Lupus & Pregnancy
Living with lupus tends to bring its unique challenges, and pregnancy can add another layer of emotion, hope, and uncertainty. If you’re expecting, or are currently trying to conceive, you may have understandable concerns about how lupus could affect your pregnancy and your baby. The good news is that with the correct needed guidance, treatment and support, most women with lupus do go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
Pregnancy is already a deeply emotional experience. When lupus is added to the mix, it’s normal to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure. Please remember:
- Your feelings are valid
- Support exists for every step of the process
- You do not need to navigate lupus & pregnancy alone
Lean on your medical team, partner, family, and pregnancy support groups. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you are concerned at any point, you can come for a scan at Peek A Baby.
Lupus & Pregnancy: Understanding, Support, and Safe Care for Expectant Mothers
Lupus is an autoimmune condition where the immune system becomes overactive and attacks healthy tissues. Because pregnancy itself changes your immune system and hormone levels, it can influence lupus symptoms in different ways.
Research shows that:
- Some women experience no change in their lupus symptoms during pregnancy
- Others may notice improvements, especially if their condition has been stable for at least six months before conception.
- Some may experience flares, often mild, particularly in the second or third trimester.
Understanding the relationship between lupus & pregnancy can help you prepare and make informed choices your health and your baby’s wellbeing.
Is it safe to be pregnant with Lupus?
Yes, many women with lupus have safe and successful pregnancies. However, with lupus does come with some increased risks, which is why you need on-going support and early planning from your healthcare team.
Some of these risks include:
- High Blood Pressure Or Preeclampsia
- Preterm Birth
- Lupus Flares during pregnancy
- A slightly increased risk of pregnancy loss
These risks sound worrying, but with careful monitoring and early intervention, they can often be managed very effectively. The most important factor for a safe pregnancy is having well-controlled lupus before conception.
Planning For Pregnancy When You Have Lupus
If you’re thinking about pregnancy, it’s recommended to speak with your rheumatologist and GP before trying to conceive. This allows you to:
- Review your current lupus medications
- Ensure your condition is stable
- Adjust treatments if needed
- Discuss any individual risks or concerns
Specialist guidance ensures the best possible start to your journey with lupus & pregnancy
Lupus Medications During Pregnancy
One of the most common questions women ask is whether lupus medications are safe to take while pregnant. The answer depends on the specific treatment, but many lupus medications are considered safe and can be continued.
Your doctor may recommend:
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)
- Widely considered safe during pregnancy
- Reduces the risk of lupus flares
- Helps manage skin and joint symptoms
Low Dose Aspirin
- Often recommended to reduce the risk of preeclampsia
Immunosuppressants
Some, like azathioprine, may be continued, while others, such as methotrexate or mycophenolate mofetil, must be stopped before pregnancy.
Never stop or change your medications without medical advice. Proper treatment helps keep both you and your baby safe during your journey with lupus & pregnancy.
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Early Detection & Peace of Mind
Seeking an ultrasound scan early when you are displaying signs or symptoms of possible pregnancy is important to help you understand and process the changes within your body, whether that be from pregnancy or a blighted ovum.
With clear ultrasound imaging, the gestational sac can be visualised, and the presence of an embryo determined.
Early pregnancy scans from Peek A Baby help give you peace of mind. If the outcome is not what you expect, our team can help support you and guide you in the right direction for further support during this emotional time.
During pregnancy: monitoring your health and your baby
Expectant mothers with lupus can expect more frequent check-ups, and that’s a good thing. Regular monitoring ensures that both you and your baby are progressing well.
Your healthcare team may recommend:
- Routine blood tests to monitor lupus activity
- Ultrasounds to check your baby’s growth
- Blood pressure checks to identify early signs of preeclampsia
- Screening for certain antibodies (such as SSA/Ro and SSB/La) that may affect the baby
Mothers with these antibodies may receive extra monitoring, such as fetal heart scans, but many babies are completely healthy.
Your team will work with you step-by-step, so you never feel alone while navigating lupus & pregnancy
Lupus flares during pregnancy
Flares can still happen, but many are mild and manageable. Symptoms may includes:
- Increased fatigue
- Joint pain
- Skin rashes
- Low-grade fever
Your healthcare team will help you treat flares safely and quickly. The key is to report any new or worsening symptoms promptly.
Labour & Birth with Lupus
Most women with lupus can have a normal vaginal birth. However, depending on your individual situation, your obstetrician may recommend giving birth in a hospital setting so that support is readily available if needed.
Important notes:
- Lupus rarely causes complications during labour
- Your medications will be reviewed and continued if necessary
- Your birth plan can be adjusted around your comfort and medical needs
Your midwife and medical team will make sure feel safe, supported, reassured during the labour process.
Lupus & Breastfeeding
Many mothers with lupus can breastfeed safely. Most medications that are safe during pregnancy are also safe while breastfeeding, including hydroxychloroquine and low-dose steroids.
If a particular medication isn’t suitable for breastfeeding, your doctor will discuss alternatives that allow you to care for your baby while still managing your lupus effectively.
Book an Early Scan Appointment
If you are experiencing a range of symptoms and would like to know whether or not you are pregnant, book your early pregnancy reassurance scan with your local Peek A Baby clinic today. Our team are here from the moment you step foot into our clinics to help and support you along your journey, whatever the outcome.
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