the healthy food and smoothies are so beneficial for inflammation. Plus you have more energy eating well and keeping up nutrition.

The picture above I posted on snapchat a few days ago and a few readers asked how I have stayed in shape while pregnant. Eating well and exercise are the two main things. These both help with inflammation too!

3. Keep Stress Low

Anyone who has an auto-immune disease knows that stress makes things worse. I try to keep stress as low as possible. I do things like take hot baths, rest on the couch, get pedicures, and spend time in nature. All these things help eliminate stress. Anything you enjoy doing, take the time to do it and relax when possible.

4.  Talk with Your Doctor!

It is so important to talk with your doctor about your disease and pregnancy. You don’t want the pain to become unbearable because that can hinder your pregnancy and delivery. Sometimes you do have to go on medication, but talk with your doctor about options.

Trusting in God has gotten me through each day, and I feel pretty good for the most part. I still have the occasional arthritic pain, but I just keep doing all the things I need too.

If you have any questions or want to talk, I am always available! You can find me here!

A verse that helps me each day: Psalm 103:2-3 “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”

Follow on Facebook | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Hometalk

Linking with Met Monday and these link parties!