Planning a baby with methotrexate

[coffeedrinker-lol]

Hi all, I would like some advice about baby planning while currently on methotrexate. My doctor advised me to stop methotrexate 3 months before trying to get pregnant. However reading online the safest option is to wait 6 months. Has anyone been in a similar situation or have had a baby after taking methotrexate. If so, how long did you wait and were there any side effects to the baby?

Honestly would appreciate any advice as it’s taking a toll on my mental health! I don’t want to try for baby too soon and then effect the baby’s health.

Thank you! 💕

[AgedCrone]

I would have a word with your obstetrician and your rheumy team, they will both have dealt with this problem before & will be able to give you honest advice about the decision you need to make.

If you are likely to stress all through 40 weeks of pregnancy …you are best to stop 6 months ahead…that would likely be best for you & your baby.

Good Luck

[BoneyC]

Back in 1992 I was told to stop MTX for 3 months but note it may be 6 months nowadays.

I had two healthy babies with no issues. Good luck!

[WilfDog]

Hi

I was told that I had to stop methotrexate for at least three months, but in reality, it was nearly 14 months before we actually started trying for a baby. I had to reduce very slowly 2.5mg at a time and was unable to come off it without the addition of prednisolone to try and keep me stable as my flare-ups were off-scale.

We were referred to a gynaecologist by my rheumatologist as I struggled to conceive and wasn't in a good place with my sJIA. However, after nearly four years I managed to become pregnant with the help of ovulation-stimulating drugs and a hip revision op in between.

Whilst pregnant I was fortunate and the sJIA stabilised, although I was on prednisolone throughout. Pregnancy suited me in terms of my arthritis. It was only when I stopped breast feeding did it all flare up again.

I'd speak to your rheumatologist and ask for their advice and be regularly monitored.

Loads of luck. I hope it all goes well and you manage to have a baby. xx

[Ashley1014]

hi! So my fourth child was a surprise baby a beautiful wonderful surprise she is. I had stopped methotrexate only about two months before becoming pregnant with her and she was born at 38 weeks completely naturally with absolutely no problems at all. She is now 5 years old and the sassiest thing I’ve ever met and keeps the whole family on our toes lol. I only stopped the methotrexate because I had had enough of stabbing myself every week and decided I was going to try no rheumatology medications for a while. So yes wait atleast three months if you can. Six if that’s advised. But if you are blessed to become pregnant before that don’t stress it! Your baby will be just fine! I actually had complications with all three of my children before her and then with her I had no complications at all and was only in labor for two hours. I joke now that if all of them had been like that I’d have ten kids lol. So don’t stress it too much. Talk with your OB and try to relax. It’s supposed to be fun making a baby