Managing Pregnancy with Lupus

People with lupus who wish to start a family may wonder if pregnancy is possible. “In general, lupus alone is not expected to decrease the ability to conceive,” said Sasha Andrews, M.D., a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Obstetrix® of Colorado, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group. Once pregnant, the pregnancy will be considered high-risk. “Lupus can affect pregnancy in a variety of ways, and increases the risks for both the patient and baby,” said Dr. Andrews. This includes a higher risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction (babies born smaller than normal), preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), and unplanned C-section deliveries. “Unfortunately, pregnant patients with lupus have higher rates of blood clots, infection, stillbirth and overall mortality.”

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