Management of Pregnancy with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Objective To discuss the interaction between pregnancy and ankylosing spondylitis, and the management of pregnancy with ankylosing spondylitis. Methods Twelve cases of pregnancy with ankylosing spondylitis in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 2004 to July 2011 were analyzed retrospectively, focusing on the arteritis condition, pregnancy complications, and outcomes. Results All the 12 patients had full-term pregnancy. Five cases gave birth naturally, and 7 cases received cesarean section for maternity factors. No adverse pregnancy outcomes were encountered. Waist pain appeared in 2 cases in the second trimester, for both of which medication failed. One of the 2 cases had natural childbirth, while the other maintained pregnancy smoothly to cesarean section. Conclusions Pregnancy monitoring can help obtain favorable pregnancy outcomes. Attention should be paid to postpartum change of the illness.