Patient spinal diseases require special attention during pregnancy to ensure the health of mothers and foetuses. Although AS itself does not directly affect fertility, its symptoms, treatment programmes and potential complications can have an impact on the pregnancy process. Therefore, AS patients should consider the following when planning their pregnancy:
1. Communications with doctors
(1) Counselling of rheumatologists: Before a pregnancy is planned, the patient shall discuss with the rheumatologist the current state of the disease and the treatment programme. Doctors can help to assess the activity of the disease and recommend whether the drug needs to be adapted.
(2) Consultation of gynaecologists and gynaecologists: Discussion of pregnancy plans with gynaecologists and gynaecologists with a view to developing individualized pregnancy management programmes.
Drug management
(1) Assessing the safety of drugs: Many AS patients need to use drugs in their day-to-day management, including inflammation drugs (NSAIDs), biological agents and immunosuppressants. During pregnancy preparation, patients need to discuss with doctors which drugs are safe and which need to be adjusted or discontinued. For example:
NSAIDs: Some NSAIDs may affect ovulation or early embryo development during pregnancy and may therefore need to be reduced or discontinued during pregnancy preparation.
Biological formulations: For example, TNF inhibitors, some may continue to be used during pregnancy, subject to medical guidance.
Immunosuppressants: e.g., amino butterflies, known to be harmful to the foetus and usually need to be discontinued for some time before pregnancy is ready
(2) Timing of stoppage or change of medication: If there is a need to adjust the drug, it is advisable to do so in the months preceding pregnancy in order to observe whether the disease is stable and to reduce the potential risk to the foetus.
3. Symptom management
During pregnancy preparation, the patient shall endeavour to keep the disease stable. Through reasonable exercise, physiotherapy and a healthy lifestyle, it can help reduce symptoms and dependence on drugs. Maintenance of good positions and regular exercise enhances muscle strength and flexibility and reduces the physical burden during pregnancy.
4. Lifestyle adjustments
(1) Healthy Eating: Maintaining a balanced diet and ensuring sufficient nutrients such as folic acid, iron and calcium to support healthy pregnancy.
(2) Moderate exercise: moderate exercise, such as swimming, yoga and walking, at the advice of a doctor, to maintain physical strength and flexibility while helping to reduce stress and improve emotions.
(3) Prohibition of smoking and alcohol: If there is a habit of smoking or drinking, it should be suspended during pregnancy, as these acts increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
5. Understanding genetic risk
Although AS has a certain genetic orientation, not all children with associated genes (e.g. HLA-B27) are ill. Patients may choose to discuss potential genetic risks with doctors in order to make informed decisions.
Patient spinal disease patients need to have a comprehensive consideration of disease management, drug safety, lifestyle adjustment when they are pregnant, through active treatment and regular re-diagnosis monitoring. Patients can develop their own pregnancy preparedness and pregnancy plans to ensure the health and safety of mothers and children. Early planning and adequate preparation are key to a successful response to this complex process.
Straight spinalitis.
