The risks to the baby caused by the mother’s lupus in most cases are minimal. They have no greater chance of birth defects than those born to mothers without lupus. But approximately 3 percent of babies whose mothers have lupus will have neonatal lupus. Neonatal lupus is temporary and will usually go away within 3 to 6 months after onset. The clinicians in the hospital will check for abnormal blood counts and a rash, the main symptoms of neonatal lupus. Of the 3 percent, who get neonatal lupus, half will have a serious condition called heart block that can be treated with a pacemaker.
Planning a Pregnancy with Lupus
From Jeri Jewett-Tennant, MPH, for About.com
Updated: September 02, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
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