FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Early talks with your doctor will allow you to have a plan for a safe pregnancy. You may need to change your lupus medicines 3 to 6 months  before you start trying, so planning ahead is important.

Everyone with lupus has a higher risk of pregnancy complications. But some things may raise your risk even more, like:  

1. High blood pressure 
2. Kidney problems 
3. Problems with your blood, like blood clots or not having enough platelets 
4. Having a certain type of proteins (called antiphospholipid antibodies) in your blood that may increase your risk for blood clots and pregnancy loss. 

Your risk is still higher if you had these problems in the past, even if you don’t have them now. Your risk is also higher if you had complications during a past pregnancy.

That depends on which medicines you’re taking. Some lupus medicines, are safe to take during pregnancy. But some other lupus medicines, can cause serious birth defects. It’s also important to know that some lupus medicines can stay in your body for several months after you stop taking them. You may need to stop or switch treatments up to 3/4 months before you start trying to get pregnant.

Early talks with your doctor will allow you to have a plan for a safe pregnancy. You may need to change your lupus medicines 3 to 6 months  before you start trying, so planning ahead is important.

Everyone with lupus has a higher risk of pregnancy complications. But some things may raise your risk even more, like:  

1. High blood pressure 
2. Kidney problems 
3. Problems with your blood, like blood clots or not having enough platelets 
4. Having a certain type of protein (called antiphospholipid antibodies) in your blood may increase your risk for blood clots and pregnancy loss. 

Your risk is still higher if you had these problems in the past, even if you don’t have them now. Your risk is also higher if you had complications during a past pregnancy.

Preeclampsia is a serious blood pressure problem that happens during pregnancy. If it’s not treated early, it can cause other health problems including kidney damage, problems with blood clotting, and seizures.   

People with lupus are at higher risk for preeclampsia and a related condition called HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome causes serious problems with the liver and blood.   

Preeclampsia can be very dangerous — but the early treatment makes a big difference. Get help right away if you have any of these symptoms while you’re pregnant:  

• Blurry vision or sudden changes in your vision 
• Severe headaches 
• Severe pain in your upper abdomen (usually under your ribs on the right side) 
• Trouble breathing or severe shortness of breath