Pregnancy and Lupus
Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that commonly affects the skin, joints, and kidneys. It appears in women of puberty. A woman with lupus can get pregnant naturally and with healthy children if it is under control. It may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or other serious health problems when active. All pregnancies with lupus are classified as "high-risk" pregnancies; Therefore, you should visit the doctor and plan for it 3 to 6 months before pregnancy. To assess the state of the pregnant woman's health and some medications may be stopped, and the best time for pregnancy is when the disease is stable and inactive.
Effect of pregnancy on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):
- Pregnant women with lupus are more likely to have pregnancy complications than women without lupus. Where you may have attacks during pregnancy, and they often occur in the first or second trimester of pregnancy - most of them are mild - but some attacks require treatment immediately, or they may cause premature labor.
- About 2 in 10 pregnant women with lupus develop pre-eclampsia, and the risk of developing pre-eclampsia is higher in women with lupus and a history of kidney disease.
- Pregnancy can increase the risk of other problems (such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney problems),
- Good nutrition during pregnancy can help prevent these problems during pregnancy, and regular visits to the doctor help in finding such problems early to treat them.
The difference between normal body changes and SLE attacks:
A pregnant woman may not be able to tell the difference between changes in the body due to pregnancy and the warning signs of a lupus attack. You should tell your doctor about any new symptoms. The pregnant woman and the doctor can also find out if the symptoms are due to pregnancy or lupus. To help prevent or control any problems that may occur.
Breastfeeding and lupus:
Affected mothers can breastfeed the baby, but some medications can pass through breast milk to the baby, so talk to the doctor about whether breastfeeding is safe with the medications used to control lupus.
Controlling lupus symptoms:
The best approach is to follow the treatment plan. These steps can help, which include:
- See your doctor regularly.
- Reducing stress.
- Minimize spending time in the sun.
- Choose healthy foods most of the time.
- Get enough sleep and rest.
- Exercise in moderation with your doctor's approval.