If you or your partner has PsA, you may have a few additional things to consider when starting a family.

Will I be able to get pregnant?

It is absolutely possible to start a family when either you or your partner has PsA. It may require a bit more planning, but with appropriate medical care, most people with arthritis can have safe, successful pregnancies.¹

However, it can take longer to conceive if you or your partner has PsA, although experts aren’t sure why this is the case. Conception may be more difficult during periods when inflammation is high. In addition, there are some reports of a higher incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome (a hormonal disorder that can affect fertility) in patients with PsA.²

If you have any concerns about your fertility, you should speak to your GP or rheumatologist, who may refer you to a fertility specialist. 

What will my pregnancy look like with PsA?

When planning to conceive:

• If you have PsA, the best time to conceive is when the disease is well-controlled.
• If inflammation resulting from PsA is poorly controlled, there is an increased risk of conditions like preeclampsia (a complication associated with high blood pressure), among other complications.

During pregnancy:

• Having PsA does not increase the risk of miscarriage, and if your arthritis is well controlled, there should be no increased risk of complications during pregnancy, either. However, poorly controlled arthritis can increase the risks for both you and your baby.
• If your PsA affects your back or hips, the Arthritis foundation³ warns that you may experience additional pain in these areas as the foetus grows.

During labour:

• Inflammation in the spine could make it more difficult to administer an epidural for pain relief during labour.

After delivery:

• After delivery, you may experience more fatigue than others.
• If you plan to breastfeed, there is no evidence that PsA impacts milk production,³ and while some medications may be passed through breastmilk to your baby, there are many that are safe to use. You should consult your healthcare team to make decisions about medications.

Will my children have arthritis?

• The chance of your baby having arthritis is low, but you can chat with your GP or rheumatologist for more information.

What questions should I ask my healthcare team?

As we have mentioned above, if either you or your partner has PsA, it is important to seek advice from your rheumatologist before you start trying to conceive. You may need to stop taking some of your medications before trying for a baby. Your rheumatologist should be able to provide you with advice on the safest combination of medicines that you can take through conception and pregnancy, so that you can continue to manage your PsA.

Sudden changes to your medications could have negative effects on your PsA, and this can cause health problems for you and your unborn child. 

Always talk to your rheumatologist before you stop taking your medications.

Other questions you may want to ask include:

1. What vaccinations might you need to take?
2. Should you take supplements?
3. Do you need any tests before trying to conceive?
4. What contraception should you use while waiting to conceive?
5. When is the best time to start trying for a baby?

References

1. Pregnancy and psoriatic arthritis – My Psoriatic Arthritis https://mypsoriaticarthritis.org.au/article/life-psa-pregnancy-intimacy/pregnancy-and-psoriatic-arthritis. Last accessed April 2025.
2. 6 Things to Know if You Have Psoriatic Arthritis and Want to Start a Family – Everyday Health. Available at: https://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriatic-arthritis/things-know-you-have-psoriatic-arthritis-youre-starting-family/. Last accessed April 2025.
3. Psoriatic arthritis and pregnancy – Arthritis Foundation https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/family-relationships/family-planning/psoriatic-arthritis-and-pregnancy. Last accessed April 2025.