Sarcouncil Journal of Medical Sciences

Abstract: Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by erosive and persistent synovitis, systemic involvement in some cases, and the presence of certain autoantibodies. The highest frequency of the disease is indicated in the female sex (2:1) and in ages over 35 years. Objective: This paper aims to find the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on pregnancy. Material and Method: Demographic information and data were collected by relying on a cross-sectional study. Eighty pregnant women were included. The samples in this study were divided into two groups (44 RA patients with ages ranging from 30-35 years) and (36 control groups with an average age between 30-35 years). The study was approved by the ethics committee, and all participants signed the informed consent. The study period was a full year, from 13-9-2020 till 12-10-2021. Results: Table 1 presents demographic and disease-related data. As for Figures 1, 2, and 3 showed a comparison of outcomes between patients and control with rheumatoid arthritis at antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods. Women with RA were with high disease activity and have a significantly increased risk of multiple adverse birth outcomes, including premature birth, congenital malformations of the newborn, low birth weight, small birth volume, neonatal mortality, caesarean delivery, and sepsis pregnancy.