Rheumatology

If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you know what an exciting time in your life this is. Women with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, along with other  rare rheumatic  diseases like vasculitis, scleroderma and myositis often feel  even more anxious because they’re unsure of how their disease may affect their pregnancy and vice versa.

The Pregnancy in Rheumatic Disease Clinic at Tufts Medical Center in Boston is designed to help women with rheumatic diseases navigate the complexities of their pregnancy.  Our expert rheumatologists work closely with high risk obstetricians at Tufts to ensure the best possible outcome for both the mother and her child. With collaborative management, many women with rheumatic diseases can have successful pregnancy outcomes.

What can I expect?

Rheumatic diseases can flare or improve with pregnancy. Pregnancy outcomes can also vary depending on the rheumatic disease the woman has.  

That’s why it’s important to see one of our specialists. We guide you through your pregnancy and prepare you for any possible complications. We also help by:  

• Managing your symptoms
• Making sure you’re on the appropriate medications (some rheumatic disease medications can be harmful to the fetus)
• Minimizing your rheumatic disease flares and related issues
• Monitoring the fetus
• Arranging appropriate treatment for the baby after birth if needed

When should I see a specialist?

We recommend calling the Pregnancy in Rheumatic Disease Clinic at Tufts Medical Center at least 3-6 months before trying to get pregnant or as soon as you know about your pregnancy. One of the most important points of managing pregnancy is pre-pregnancy counseling.

We will offer a team approach with you, an obstetrician and a rheumatologist. We will follow you closely before, during and after your pregnancy to ensure a successful pregnancy and be prepared to deal with complications if they occur.