6 weeks pregnant and struggling

[Natikins]

Hi everyone. I have sero positive RA and I am 6 weeks pregnant. I was wondering if anyone had any tips for dealing with the early stages of pregnancy and RA?

I feel like my RA is very slowly improving, fingers crossed for remission! But I've been having stomach pains as well as nausea and this is leaving me not sleeping properly. I spent yesterday in a&e because I got up during the night with stomach ache and fainted, they tell me everything if fine and it's just caused by morning sickness. I've taken the day off today because I am just completely exhausted (lack of sleep on top of usual fatigue) and struggling with stomach aches. Did anyone else experience this? I feel I could cope with either the RA or the morning sickness but both together just doesn't seem fair. Does anyone have any tips for getting through the first 12 weeks with RA? Thanks.

[Philip]

Wasn't me,

It must be a nightmare for you, I hope things settle very soon for you.

[LizzieR]

I cannot imagine how you are coping. My son is 19 though so not much help I'm afraid. Though ginger helped me through morning sickness. And eventually it goes... Do see your doc if you can't keep food or drink down. I ended up on fluid drip when i was pregnant-made mefeel much better. Try not to do too much and give yourself treats. Remember the end result is wonderful. I look at my boy and can't think where the time has gone.

Thinking of you x

[Nitrobunny]

Congratulations on your pregnancy! That's wonderful and I hope your RA goes into remission for you and stays there. I know of many mothers who had exactly that happen. Be good to yourself and enjoy this precious and special time in your life! 💕

Best -

S

[BoneyC]

I have two children. The first was easier than the second pregnancy as I didn't have another child to look after. At week 18 or so things improved and I felt really well. Hopefully you will be the same. Good luck.

[chronicstitcher]

My SIL had 4 boys. And with each pregnancy, her RA went into remission. However, within just a couple weeks of giving birth, her RA symptoms returned. I hope this happens for you and you get a break.

[Lizzieuk1]

Hello, I have 3 children 2 are twins so been through it with my ra and pregnancy! I was in remission really with my first so pregnancy was fine and luckily u had no morning sickness. My twin pregnancy wasn't so easy though- not suprisingly! My ra was quite active since it flared - as is common- 6 weeks after having my first and it didn't get controlled until just before I got pregnant again so I wasn't in the best state to start that one. I was on biologics until 16 weeks into my 2nd pregnancy and needed a depo steroid at 19 weeks as I was struggling- that really helped so I would recommend one if you are struggling at that stage.

I think my advice would be to rest often and try to limit yourself a little more than usual in any activity, pregnancy is a huge change for your body especially the first time and all your symptoms are 'normal' your blood volume needs to increase and your skeleton gets more lax to make room for baby, whilst that's happening you feel tired and i think most women without ra get a fair few aches and pains so its def more stressful with ra, but once u get to 2nd trimester things usually settle down and you can get a more enjoyable experience - my ra never really settled the 2nd time- but with twins I wouldn't expect it to be the normal scenario! many find it does so fingers crossed. Try to keep well hydrated and give yourself a little more tlc than usual.

Good luck, it's all worth it in the end when you have a beautiful baby to love. 😊

[Natikins]

Wow thank you everyone for your replies. I have felt very alone this last week and it's nice to know I'm not.

I had a better day yesterday however the stomach pain has been getting worse so I am having a scan today just to check everything is where it should be.

Hopefully I will start to feel a bit better once I know everything is ok, or at least might be able to cope better without worrying as much.