Most pregnancies in women with rheumatologic disease will result in the delivery 
of a healthy baby. Pregnancy can be particularly risky in women with active 
disease or on teratogenic medications, making contraception an important issue 
for these women. All women with rheumatologic disease have contraceptive 
options, including barrier methods, the intra-uterine device and 
progesterone-only medications. Active inflammatory disease, whether in the form 
of lupus, systemic vasculitis or myositis, places the pregnancy at increased 
risk. Pre-eclampsia is a particular risk for women with lupus or 
antiphospholipid syndrome and may be decreased by daily low-dose aspirin. 
Rheumatoid arthritis typically improves and does not have a major impact on 
pregnancy outcomes. The expected post-partum arthritis flare may be avoided by 
restarting medications soon after delivery. Judicious use of medication and 
close observation may be the keys to successful pregnancy in women with 
rheumatologic disease.