Introduction
Although gout is a prevalent inflammatory joint disease, it barely affects women of reproductive age. This is believed to be the outcome of estrogen's uricosuric action. Pregnancy-induced elevations in estrogen levels are thought to shield the mother from an acute flare-up of her gout. Her pregnancy-induced insulin resistance is thought to have reduced the amount of urate excreted by the kidneys, which in turn leads to flare-ups.
Are Gout and Pregnancy Related?
Gout is not brought on by pregnancy, but it is made worse by it. Gout is a debilitating inflammatory joint disease that primarily affects the elderly population. Rarely does gout, an inflammatory joint condition, affect fertile women.
What Is Gout?
Uric acid crystals that build up in and around the joints produce gout, a painful form of arthritis. This kind of inflammatory arthritis is the most prevalent. Men are more likely to get it, and the likelihood increases with age. High blood levels of uric acid, sometimes referred to as urate, can cause gout in certain individuals. The daily breakdown of purines by the body produces urate. Purines are substances the body produces naturally and can also be found in some foods.
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Gout During Pregnancy?
Gout can develop for various reasons, regardless of whether a woman is pregnant. Lifestyle decisions influence some, while genetic predispositions and medical history determine others.
1. Uric Acid Concentrations
Hormonal changes can cause elevated uric acid levels during pregnancy. Dehydration and a purine-rich diet are other causes of elevated uric acid levels. High amounts of uric acid can also be attributed to obesity. Gout is more common in elderly people because of the increased risk of having elevated levels of uric acid that come with aging.
2. Purine-Rich Diet
Purine-rich foods have the potential to raise uric acid production. Meat gravy, fish, seafood, tuna, mushrooms, legumes, beer, and yeast are high in purines. To keep uric acid levels under control, these meals must be consumed in moderation, along with lots of water.
It is noteworthy that not every person with high uric acid levels will experience gout. Meanwhile, in the absence of an incident, some gout patients do not exhibit elevated uric acid levels.
3. Pre-Existing Conditions
Gout is a result of several pre-existing medical disorders, such as metabolic syndrome, hyperuricemia, diabetes, kidney disease, and high blood pressure.
What Are the Symptoms of Gout During Pregnancy?
The following are the symptoms of gout during pregnancy:
1. Abrupt and Extreme Joint Pain
Gout is characterized by abrupt, intense pain, usually in the big toe or other joints. This crippling sensation can make it difficult for a person to move around and go about their everyday business. While some people report modest discomfort, the majority of patients report extremely acute and incapacitating agony during a gout episode. When someone has a typical gout attack, they are unable to perform their body's regular activities.
2. Joint Swelling
There may be noticeable swelling in the big toe or joints, a sign of serious inflammation. This symptom is partially caused by systemic inflammation and synovial fluid build-up. Joint swelling is a factor in pain and restricted range of motion, which, if left untreated, can develop into a chronic condition and get worse over time.
3. Tenderness
Walking or exercising regularly may become painful due to sore joints or big toe. A person with chronic gout is likely to experience frequent joint pain, which makes it challenging to maintain good physical health and lead a normal life. For expectant mothers who already require particular care during their nine months of pregnancy, this is a much more significant issue.
4. Restricted Motion Range
It is normal for a person with gout to have a restricted range of motion due to the painful and uncomfortable sensations they encounter. This physical restriction can be lessened with the help of therapeutic activities. When a pregnant woman is diagnosed with gout, she must participate in a physical treatment program. Pregnant women typically experience difficulties moving around because of the natural weight gain that the developing fetus requires. Gout-affected pregnant women can enjoy a more comfortable and secure pregnancy by maintaining a regular fitness regime.
5. Cold or Fever
A gout episode can result in systemic inflammation, which can lead to malaise and exhaustion. Fever and chills are frequently seen as well. Even though these symptoms are uncommon, having a fever or chills could indicate an immune system dysfunction. Effective management of gout symptoms is especially crucial for expectant mothers to avoid severe episodes of the disease.
What Are the Treatment Options for Gout During Pregnancy?
1. Dietary Changes
Gout's crippling symptoms can be considerably alleviated in pregnant women by making dietary changes. Adopting new dietary practices can improve a person's quality of life and prevent gout symptoms from worsening. Drinking extra water is one of the most beneficial dietary adjustments that one can make. It is critical to maintain proper hydration by consuming filtered water. It is important to maintain a diet low in foods with a high purine content and high in healthy meals, in addition to being properly hydrated. Consuming a modest amount of protein and an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is essential for a good diet for gout.
2. Low Dose Aspirin
Low-dose Aspirin should be taken by pregnant patients under close medical supervision, particularly in the first and third trimesters. Although Aspirin reduces pain and inflammation, low-dose Aspirin use has been linked to an increased risk of recurring gout attacks.
3. Cold Compress
Pregnant women can reduce joint warmth, redness, and inflammation by applying a cold compress. It offers a momentary sense of relief during a flare-up of gout. The burning sensation on the joints occasionally accompanies gout, which can also be relieved with cold compresses.
4. Rest
For gout sufferers, especially pregnant women, rest is crucial. To assist in reducing leg inflammation, it is advised to elevate the feet. Due to the increased weight on their joints, pregnant women may require additional rest to reduce stress. People with gout will require more rest to keep their joints flexible and comfortable.
5. Avoiding NSAIDs
Due to the possibility of fetal problems, miscarriage, and delivery issues, pregnant women should refrain from taking NSAIDs. Furthermore, low amniotic fluid levels and kidney problems in the mother and child are associated with NSAID use. Other drugs have the same pain and inflammation-relieving properties as NSAIDs but do not have the same side effects.
Conclusion
The buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints is the main cause of gout. Hormonal fluctuations, obesity, food components, dehydration, and other issues bring on gout. Numerous factors, such as high uric acid levels, underlying medical disorders, heredity, and even specific drugs, might contribute to the development of gout. Dietary adjustments for gouty pregnant women should include drinking enough water and consuming low-purine meals. To manage gout, medical supervision is also essential.
