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The Basics

The Basics2020-09-29T11:13:47+00:00

Five Key Factors

For Managing Lupus While Pregnant

Our goal is to enable you to build the family you want and empower you with the knowledge and information you need to make all the right choices to sustain a healthy pregnancy.
There are a number of factors you will want to consider for managing your lupus both before you get pregnant and during your pregnancy. Below are the top five.

Click the links within each element to learn more.

Plan When to Become Pregnant

  • Ideally, all pregnancies for women with lupus should be planned pregnancies. Getting pregnant when lupus is active or when you are taking medications potentially harmful to a fetus increases the risks of complications. Planning to avoid pregnancies during these periods is important, and this means using safe and effective contraception. Many forms of birth control are safe for women with lupus. Read more about safe and effective contraception.
  • A pregnancy that occurs when your lupus is active or when you are taking a toxic medication can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. It can also lead to birth defects or very early delivery, which can have life-long consequences for the child. Learn more about which medications are compatible with pregnancy and about symptoms that indicate active lupus.

Work Closely with Your Rheumatologist

  • Do not depend upon your obstetrician for lupus advice.
  • Do not depend upon your rheumatologist for OB advice.

Manage the Risk of Neonatal Lupus

  • Neonatal lupus occurs in a very small number of babies born to women with lupus and other rheumatic disease.
  • Risks can be mitigated with medication and monitoring.

Prevent Preeclampsia

  • One in four women with lupus experience preeclampsia during their pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that requires immediate medical care and often immediate delivery of the baby.
  • Because there is no treatment for preeclampsia, the goal is to prevent it.
  • Taking a “baby” or low-dose aspirin (81 mg) every day will reduce a lupus patient’s chances of developing preeclampsia.

Use Pregnancy-Compatible Medications to Control Lupus

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