Everything you need to know about lupus in pregnant women

Of about 100 types of autoimmune rheumatic diseases that exist, lupus is one that occurs quite often. However, it is not widely known that lupus cases occur mostly in young women. This is what may make many women with lupus wonder, can I actually get pregnant? And what are the safe treatments for treating lupus in pregnant women?

Calm down, I will answer all your doubts through the following review.

Can a woman with lupus get pregnant?

Like other types of autoimmune diseases, lupus is also caused by the wrong working of the immune system because it attacks healthy cells or tissues. Lupus cannot be underestimated, because it can attack any organ in all parts of the body.

Basically, women and men are both at risk of developing lupus. It's just that, the ratio between women and men who get lupus is 9: 1. Yes, the main record for people with lupus alias odapus is more experienced by women, especially at a young age.

The good news is, women who experience lupus can certainly get pregnant like other women in general. However, there are several things that must be considered before the mother is declared pregnant when she has lupus.

First, your lupus must be in remission. Remission is a condition in which the symptoms of lupus are stable or do not recur.

I usually recommend that women with lupus who plan to become pregnant give at least 6 months of time to get pregnant after the remission phase. This consideration is given based on physical examination, complaints, and data from the laboratory.

Second, the condition of the organs of women with lupus must be considered. When the organs of the body experience severe enough decline in function, I do not recommend that you get pregnant because it is too risky.

For example, when you have lupus along with advanced kidney failure, severe heart failure, pulmonary disorders, and severe pulmonary hypertension.

How is lupus treated in pregnant women?

After your condition is allowed to get pregnant and then tested positive for pregnancy, the doctor will give you drugs that are safe for your pregnancy. Treatment of lupus in pregnant women includes administration of small doses of steroids, hydroxychloroquin (plaquenil), and azathioprine.

These drugs are quite safe to use during pregnancy. With a note, use under the supervision of a rheumatologist and in accordance with the patient's condition at the time of pregnancy.

In contrast, drugs such as cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate and leflunomide should be avoided during pregnancy. The reason is, this drug is at risk of causing defects in the fetus in the womb.

What tests should a pregnant woman with lupus undergo?

If pregnant women have lupus, I recommend making regular visits to a rheumatologist every 4 weeks until 28 weeks of gestation. Furthermore, routine examinations can be advanced to once every 3 weeks until the 36th week of gestation, and once every 2 weeks until delivery.

Routine checks aim to monitor your body's general physical condition, including blood pressure. The rheumatologist will also perform a complete blood count, including checking kidney function, and urine conditions.

There is also a special examination that functions to assess the condition of lupus that is currently occurring in pregnant women. For example, complement levels (C3 and C4), and anti-dsDNA.

In addition, there are also special examinations, namely ultrasound (USG) and fetal heart rate (fetal echocardiography). Echocardiography is especially performed if disturbance of the fetal heart rate is suspected.

Early detection of the condition of the fetus is very important so that pregnant women can be given treatment as early as possible.

Are there any possible risks for pregnant women and their babies?

Even though it is relatively safe, it does not rule out the possibility that lupus in pregnant women can cause bad possibilities. Whether it's the mother or the baby in the womb.

One of the worst possibilities that a pregnant woman can experience is experiencing a flare (recurrence). This condition is usually caused by stopping drug consumption and not having regular checkups with a rheumatologist.

On the other hand, lupus in pregnant women can also cause preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme, low platelet).

HELLP syndrome is a complication in pregnant women characterized by liver and blood disorders in lupus. Meanwhile, babies in the womb of pregnant women who have lupus are at risk for premature birth, congenital lupus, and congenital heart defects.

That is why I strongly recommend that women who have lupus and then become pregnant, to regularly see a doctor according to schedule.

At least, this can help reduce and detect the risk of harm during pregnancy as early as possible. In conclusion, actually the fertility of women who have lupus is the same as other normal women.

In fact, it is okay for odapus to have offspring. It's just that, make sure you consult a rheumatologist when planning a pregnancy, and regularly check with your doctor during pregnancy.

Pregnancy success in women with lupus depends on good preparation and monitoring before and during pregnancy.