Pregnancy is a life-altering experience, and if you have psoriasis, there’s a bit more to consider along the way. Psoriasis doesn’t impact your capacity to become pregnant, but it can impact your pregnancy experience in various ways, so it’s worth knowing what to anticipate.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that most experts think has a genetic component. Scientists discovered about 80 locations in our genes that might be responsible for developing it. If only one of the parents has psoriasis, there’s a chance that they’ll pass it to the child with approximately 15% probability. And if both have it, there’s approximately a 75% chance that it will be inherited. However, inheriting those genes does not necessarily mean the child will develop psoriasis — lifestyle, environment also weigh heavily in here.
If you’re thinking of having a family, it’s worth sitting down with your doctor and discussing your psoriasis treatment. Psoriasis itself typically doesn’t make it more difficult to conceive, but in severe cases, it may be associated with pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Taking care of your psoriasis as best you can before becoming pregnant can reduce these risks and minimize the amount of stronger medications you will need once you are pregnant.
Topical treatments during pregnancy are generally safe, but use corticosteroids carefully, as overusing them might cause low birth weight. The National Psoriasis Foundation suggests using gentle, over-the-counter products such as petroleum jelly. More recent treatments known as biologics, injectable drugs that act in conjunction with your immune system, are proving to be very effective in treating severe to moderate psoriasis. Some studies indicate they may be safe during pregnancy, but it’s still best to discuss this with your healthcare provider to balance the risks and benefits.
Light therapy, particularly narrow-band UVB treatment, is also an option that’s usually safe during pregnancy. Still, it’s best to avoid therapies that use ultraviolet light along with some drugs.
Pregnancy can make psoriasis behave differently due to changes in the immune system and hormones. For some individuals, their symptoms improve, whereas for others, there may be new issues, such as pustular psoriasis of pregnancy (PPP). Though PPP is not common, it’s dangerous and requires prompt medical attention to save you and your baby.
After giving birth, it’s common for psoriasis to flare up again, thanks to hormone changes and the physical stress of labor. The good news is that breastfeeding is perfectly safe — psoriasis isn’t contagious. Just be sure to check with your healthcare provider about which medications are safe to use while nursing.
Managing psoriasis while pregnant is a bit of extra planning and lots of honest communication with your healthcare team. By knowing the genetic issues, treatment options, and potential problems, you’ll be sure that you’re doing what’s in your best interest and for your baby.
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