What you need to know about arthritis during pregnancy

Image for representational purposes only (Photo Courtesy: iStock)

Pregnancy can be accompanied with various health challenges in a woman's life. One of these is the risk of arthritis, which can cause discomfort and pain. Arthritis causes pain and swelling in the joints, a condition that can be aggravated during pregnancy. This health challenge can present itself in different forms.

In a conversation with mid-day.com, Dr. Vanitha Vaishnav, MBBS, MS, OBGYN (Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine), Apollo Cradle and Children's Hospital, Bangalore, discusses the symptoms, effects and tips for managing arthritis during pregnancy.

Symptoms of arthritis and its effect on pregnancy

There are several signs that point towards arthritis. Dr. Vaishnav shares the following:

Joint pain and stiffness: It's common in affected areas, such as hands, knees, and hips, which are worse after periods of inactivity.

Swelling and redness: Inflammation can cause noticeable swelling and warmth in the affected joints.

Fatigue: Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with chronic fatigue and often, a person in the condition becomes unable to sustain energy.

Limited range of motion: Joints may seem to be stiff and not able to move easily through their full range.

Morning stiffness: This is found to be most common in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, in which the pain and stiffness at the joints are specially seen on waking up in the morning.

Joint deformities: Finally, with progressive arthritis, the joints begin to deform, and fingers or toes may look somewhat skewed.

Management of arthritis during pregnancy

Usually, arthritis can be managed through medicines. However, in the sensitive period of pregnancy, it is not safe to give any and every medicine because some may also have a negative effect on the baby.

"Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be given in the first and second trimester, but the third trimester of pregnancy is very important. Using these medicines at this time can be risky, so it is necessary to consult a doctor for this. According to the situation, the doctor can give an alternative to the medicines," informs Dr. Vaishnav.

The effects of arthritis can be reduced to a great extent by making some lifestyle changes during pregnancy. Dr. Vaishnav recommends the following:

Yoga: Gentle stretching exercises of yoga, such as Tadasana, Vajrasana and Vrikshasana, help in the movement of joints and improve blood flow and relieve pain.

Swimming: Swimming stretches the whole body, which helps in the movement of joints and increases flexibility in the joints, which reduces pain.

Balanced diet: Diet plays an important role in reducing any disease. Consuming a balanced diet that includes nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can provide great relief from pain.

Arthritis during pregnancy needs to be properly supervised and coordinated with the suitable doctor.

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Consult a qualified expert for personalised guidance.

Also Read: World Arthritis Day 2024: Why more young people are developing arthritis