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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

  • 4 min

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  • 1

    Pregnancies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis had higher rates of preterm birth (16%) compared to matched controls (8%).

  • 2

    Small-for-gestational-age births below the 10th percentile occurred in 21% of RA pregnancies, compared to 11% in controls.

  • 3

    Moderate or high RA activity was documented in 27% of pregnancies, with glucocorticoid exposure in 46% of cases.

  • 4

    Maternal age and glucocorticoid exposure at doses of at least 10 mg/day were independently associated with preterm birth.

  • 5

    The study identified limitations including a small sample size, potential selection bias, and incomplete disease-activity data.

Original Source(s)

Rheumatoid arthritis tied to birth outcomes

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • August 21, 2026

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