If you have RA and are planning on starting a family, it is advised to let your healthcare team know. They will be able to provide guidance and information on any necessary adjustments to medications. For example, methotrexate, leflunomide, and biological treatments should be avoided by anyone trying to have a baby.¹

Babies and young children are physically and mentally demanding, which may prove more difficult for people with RA, especially during flare-ups and as the babies grow in size and become more physically active.^1,2 It is worth thinking about these challenges and making sure you have any support you need. 

Will I be able to get pregnant?

Whilst it may take slightly longer for women with arthritis to become pregnant, arthritis is unlikely to affect your ability to get pregnant. 

If necessary, most women with arthritis are also able to have fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), if their condition is under control. If your condition is not under control or it is not the right time, another option is to freeze your embryos or eggs for future use.³

How will I feel during pregnancy?

Interestingly, around three-quarters of women experience relief from RA symptoms during pregnancy.

However, that leaves one quarter who may struggle with their RA. Also, many women with RA experience a severe flare-up within weeks of giving birth. This can lead healthcare teams to recommend a prompt restart to medication after giving birth, which may impact your ability to breastfeed.²

Will my children have arthritis?

In the majority of cases, the chance of passing on arthritis is low.³ As introduced in ‘What causes RA?’, there is a genetic component to RA; however, this is combined with several other factors.

References

1. NHS England. Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/living-with/. Last accessed April 2025.
2. National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. Pregnancy and parenthood. Available at: https://nras.org.uk/resource/pregnancy-and-parenthood/. Last accessed April 2025.
3. Versus Arthritis. Pregnancy, Fertility and Arthritis. Available at: https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/pregnancy/. Last accessed April 2025.