Pregnancy and Psoriasis

Women with psoriasis can sometimes feel they have to make a choice between treatment and having a family. It is important to know that having a treatment plan which can support you during pregnancy means you do not have to compromise between control of your psoriasis and planning for a family.

Although symptoms can improve for many women during pregnancy, nearly half will experience no change or an increase of symptoms. Psoriasis control during pregnancy is important for the health of both mother and baby.

Top Tip

Discuss your family planning options with your healthcare team (e.g. your GP, nurse, dermatologist, obstetrician and gynaecologist, midwife and pharmacist) early on.

There is a need to continue to control your disease before, during and after pregnancy. However not all drugs are compatible with pregnancy, so your dermatologist will be able to explain if your treatment needs to be adapted. Speak to your healthcare team about the most suitable options for you.

Looking after a new-born can be exciting, but often challenging. You may feel tired coping with the demands of your new-born, and there is also a chance that you will experience a flare in your symptoms in the weeks following birth.

Even if your symptoms get better during pregnancy, they may return after delivery. Make sure you ask for advice from your healthcare team and for extra support from health visitors about management of your psoriasis after giving birth. It is important you take care of both your physical and mental health.

Having your psoriasis under control can help you to manage this special but challenging time of your life. Ask your partner, family and friends for help whilst you get used to life with your new-born. This will give you more time to manage your psoriasis. Speak to them about how you are feeling, they are there to support you.

Many women with psoriasis are able to breastfeed successfully, if they choose to do so. Breastfeeding is a personal choice. If you wish to breastfeed you should discuss this with your healthcare team. Not all treatments are compatible with breastfeeding and some women with psoriasis can often feel they have to make a choice between treatment and breastfeeding. By discussing your wish to breastfeed and treatment options ahead of time, you can adapt your treatment if necessary.

Will I pass my psoriasis onto my baby?

Although psoriasis can be inherited, there are many factors that determine whether a child will develop psoriasis or not. If one parent has psoriasis, there is about a 16% chance of their child developing it. If both parents have psoriasis, the chance increases to approximately 50%.