Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Pregnancy

Hi there!
I am new to the group and so very thankful to have found it. I don't know anyone with this illness and I have been feeling so isolated.

I had undiagnosed AS for many years now and after a miscarriage last year I got a horrible flare which finally sent me to the Dr. for a diagnosis.

I started on Indocin and it helped a bit. I can't take Prednisone bc I am a type 1 diabetic and the impact on my blood sugars is very harmful. I got pregnant again in February and started on Humira, since it is a class B drug and is approved for pg. I take it weekly still since my AS is so bad. I am 22 weeks today and very concerned about the 3rd trimester, since I know Humira increasingly crosses over to the placenta after 16 weeks. I also wanted to breastfeed but I don't know if that is possible on Humira.

My question are:
-how have you handled your AS in pregnancy?
-Did you stay on your Humira or other meds?
-Were you able to breastfeed? If so, were you taking any meds?
-How bad was your flare postpartum?

Thanks so much in advance. I know this is a long post but I could really use some support, lonely, tearful and scared today

Natasha

well I have never been pregnant, don't know why, !!! But be assured that your post is not long.............wait until you see one of Brad's or even Sue 22's...........pages and pages...lol Anyway, just to say hello, am sure you will get lots of responses soon, although is usually a little quiter here during the weekends.......


Alan G

never pregnant nor on humira, but others here will be able to answer your questions.

just wanted to say hello and welcome

Hi Natasha,

I've never been pregnant so I can't help with any first hand knowledge, although I can sure empathize with how horrid AS can be. I know it can feel isolating... but you're not alone now!

These abstracts from PubMed.gov may be of interest:

Z Rheumatol. 2010 Nov;69(9):780-7.
Fischer-Betz RE, Schneider M.
Klinik für Endokrinolologie, Diabetologie und Rheumatologie, Rheumazentrum Rhein-Ruhr, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf. rebecca.fischer@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
Biologics during pregnancy and breastfeeding

J Rheumatol. 2010 Jan;37(1):9-17. Epub 2009 Dec 15.
Ali YM, Kuriya B, Orozco C, Cush JJ, Keystone EC.
Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. yaser.ali@utoronto.ca
Can tumor necrosis factor inhibitors be safely used in pregnancy?

We have a lot of women members with a wide range of experience, so hopefully some will chime in that can lend you some encouragement!
My best wishes,
mig

wow! You are all so supportive and sweet! Thank you so much for the posts