MXT and Pregnancy

[Bev486]

I am new to the forum and wonder if anyone can help me. I was diagnosed with RA in 2010. I am getting married in March and plan to try for a child shortly after the wedding. I have been told by the Rheumatologist that I should come of Methotrexate for 6 mths before trying for a child (I am scared to do this before the wedding because I am worried my RA with flare). NRAS website suggests a minimum of 3 months. I also got some additional advice through NRSA who contacted a medical advisor for me; he suggested that coming of methotrexate for 6 weeks was sufficient. Obviously the health of an unborn baby is paramount but the advice is so conflicting, its difficult to decide the best course of action.

I asked if there was any way to test the levels of methotrexate in your blood, this would therefore allow me to determine if it was safe to try for a child or not. The medical advisor confirmed that there was a methotrexate level test which can show the levels of this drug in your blood. I have asked my Rheumatologist if I could have this test; however he said it has never been used for that purpose before therefore I couldn’t have it, unless I could show evidence of how the test has been used in this way before. Does anyone have any experience of this? Are there any mothers out there who can give advice on how long they came of methotrexate before trying for a chilg?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[allanah]

Sorry I don't know. It must be frustrating for you. I hope you can resolve the issue but one way is to contact the chairman of the hospital trust and ask for their advice. Another is to contact your MP and ask their advice. Good luck xx

[Bev486 in reply to allanah]

Thank you

[allanah]

Another thought. Often midwifery teams are happy to give pre conceptual advice to couples wanting to try for a baby. You could chat to the senior midwife manager at your hospital and ask them to look into it for you. X

[RAmumsydney]

Hi Bev, congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Sorry to hear of your dilemma, it's very hard and lots to think about but I am sure you can do it.

I am in a similar situation (though we already have a toddler) and contemplating the idea of another baby. I have been advised by my rheumatologist and obstetrician to come off MTX for 6 months prior to trying to get pregnant. There are alternative medications you can take that are safe so maybe they may help during this period?

Personally I am keen to go cold turkey as I have been using diet/ exercise and want to see how I go without the MTX.

To be completely honest I am more worried about how I would cope with a newborn (and toddler) assuming the pregnancy goes ok (apparently lots of people go into remission during pregnancy) then the RA comes back after the birth. I guess it depends on support systems you have in place etc but is something to think about. If anyone has any advice it would be good to hear

Best of luck with it all

R

[Bev486]

Thank you all for your support and guidance.