Methotrexate is a first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. If a person takes this drug during pregnancy, it can cause birth abnormalities. Both partners should avoid methotrexate when planning to become pregnant and during pregnancy.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. Information technology is two–3 times more mutual in females than in males.

Methotrexate can help people manage their RA symptoms. However, it can also cause severe toxicity.

In this article, nosotros provide important information on how methotrexate affects women during pregnancy.

Methotrexate medication for rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy. Share on Pinterest
Taking methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis can crusade birth abnormalities.

Methotrexate minimizes the trunk's immune response and reduces folic acrid in the trunk. Folic acrid plays an essential office in how a fetus develops in the womb.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does non approve the utilize of methotrexate during pregnancy. They state that people should avoid pregnancy if either partner is taking the drug. People should also avoid methotrexate when nursing.

Taking methotrexate in pregnancy may lead to birth abnormalities that affect a child's physical and mental development. In some cases, methotrexate tin consequence in fetal expiry.

Examples of nascency abnormalities that methotrexate may cause include:

  • neural tube defects that affect the brain, spine, or spinal string, including spina bifida and encephalocele (a protrusion at the base of the skull)
  • a crack palate
  • a condition called cleidocranial dysostosis, which causes abnormalities in the teeth and collarbones
  • hypertelorism, which is a greater distance than normal betwixt two body parts, often the eyes

Methotrexate can affect the fetus if either parent has been taking information technology. Males should not take methotrexate when trying for a infant.

People tin avert unplanned pregnancies by using an effective form of birth command. These include condoms, the nativity command pill, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).

According to the FDA, males should stop taking methotrexate at least 3 months before getting a partner significant. Females should await for at to the lowest degree one cycle of ovulation before trying to become meaning.

According to 2020 guidelines released by the American Higher of Rheumatology (ACR), people with RA should consider prepregnancy counseling to encourage conception while RA symptoms are dormant. They should besides continually speak with their obstetrics/gynecology doctors for all reproductive health issues.

Doctors may utilise methotrexate injections to care for an ectopic pregnancy considering they interrupt the growth and division of a fertilized egg.

Specifically, methotrexate interrupts the supply of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to the fertilized egg. Without hCG, the egg cannot grow.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the womb. This serious status can lead to complications, such as internal haemorrhage, infertility, and, in some cases, decease.

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include:

  • vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • cramping or intestinal hurting
  • nausea
  • peel sensitivity

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A woman taking methotrexate tin can speak with a doctor nigh culling medication for RA.

If someone who tin can become meaning is taking methotrexate and suspects that they are pregnant, they should have a pregnancy examination as soon as possible. If the examination is positive, they should stop taking methotrexate and encounter a doc as soon every bit possible.

A md tin offer advice about alternative RA medications to take during pregnancy.

The authors of a 2016 article suggested the following drugs as suitable alternatives to methotrexate during pregnancy or when trying to excogitate:

  • azathioprine
  • hydroxychloroquine
  • sulfasalazine
  • corticosteroids at low doses

People can also take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during the outset 2 trimesters to help manage RA symptoms. Nevertheless, a person should consult their doctor earlier taking any medication while pregnant.

All medication has the potential to cause side effects. People can talk over their options with a trained healthcare professional.

Methotrexate, a common treatment for RA, can cause birth abnormalities if either partner takes the drug during conception or pregnancy.

People who get pregnant while taking methotrexate should end taking methotrexate and contact a doctor as soon equally possible. Partners should terminate taking methotrexate at least 3 months before getting pregnant.

People using methotrexate who are planning on condign pregnant should speak with their doctor showtime. A doctor tin advise people on their best alternatives for treating RA during pregnancy.