Can Lupus Patients Get Pregnant?

Planning a pregnancy as a lupus patient can raise several questions in your mind. If you’re wondering, “Can lupus patients get pregnant?” The answer is yes! Most women diagnosed with lupus can have healthy babies just like anyone else.

However, pregnant lupus patients run the risk of developing complications more than the average pregnancy. Therefore, it’s essential to have a healthcare professional involved every step of the way. A doctor can help you make informed decisions from conception till birth so that you can complete your pregnancy stress-free.

How Lupus Affects Pregnancy?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack its own body. You can imagine that it can cause all sorts of issues, so it’s understandable to wonder how it can affect pregnancy. Pregnant women with lupus can become prone to flare-ups during pregnancy, and these can be dangerous.

Doctors stress the importance of being stable before becoming pregnant to minimize complications. This is because patients with active lupus are at risk for preterm delivery, miscarriage, and blood clots. Other problems that can occur for pregnant lupus patients are:

• Hypertension
• Babies with a low birth weight
• Pre-eclampsia
• Post-delivery bleeding
• Risk of emergency C-sections

Controlling Lupus Flares for a Smooth Pregnancy

Active lupus contributes to the likelihood of complications. Approximately 20% of pregnancies in patients with lupus end in miscarriage. Research indicates that it’s important to have lupus flares controlled for six months before conception to reduce risk during pregnancy. Mothers that have uncontrolled lupus also put the baby at risk of neonatal lupus; therefore, controlling flares is key.

How To Control Lupus Flares Pre-Pregnancy

There are several steps you can take to control lupus. With these strategies, you can plan a baby with minimal risk.

1. Stabilize Lupus Flares
   Have a rheumatologist manage your disease activity and guide you to safe management before and after pregnancy. They can transition you to medication suitable for pregnancy and guide you through disease management.
2. Avoid Abrupt Discontinuation of Medicines
   If you have been taking medication for lupus, stopping them abruptly can trigger a lupus flare. You must go over your medication routine with a rheumatologist to transition safely.
3. Screen for Antiphospholipid Antibodies
   These antibodies increase the risk of blood clots and miscarriage. If you get screened, your doctor can help you avoid any issues they may cause.
4. Lifestyle Change
   It’s important to have a balanced, enriching diet, good sleep, stress management, and exercise. These can help you stay on track and have a healthy pregnancy.

What’s Next

Lupus can cause the most harm in pregnant women if it is active. If precautions are taken to plan conception and pregnancy, people with lupus can safely carry their babies to term. All it requires is some disease management and preventing flare-ups with the help of a professional.

If you have lupus and are considering a pregnancy, visit Rheumatology Care of North Houston. We can help you with disease management and flare-up prevention. Call (832) 532-9779 to book an appointment.