Rheumatoid arthritis after pregnancy: What you need to know

Many researchers don't know exactly why rheumatoid arthritis symptoms go into remission during pregnancy. The cause of the disease is the malfunction of the immune system when it mistakenly attacks the normal synovial membrane in the joints of the body. It is theorized that pregnancy reduces the activity of the immune system to protect the fetus from being eliminated from the mother's body. This means that the patient's immune system is no longer as active as before, reducing attacks on the joints, the inflammatory response in the body is limited.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in pregnant women become relieved or disappear, reappearing only within 3 months of giving birth. A recent study has suggested that changes in the activity of certain genes in immune cells are responsible for this phenomenon. The study analyzed and measured the activity of a number of different genes in six pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis and eight healthy pregnant women at two time points, the last 3 months of pregnancy and 24 weeks of pregnancy. after birth. The results showed that 5 out of 6 patients with low disease activity had similar gene expression to other pregnant women. However, after birth, these genes are significantly more active than during pregnancy. The reactivation of genes is involved in both the innate and acquired immune systems. Analysis of postpartum rheumatoid arthritis cases revealed an important role of the innate immune system along with the donation of monocyte-related genes. In addition, the expression of lymphocyte-associated genes is also increased in postpartum rheumatoid arthritis, demonstrating a role for the acquired immune system. According to the team, the interaction between the activity of monocytes and lymphocytes is an important mechanism for the recurrence of postpartum rheumatoid arthritis.

Although the benefits of breastfeeding are well known, breastfeeding is still seen as a challenge for young mothers. The same goes for women with rheumatoid arthritis. When a mother has the disease, the limitation of movement of the elbow, wrist and hand joints is an obstacle for the mother to have a suitable breastfeeding position. Physical therapy and supportive devices such as splints should be used to relieve pressure on the joints, making it more comfortable in breastfeeding positions.
Also, some rheumatoid arthritis medications may not be safe while breastfeeding. Therefore, before making a decision, the patient should be examined and consulted more closely with the treating doctor. Steroids and hydroxychloroquine are safe while breastfeeding, but the class of antirheumatic drugs that slow the progression of the disease can cause many side effects. Some women respond well to common pain relievers during breastfeeding. If the disease tends to be severe, rheumatoid arthritis patients need to return to specific medications and use infant formula instead of breast milk.
Although, the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in pregnant women are often mild, even disappear and only recur within three months of giving birth, but to ensure safety during pregnancy, pregnant women should choose Reputable medical facility for examination and delivery.

Vinmec International General Hospital is a modern medical facility with the function of examining and treating musculoskeletal, immuno-allergic, and obstetric diseases. At Vinmec, there are all necessary medical equipment to perform simple to complex treatment methods such as medical treatment, medical intervention. Accordingly, the entire examination and treatment process at Vinmec is carried out by a team of highly qualified medical professionals who have undergone training and are granted technical certificates, able to handle quickly and effectively. , especially in cases of urgent need. Therefore, patients with musculoskeletal diseases or many other diseases can rest assured with a strict, methodical and effective treatment process at Vinmec.
Especially, now to improve service quality, Vinmec continues to deploy a package maternity service, this service was born as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the team. doctors throughout pregnancy from care, monitoring, comprehensive examination, ultrasound testing and health advice for pregnant women on how to develop a healthy fetus.

References: medscape.com, webmd.com
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