Autoimmune diseases and pregnancy
"Most women have an uneventful pregnancy if they go to rheumatologists who have experience with autoimmune diseases and pregnancy.
DR. MARÍA JOSÉ CUADRADO. DIRECTOR OF THE RHEUMATOLOGY SERVICE
Systemic autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus) and inflammatory arthritis (Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma and polymyositis/dermatomyositis, etc.) are the rheumatic diseases that usually affect women of childbearing age.
One is a group of diseases characterized by the abnormal production of "auto antibodies" on the part of the immune system, that can produce damages in multiple organs and systems (in the case of the systemic ones) or joints (inflammatory arthritis).
Currently, autoimmune diseases have become more known among the population, but they are still surrounded by myths and misinformation. One of them is the affectation of maternity, since until a few years ago, pregnancy was not recommended for these patients. But the ability to conceive is the same as that of healthy people, although abortions are more frequent.
With the advance of research, our team of professionals specialized in gestation know the drugs that control the disease and those that are not recommended in the fertility stage, so it is possible to achieve a successful pregnancy and bet on breastfeeding if it is previously planned in a multidisciplinary team.
¿Necesita que le ayudemos?
Contamos con profesionales de reconocida experiencia internacional en el manejo y cuidado de las mujeres con enfermedades autoinmunes que deseen quedarse o estén embarazadas.
Planning, control and monitoring of pregnancy and childbirth in women with autoimmune diseases
The joint work, throughout the process, of the rheumatologist with the various professionals involved in the care of pregnant women, is key to achieving a successful and safe pregnancy.
Monitoring of the
gynecologist
Pregnancy control will be more frequent, depending on how the pregnancy progresses and the type of autoimmune disease, degree and occurrence of outbreaks during the time of pregnancy that the patient suffers.
Monitoring of
the midwife
During the postpartum and breastfeeding period we monitor, advise and care for both mother and child during the first days, so that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Monitoring of the neonatologist
Although the baby does not need special care, there is a small percentage who are born underweight or prematurely. The multidisciplinary collaboration between the gynecologist, rheumatologist and neonatologist is essential to live this stage safely and happily.
Achieving a successful pregnancy with an autoimmune disease
Although it is a chronic disease, with which one must learn to live, at present there are multiple treatments that control practically all the symptoms.