In this article:
How to Plan for Pregnancy with Ankylosing Spondylitis
If you have ankylosing spondylitis, planning a pregnancy takes a bit of extra thought. But it is absolutely possible.1. Start the Conversation Early
Talk openly with your doctors well before you try to conceive. Your rheumatologist can guide you on family planning from the very beginning, not just when you are ready to start trying. This helps you avoid any surprises with your treatment and keeps both your health and future pregnancy on track.2. Fertility with AS
First off, ankylosing spondylitis does not affect your fertility. You can get pregnant just like anyone else. The only catch is if your inflammation levels are high, keeping them under control can make the process smoother and more comfortable.3. Choosing the Right Birth Control
When you have ankylosing spondylitis, birth control is about timing your pregnancy safely. Some medications used to manage AS can be harmful to a developing baby if taken too close to conception. Using reliable contraception gives you control, so you can pause or adjust these medicines under your doctor’s guidance before trying to conceive.You can choose any method that works for you, but options like intrauterine devices are often more reliable long-term.
4. Managing Medications Safely
Most AS treatments leave your system quickly, so what you took earlier usually won’t harm your baby. The condition itself does not pose risks for foetal development either.Still, it’s important to talk with your doctor. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are generally safe up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. But beyond that, they may affect the baby’s kidneys or heart. Your doctor will guide you on which medications can stay and which need to be paused or switched.
5. Understanding Genetic Risks
AS has a hereditary link, so genetics come into play. If you carry the HLA-B27 gene, there’s about a 50 per cent chance of passing it to your child. However, not every child with this gene develops AS.Many people with autoimmune conditions like yours have healthy babies without any issues. The risks exist, but they don’t determine the outcome.
6. Male Fertility Considerations
Some AS medications can affect sperm production. If this applies to your partner, let your doctor know early so treatment can be adjusted to support conception.What To Expect During Pregnancy With Ankylosing Spondylitis
Here’s what to expect if you have ankylosing spondylitis and pregnant:Symptoms
Everyone’s experience is unique. Some people notice improvements, some see symptoms worsen, and some stay about the same. Around 25 to 80 per cent report flare-ups at some point, particularly around the second trimester.Physical Strain on the Body
As your bump grows, it can put extra pressure on your spine, hips, and back. This may increase stiffness, pain, or swelling, especially from the second trimester onward. However, some people may notice their symptoms ease during pregnancy.Miscarriage and Mental Health
AS does not increase the risk of miscarriage. Your odds are the same as any pregnancy. Many people find that their mood improves in the later stages compared to the early weeks, so mental health often remains stable or even gets better.Managing Symptoms Safely
Keeping symptoms under control usually means continuing pregnancy-safe medications if they are working well. Your doctor will monitor foetal development while ensuring your comfort. Exercise and physical therapy (essential for AS management) can usually continue, but always confirm your routine with your doctor as your body changes.Possible Complications
Most pregnancies go smoothly. If complications do occur, they are usually linked to severe AS or other health factors, not AS itself.Watch for conditions like pre-eclampsia, a high blood pressure problem that can affect both you and your baby. It may lead to early delivery before 37 weeks, lower birth weight, or a stay in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
How Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Affect Labour and Delivery?
As you near your due date, it’s natural to think about how your baby will arrive. Most women with AS have normal, healthy deliveries, whether vaginal or via caesarean. Your condition does not automatically cause complications.To ease worries, it helps to choose an obstetrician and anesthesiologist who have experience with people living with AS or other mobility challenges. They can explain your options clearly and create a plan that works for you.
People with AS may also be slightly more likely to have a preterm birth, so discussing preparation with your doctor is helpful. No matter which route you take, your doctor will prioritise both your spine health and your baby’s safety.
Pregnancy with ankylosing spondylitis is very much possible and can be healthy with proper planning and care. While flare-ups or minor adjustments may occur, most women experience successful pregnancies and healthy deliveries.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Pregnancy with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): What to Expect From This Chronic Inflammatory Arthritis
- Are epidurals safe for pregnant women with ankylosing spondylitis?
Epidurals may not always be safe or possible for people with AS because spinal inflammation or fusion can make administering one difficult. - Will pregnancy change how my ankylosing spondylitis medicines work?
Yes, pregnancy can affect how your AS medicines work, and some may not be safe to use.
