Can you get pregnant if you have rheumatism?
Sep 01, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Aihua
Introduction
Rheumatism does not affect pregnancy. Rheumatism is an infectious disease associated with infection by hemolytic streptococcus. Clinically, it primarily affects the larger joints of the limbs, causing joint lesions. Its typical features include joint redness, swelling, and pain—sometimes even leading to impaired limb mobility. Low ambient temperature, rapid temperature fluctuations, excessive intake of cold foods, and compromised immune function are all triggering factors for rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatic disease is a relatively common condition in daily life. Some women diagnosed with it worry whether it may affect pregnancy. So, can women with rheumatic disease become pregnant?
Can women with rheumatic disease become pregnant?
Rheumatic disease does not impair fertility or pregnancy. It is an infectious condition associated with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection. Clinically, it primarily affects large joints of the limbs, causing joint inflammation. Its hallmark features include joint redness, swelling, and pain—sometimes leading to impaired mobility. Contributing factors to rheumatoid arthritis (note: the original Chinese text mistakenly refers to “rheumatic disease” as “rheumatoid arthritis” here) include cold ambient temperatures, rapid temperature fluctuations, excessive intake of cold foods, and compromised immune function. Appropriate preventive measures can help reduce disease recurrence. In the absence of active pharmacotherapy, rheumatoid arthritis does not interfere with pregnancy, and conception and gestation can proceed normally.
Patients with rheumatic disease should also pay close attention to dietary habits. For instance, they should avoid spicy and irritating foods to prevent disease exacerbation. Leftover food, cold or hard foods, various chilled items, and seafood should be avoided to minimize gastrointestinal adverse reactions or allergic responses—such as abdominal pain and diarrhea—which hinder recovery. Food and drinking water must be clean and hygienic. Smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly discouraged. Additionally, diets should be light and balanced, emphasizing low-salt, low-fat, and low-sugar intake. Nutritional supplementation should be appropriate, with well-balanced combinations of lean meats and vegetables. Scientific, moderate dietary control—not extreme fasting—is recommended. These practices support overall health enhancement and bolster disease resistance, particularly through increased intake of vitamin-rich foods.
Women diagnosed with rheumatic disease need not be overly concerned—pregnancy remains unaffected. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
