Counselling women with rheumatic disease--how many children are desirable?

The interaction of pregnancy and the rheumatic diseases has been described for most of the inflammatory joint disorders. However, the patient response to the challenge of motherhood and child rearing has seldom been taken into consideration. The current study presents data derived from a patient inquiry on these issues. The results demonstrate that while a wish for children is present even in disabled patients, the number of children regarded feasible depends largely on coping strategies, external help and the patient's own resources. Information before pregnancy is crucial, but often insufficient. Counselling should rely not only on medical facts, but also on patient experience.