For patients

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

PsA, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis with arthritis

Are you a clinician? See the clinical version of this page.

The short versionMost people with psoriatic arthritis have low or stable joint disease through pregnancy, and it often eases a little while you are pregnant. Joint disease can pick up again in the months after birth, most often around 6 months, before settling back by about a year. Planning ahead on pregnancy-compatible medicines helps you stay well through pregnancy and after birth.

What to know

Will pregnancy affect my PsA?

Joint disease is usually low or stable, and often eases a little during pregnancy. It can pick up again after birth, most often around 6 months, then settles back by about a year. In this study skin psoriasis stayed low, and the researchers did not see it worsen after birth, though the skin was not measured at every visit.

Will PsA affect the pregnancy?

Most pregnancies go well. Active disease may slightly raise the chance of early birth or a caesarean.

Planning ahead

Stop methotrexate or leflunomide before trying, and move to medicines that suit pregnancy and control both skin and joints.

Medicines

TNF inhibitors are often used to control PsA in pregnancy. Sulfasalazine can help joints. Anti-inflammatory painkillers may be used earlier then stopped later.

After birth

Joint disease can pick up in the months after birth, most often around 6 months, so plan ahead for which medicines to restart, including ones that suit breastfeeding.

About psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis affects men and women about equally. In most people the skin psoriasis comes first, but in about 10 to 15 in 100 the joint problems start first. Nail changes are common.

iThis page helps you prepare a conversation with your care team. It does not replace individual medical advice. Always confirm your own plan with your rheumatology and pregnancy team.
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