High Risk Pregnancy and Lupus

What Is a High Risk Pregnancy?

Obstetricians generally have a range of factors that they look at when determining whether a pregnancy might be considered high risk. Keep in mind, however, that each case is different and the mother's current health status and age can play a huge role in diagnosing her pregnancy as high risk. High risk pregnancies are often based upon a determination of multiple births, family history, past pregnancies, mother's age, physical conditions, and health problems. Many women experience a high risk pregnancy and lupus is just one of the many health problems that women may have to manage.

What is Lupus?

According toLupus.org, lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body. This may include the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys, and brain. Normally, the body's immune system uses antibodies to protect itself against bacteria, viruses, and other foreign materials. However, in an autoimmune disease, the body can't differentiate between its own tissues and cells and any foreign substances, signaling the immune system to make auto-antibodies. These auto-antibodies actually attack the body in the form of pain and inflammation. This pain and inflammation can occur both within and outside of the body, attacking organs, joints, tissue, and skin.

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, over 16,000 Americans develop lupus every year. While some only experience a mild form of this disease, others develop life-threatening symptoms. With an estimate of between 1.5 and 2 millions Americans diagnosed, it may be surprising to learn that over 90 percent of these are women. On top of that, most of the symptoms and diagnoses occur between the ages of 15 and 45. The results indicate that a high risk pregnancy and lupus are possible and must be managed appropriately.

High Risk Pregnancy and Lupus

Once a pregnancy has been determined to be high risk, there are various ways to manage the pregnancy. An obstetrician should work on coordinating the care of the mother. This should include counseling for the parents regarding the mother's and the baby's condition. Most importantly, an obstetrician must work closely with any other specialists involved in the care of the mother.

• Complications-Unfortunately, women who have been diagnosed with lupus may have already experienced one or more miscarriages. Serious complications, such as high blood pressure or kidney damage, can increase the risk of a miscarriage or infant death. Because lupus antibodies can cross the placenta to the fetus, the baby may experience a low white blood cell count, anemia, or a slow heartbeat. These antibodies will hopefully subside a few weeks after the baby is born, however, reducing the risk to a baby's health.
• Symptoms-Lupus is a tricky disease that can affect one woman quite differently from another woman. In some pregnancies, lupus may worsen, while in others, the symptoms may be much less severe. There have also been cases when autoimmune symptoms did not show up until a pregnancy occurs. Typically, however, most flare-ups associated with a high risk pregnancy and lupus occur just after labor and delivery.

When Should You Get Pregnant?

With all the concerns surrounding a diagnosis of lupus, when is the right time for you to get pregnant? Common sense will tell you that you want to be as healthy as possible. If possible, plan on trying to get pregnant when your symptoms appear to be in remission. Continue to take care of yourself throughout the pregnancy, communicating often with both your obstetrician and your specialist.

Medications and Pregnancy

While most doctors will advise pregnant women to steer clear of unnecessary medications, many medications that are prescribed to manage lupus are safe to use during pregnancy. Check with your specialist as soon as you discover you are pregnant to find out what medicines you can take.