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Review
. 2020 Dec;39(12):3593-3601.
doi: 10.1007/s10067-020-05173-6. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

Rheumatology-led pregnancy clinic: enhancing the care of women with rheumatic diseases during pregnancy

Yasser El Miedany  1 , Deborah Palmer  2
Affiliations
Review

Rheumatology-led pregnancy clinic: enhancing the care of women with rheumatic diseases during pregnancy

Yasser El Miedany et al. Clin Rheumatol. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

The autoimmune rheumatic diseases have a clear predilection for women. Consequently, issues regarding family planning and pregnancy are a vital component of the management of these patients. Not only does pregnancy by itself causes physiologic/immunologic changes that impact disease activity but also women living with inflammatory arthritic conditions face the additional challenges of reduced fecundity and worsened pregnancy outcomes. Many women struggle to find adequate information to guide them on pregnancy planning, lactation and early parenting in relation to their chronic condition. This article discusses the gaps in the care provided to women living with inflammatory arthritis in standard practice and how a rheumatology nurse-led pregnancy clinic would fill such gap, consequently enhance the care provided and ensure appropriate education is provided to these individuals who represent the majority of the patients attending the rheumatology outpatient clinics. Such specialist care is expected to cover the whole journey as it is expected to provide high-quality care before, during and after pregnancy.

Keywords: Autoimmune rheumatic diseases; Contraception; Counselling; Family planning; Pregnancy; Psoriatic arthritis; Rheumatoid arthritis; Rheumatology nurse; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Women’s health.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow chart showing the set-up of the pregnancy clinic and how to manage family planning for women living with rheumatic diseases
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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