Ankylosing spondylitis — a type of arthritis that affects the spine — doesn't appear to affect the ability to get pregnant. Although there seems to be a higher risk of delivering a baby that's premature or with low birth weight, many women with ankylosing spondylitis also appear to be able to safely deliver a healthy baby. If you have ankylosing spondylitis and know you want to have children, it's best to talk with your rheumatologist before you start trying to get pregnant. This will help ensure you have time to address your questions and concerns and adjust your treatments, if necessary. You may consider asking your pregnancy health care provider to refer you to a specialist with expertise in caring for pregnant women with ankylosing spondylitis.