Question
I am 32 years old and have had one child a year ago. I recently was diagnosed with seronegative arthritis. I will be starting methotrexate next week. My husband and I would like to have one more child. My rheumatologist suggested going on methotrexate to get my arthritis under control at least for a year then stopping for three months before becoming pregnant again. Is three months long enough? Will my arthritis be more difficult to manage the second time I go on methotrexate?
Answer
Three months or at least 2 ovulatory cycles off of MTX is recommended before attempting pregnancy. Although some rheumatologists are concerned that MTX is not as effective if stopped and restarted, there is not much proof that this is the case and I do not share their concern.
