Patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease can have children, but special attention should be paid to the following during pregnancy preparation and conception.
(1) An assessment of the condition by a rheumatologist and if it is clear that the patient is stable and has no significant organ involvement, pregnancy may be considered.
(2) Clear medication history. If you have previously taken anti-rheumatic drugs such as methotrexate, cyclophosphamide or leflunomide, you should stop taking these drugs for at least six months after your condition has stabilised before preparing for pregnancy, especially leflunomide which is recommended for at least two years.
(3) Auto-antibody tests should be carried out to assess the risk to the pregnant woman and the foetus, such as anti-SSA and/or anti-SSB antibodies and antiphospholipid antibodies. If anti-SSA and/or anti-SSB antibodies are positive, oral hydroxychloroquine should be administered to minimise the risk of fetal heart block.
(4) Follow up with the rheumatology and obstetrics and gynaecology departments as prescribed during pregnancy to monitor disease activity and fetal development at all times.