Increasing Rates of Autoimmune Conditions in Expectant Mothers in the UK Since 2000

Recent research indicates a significant rise in autoimmune diseases among pregnant women in the UK since the start of the millennium. The findings, published in the journal The Lancet Rheumatology by the University of Birmingham's MuM-PreDiCT project, reveal that more women are entering pregnancy with pre-existing autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes. The study analyzed electronic health records from 2000 to 2021 and identified a 4.7% increase in expectant mothers diagnosed with autoimmune conditions at the beginning of pregnancy.

This comprehensive research examined a broad spectrum of autoimmune diseases, many of which predominantly impact women. Lead author Dr. Megha Singh emphasized that this is the first study of its kind to document such a trend, indicating that as autoimmune conditions become more prevalent overall, they are increasingly affecting women before they conceive.

The study also explored how factors such as socioeconomic deprivation and ethnicity influence the diagnosis rates. It was observed that less deprived areas experienced a 10% rise in diagnoses, and women from ethnic minority groups showed lower incidence rates compared to white women. Nonetheless, certain conditions, like psoriasis, were more common in deprived regions and among specific minority groups.

Experts suggest that the upward trend could be driven by a combination of factors, including increased awareness, better healthcare access, and possible environmental or genetic influences. Dr. Francesca Crowe from the University of Birmingham highlighted that underreporting might mean the actual prevalence is even higher.

The implications of these findings are far-reaching for maternal healthcare planning. Professor Krish Nirantharakumar from King's College London pointed out that understanding this trend will help healthcare providers and policymakers develop improved care pathways to optimize outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

Overall, this research underscores the importance of monitoring autoimmune diseases in women of reproductive age and adapting healthcare services to meet this growing need. Supporting women with autoimmune conditions during pregnancy is essential for ensuring healthier pregnancies and better health for future generations.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-mothers-uk-autoimmune-diseases-millennium.html