HomeAnswersRheumatologyrheumatoid arthritis

Does the rheumatoid arthritis pain increase after delivery?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have a two-month-old baby now. I had rheumatoid arthritis while I was pregnant. I had no pain, so I was not on medication. After delivery, I am getting pain in my hand and elbows. I wanted to get rid of this.

Please help.

Thank you.
Answered by Dr. Rajiv Ranjan Kumar

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Rajiv Ranjan Kumar is an experienced physician specializing in autoimmune and rheumatologic conditions. He focuses on providing expert, patient-centered care, with a strong emphasis on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and improving the overall well-being of his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Rheumatoid arthritis flare (increase in disease activity) usually occurs after delivery. It is pretty common to have joint pain and swelling after delivery. Since you have a two-month-old baby, the first-line medication of RA, Folitrax (Methotrexate), is contraindicated.

Please do one marker of inflammation, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and CRP (C-reactive protein). You can restart HCQS (Hydroxychloroquine sulfate) 200 mg, one tablet daily at night, along with a low-dose steroid (Prednisolone 5 to 7.5 mg) one tablet daily in the morning after breakfast. Continue calcium and vitamin D supplements.

For further management and discussion, you can review the CBC (complete blood count), LFT (liver function test), KFT (kidney function test), ESR, and CRP blood tests.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At July 17, 2020
Reviewed At June 22, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Rajiv Ranjan Kumar is an experienced physician specializing in autoimmune and rheumatologic conditions. He focuses on providing expert, patient-centered care, with a strong emphasis on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and improving the overall well-being of his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Rajiv Ranjan Kumar
Dr. Rajiv Ranjan Kumar

Rheumatology

Consult this doctor

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Rajiv Ranjan Kumar is an experienced physician specializing in autoimmune and rheumatologic conditions. He focuses on providing expert, patient-centered care, with a strong emphasis on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and improving the overall well-being of his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

The ESR rate is 85 with other normal blood reports. Is there any medication for it?

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Work: Effective Coping Strategies

My ESR is too high. Do you think I have multiple myeloma?

My CRP and hs-CRP are borderline high. Am I at risk for cardiovascular complications?

Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups: Causes and Management

ESR vs CRP: Comparing Blood Tests for Inflammation

Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

hydroxychloroquinec-reactive protein (crp)rheumatoid arthritis

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Rheumatology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.