Systemic Lupus and Pregnancy

I have a friend who was diagnosed with SLE 20 years ago when she was in her early 20's. She had two flare-ups, one in her mid 20's, and the second in her early 30's. She had 3 fairly textbook pregnancies in her mid to late 30's without any flare-ups. She is now in her early 40's and doing fine with three healthy children ages 8, 6 and 3. I suppose it all depends on how SLE is affecting you and what meds you are taking that could cause problems with a pregnancy. If you don't like the advice your doctor is giving you, get a second or third opinion and then make the best decision for yourself. You are still very young and have many good years ahead of you to make beautiful babies! Good luck! :)

Hi M.,
I am sorry that you have received such a tough diagnosis! I myself don't have SLE, but I am an RN for an L&D dept that specializes in very high risk pregnancies, and we do see many patients pregnant and siffering from SLE. It is possible to have a successful pregnancy, although you are for sure a higher risk patient. My suggestion to get the best possible outcome would be to have a preconception meeting with a perinatologist. The group that I work pretty closely with is Phoenix Perinatal Associates, they have several offices throughout the valley. Good luck, and explore all your options!

I have an aunt who has Lupus and she had another baby after she was diagnosed. I do not know the details of where she was in her prognosis at the time or if doctors today would have advised her against getting pregnant (her "baby" is now a teenager). She had several miscarriages trying for her second child. Is the doctor saying no forever or no until you are considered in remission? You are still young, with a lot of child bearing years left. If it's a matter of waiting until you are in remission, keep up your treatment and wait. If the doctor is saying no forever, you can always get another opinion and find a doctor who will be able to work with you to become pregnant when you are in remission.

Being pregnant and caring for a baby is a strain physically and mentally when you are considered healthy. Being pregnant and a parent with Lupus could have extra challenges that are worth considering before going forward. There are some web sites with info, if you have not already looked at them. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck in getting your SLE into remission.

Web sites:
http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/arthritis-info/lupus/lup...

http://lupus.webmd.com/guide/pregnancy-lupus

Hi M.,
My friend has full blown lupis- not sure if it is the same as systemic lupus but she did have a baby a few years after being diagnosed with it totally against doctors orders & wishes. Her kid is in his 20's now and she is still alive but has been bedridden for 12 years now and is in constant pain due to the lupus. I'm not sure it is worse or better from her having a child but she did it! Good luck on your journey!