Pregnancy care for mothers with rheumatologic conditions

A rheumatologic disease can add unique challenges to your pregnancy.
Request an Appointment
For requests:
1-800-777-8442
For Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) related requests:
1-319-356-2294
For Rheumatology related requests:
1-319-356-8133

Your condition may increase the risk of complications during the pregnancy. Some rheumatologic conditions may change during your pregnancy—some can get worse, others may improve.

Mother and baby generally do best when rheumatologic disease is well controlled during pregnancy.

The University of Iowa Health Care Pregnancy and Rheumatology Clinic provides the specialty care you need for a healthier, safer pregnancy while managing your rheumatologic condition.

Reducing risk of complications during pregnancy related to your rheumatologic condition

A rheumatologic disease may put you and your baby at greater risk for pregnancy-associated complications, such as:

  • Preterm delivery
  • Preeclampsia
  • Low birthweight

We provide care before, during, and after the pregnancy and can help you communicate with specialists you’ll need on your care team, including high-risk obstetricians, nephrologists, pulmonologists, and pharmacists.

Managing your rheumatologic condition during pregnancy

Your rheumatologic condition may be affected by your pregnancy. Some conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may improve. Others, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, might get worse.

Appropriate management of your condition should be a part of your overall pregnancy plan. We help you manage your condition by providing information about how your medications may affect your pregnancy and by helping you create a plan personalized for you and your condition.

Advice and care for rheumatologic conditions before, during, and after pregnancy

Our Pregnancy and Rheumatology Clinic team provides the services you need for a healthier, safer pregnancy for you and your baby, including:

  • Pre-pregnancy advice
  • Advice about rheumatologic medications during pregnancy
  • Management of many chronic rheumatologic conditions during pregnancy
  • After-delivery care, including medication advice during breastfeeding

Condition-specific care during pregnancy for many rheumatologic diseases

Our team provides care for patients with many rheumatologic conditions, such as:

  • Myositis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Vasculitis

Our Care Team

Brittany Bettendorf, MD portrait

Brittany
Bettendorf
MD

  • Rheumatology
4.84 out of 5 (615 ratings)

Alyssa Wood, ARNP, DNP portrait

Alyssa
Wood
ARNP, DNP

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN)

Chelsea J. McIntire, PharmD, BCACP portrait

Chelsea J.
McIntire
PharmD, BCACP

  • Pharmacy
Not sure which Pregnancy care for mothers with rheumatologic conditions provider is right for you?
When you call 1-800-777-8442 we'll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
Call 1-800-777-8442

Locations and Offices

Medicine Specialty Clinics

31205 Pomerantz Family Pavilion (PFP)
Level 3, Elevator L
1-319-356-8133
Clinic
Medicine Specialty Clinic Main Entrance at UI Hospitals & Clinics
In University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
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