Rheumatoid arthritis tied to birth outcomes
Researchers examine pregnancy outcomes and factors associated with preterm delivery and fetal size.
By
Kathryn Wighton
August 21, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Rheumatoid arthritis tied to birth outcomes
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Key Mechanisms Increased rates of preterm birth and small-for-gestational-age infants associated with RA and glucocorticoid exposure. Target Population Pregnant patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Care Setting Tertiary care centers managing complex cases.
Key Highlights
Preterm birth rates in RA pregnancies were 16% compared to 8% in controls. 21% of RA pregnancies resulted in small-for-gestational-age infants versus 11% in controls. Moderate or high RA activity was documented in 27% of pregnancies. Systemic glucocorticoid exposure at doses of at least 10 mg/day was linked to nearly five times the odds of preterm birth. No significant differences in gestational diabetes, cesarean delivery, or congenital malformations were observed. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Assess pregnancy outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Management
Monitor disease activity and treatment exposure during pregnancy. Monitoring & Follow-up
Evaluate maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes. Risks
Increased odds of preterm birth and small-for-gestational-age infants in RA pregnancies. Patient & Prescribing Data
Pregnant patients with rheumatoid arthritis enrolled in a multicenter study.
46% of pregnancies were exposed to glucocorticoids, 25% to conventional synthetic DMARDs, and 39% to biologic DMARDs.
Clinical Best Practices
Consider the impact of RA disease activity and treatment on pregnancy outcomes. Evaluate the risks associated with glucocorticoid exposure during pregnancy. Related Resources & Content
