Lupus and Pregnancy: What Every Woman Should Know

Diagnosed with lupus and hoping to expand your family? It’s a question many women face with uncertainty. While lupus can make pregnancy more complex, advancements in medical care have made it possible for women with lupus to have healthy pregnancies and babies when guided by the right expertise.

What is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system, instead of protecting the body, turns against it and attacks healthy tissues. This can lead to inflammation and damage in various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.

Types of Lupus

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): The most common and serious type of lupus, which can affect multiple organ systems.
• Cutaneous Lupus: Typically affects only the skin.
• Drug-Induced Lupus: Caused by certain medications, reversible once the patient discontinues the drug.
• Neonatal Lupus: A rare temporary condition in newborns caused by the mother’s autoantibodies.

Despite its impacts on health, lupus doesn’t necessarily mean you have to forgo your dreams of becoming a parent. Pregnancy is possible with the right plan in place.

How Does Lupus Affect Pregnancy?

Pregnancy with lupus can be complicated because of the disease’s unpredictable nature, but careful planning and monitoring can help manage risks effectively.

What Are the Potential Risks?

• Flare-ups: Lupus symptoms may become more active during pregnancy. However, some women also experience improvement in symptoms during this period.
• Preterm Births: Women with lupus are at higher risk for delivering their babies prematurely.
• Preeclampsia: A condition characterized by high blood pressure, which can be dangerous for both mother and baby.
• Miscarriage and Stillbirth: Problems like blood clotting or poor placenta health may contribute to pregnancy loss.
• Neonatal Lupus: Although rare, babies can be born with neonatal lupus due to specific maternal autoantibodies. Most symptoms resolve a few months after birth.

With early identification, most of these risks can be managed effectively, allowing both mother and baby to thrive.

Preparing for Pregnancy When You Have Lupus

Successfully managing lupus during pregnancy starts well before conception. Here’s how you can prepare:

1. Consult Your Rheumatologist

Meet with your rheumatologist and obstetrician long before you start trying to get pregnant. Together they can evaluate your lupus activity, medication regimen, and overall health to determine if it’s the right time to conceive.

2. Achieve Disease Stability

The ideal time to conceive is when lupus has been inactive (in remission) for at least six months. Active lupus during early pregnancy increases the risk of complications for both mother and child.

3. Adjust Your Medications

Certain medications used to manage lupus, such as methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil, are unsafe during pregnancy. Your doctor can help transition you to safer alternatives like hydroxychloroquine, which has been shown to be beneficial during pregnancy.

4. Address Underlying Conditions

If lupus has caused complications like kidney disease, make sure these are as well-controlled as possible before getting pregnant. Kidney function plays a significant role in pregnancy outcomes.

5. Stay Proactive with Prenatal Care

Early and regular prenatal visits are essential. A high-risk obstetrician (also known as a maternal-fetal medicine specialist) will closely monitor your progress throughout pregnancy, adjusting plans if needed.

During Pregnancy

Once you’re pregnant, maintaining a close relationship with your healthcare team is important. Here’s how to stay on track:

Monitor Symptoms and Flare-ups

Pregnancy may feel different for women with lupus compared to those without. You should monitor symptoms carefully and report any worrying changes to your doctor immediately. Common signs of lupus flare-ups during pregnancy include new joint pain, swelling, or worsening fatigue.

Engage in Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on nutrient-rich foods to support your pregnancy.
• Stay physically active: Low-impact exercises like walking can improve circulation and energy levels.
• Get enough rest: Adequate sleep is crucial, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.

Follow Your Prescribed Medication Plan

Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding medications exactly as prescribed. Never stop or start a medication without consulting your healthcare provider.

Postpartum Period and Lupus

The postpartum period is an area of vulnerability for women with lupus. Hormonal changes after giving birth can sometimes trigger flare-ups. Regular follow-ups with your rheumatologist are crucial to maintain control of your lupus symptoms during this period.

Breastfeeding is possible for many women with lupus, but this will depend on your medications and individual health condition. Discuss this with your doctor to create the best plan for you and your baby.

Why Choose Citizens Hospitals for Lupus Care and Pregnancy?

At Citizens Hospitals, we understand that every woman’s lupus and pregnancy experience is unique. Our multidisciplinary team of rheumatologists, high-risk obstetricians, and specialists are dedicated to offering customized care tailored to your individual needs. With state-of-the-art facilities and a patient-centric approach, we are committed to helping you achieve the healthiest outcome for both you and your baby.

From pre-conception counselling to postpartum support, we’re with you every step of the way, ensuring your care is as compassionate as it is comprehensive. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards a safe and healthy pregnancy.