I developed severe Raynaud's after my third pregnancy.  During the pregnancy,
which was very stressful because of the circumstances surrounding it, I also
developed terrible joint pain.  I was sure I had Rheumatoid Arthritis.  At a 3
month  check up, my Dr. thought I was reading too much (I was a nursing
student at the time), but sent me for an ANA and RA test.   I did have a
positive ANA with a speckled pattern, which can indicate more serious
disorders (mainly Scleroderma).  My specific antibody tests were negative
(thank God), but I have heard of people with Raynaud's developing autoimmune
or collagen vascular diseases in the future (Scleroderma mostly).  The woman
in question should have an Arthritis work-up.  I think they check for
autoimmune diseases with that.  My Rheumatologist says my diagnosis is
Raynaud's, and prescribes me Nifedipine for that.  I was afraid to take it
during pregnancy and breastfeeding but have recently found out through Lactnet
that it is OK.  I have always wondered if the Raynaud's had anything to do
with my poor let-down reflex because of the vasoconstriction but haven't been
able to find any studies on it.  I have to say, though, that my present
breastfeeding experience is the best ever and the letdown is fine.  I finally
have the latch-on right (my fifth child)!  I have had a problem with white
nipples also, which I assumed was the Raynaud's.  If anyone knows of any
research I would be interested to read it.  Oh, and I do get better results
with the long-acting nifedipine.
Lori N. RN