Some things to look for during pregnancy with lupus

Some doctors recommend that women with lupus do not become pregnant because of the potential risk of serious risks to the mother and baby. Even so, many women with lupus can still get pregnant safely and have healthy babies.

If you suffer from lupus and are planning to become pregnant, this is what you need to know about the possible risks and complications. This can help you and your doctor ensure the best results for you and your baby.

Preparations for pregnancy for lupus patients

The first step towards pregnancy and a healthy baby begins before becoming pregnant. If you want a baby, make sure you are ready for the pregnancy process, including:

1. Make sure your lupus is in controlled condition

For lupus patients who want to have children, pregnancy must be planned if lupus is inactive for at least 6 months with stable treatment. Pregnancy that occurs when active lupus increases the risk of complications for both mother and baby.

It is advisable to consult a doctor 3 to 6 months in advance to plan a pregnancy. This is intended to detect various risk factors for pregnancy such as kidney disorders, high blood pressure and heart and lung disease. Doctors can also adjust treatments so that the pregnancy goes on smoothly.

2. Check medicines with your doctor

Some drugs are safe for consumption during pregnancy. However, some other drugs can hurt you. Your doctor may need to stop or change certain medications before becoming pregnant.

Medications that should not be taken during pregnancy include methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, leflunomide, and warfarin. Some drugs must be stopped a few months before the start of the pregnancy program.

3. Do a blood test

Blood tests are important for women with lupus who will become pregnant. This is done to find out if you have certain antibodies that can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.

Several types of antibodies can increase the risk of blood clots (thrombosis) during pregnancy. These antibodies can also increase risks such as preeclampsia, premature birth and stillbirth.

4. Live a healthy lifestyle

Pregnancy chances will increase if you live a healthy life. Here are a few steps to follow:

Take folic acid supplements 3 months before pregnancy and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Stop smoking and drinking alcoholic drinks
Maintain ideal body weight
Perform the necessary vaccinations such as the MMR vaccine

Risk of pregnancy problems in lupus patients

Every pregnant woman will certainly be faced with various pregnancy problems with different severity from each other. However, this problem will certainly be very different for women with lupus.

Indeed, many problems must be considered as being prevented or treated and treated early. Here are some problems that can occur during pregnancy and you should know about:

1. The appearance of flares

Increasing lupus is a condition where lupus symptoms get worse and make people with lupus sick. Outbreaks are a recurring condition and during pregnancy, lupus usually occurs in the first and second trimesters.

Outbreaks that occur usually do not cause significant problems, but in some cases, pregnant women with lupus flare-ups must receive treatment or even preterm labor to the mother.

2. Complications of hypertension

Complications of high blood pressure can affect up to 20% of pregnant women with lupus. High blood pressure can caused by pregnancy itself. This condition is quite risky and can increase the risk of preeclampsia. This occurs in about one in five pregnancies with lupus.

3. miscarriage

About one in five pregnancies with lupus ends in miscarriage. Miscarriages are more likely to occur in women with hypertension, active lupus, and active kidney failure. Miscarriages can also occur due to antiphospholipid antibodies. This is a type of antibody that increases the tendency for blood clots to form in blood vessels and arteries.

4. Preterm labor

About one in three women with lupus give birth to premature babies, which means that work is done before the 37th week of pregnancy. For this reason, it is important for you to know the symptoms of preterm labor, including:

Back pain
Pelvic pressure
Blood leaks or clear fluid from the vagina
Stomach cramps
Contractions occur every 10 minutes or so

In addition, women with lupus may have a higher risk of pregnancy complications. However, the risk of having a baby with a congenital abnormality or mental retardation is not affected by his lupus condition.

Tips for maintaining pregnancy with lupus
In addition to consulting your doctor regularly and following instructions from doctors and gynecologists, you can take many steps to maintain your pregnancy with lupus, including:

Rest a lot. Make sure you sleep well and reduce intense activity throughout the day.
Eat healthy. Avoid excessive weight gain. Ask your doctor to refer you to a nutritionist if necessary.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
If you have unusual symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

For lupus sufferers, pregnancy may seem unimaginable. However, thanks to the explanation above, it is known that lupus and pregnancy are not two things that are impossible to tie. With careful preparation, pregnancy in lupus patients can always run well and safely.