Planning a Pregnancy with Lupus

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 - Introduction
• Create a Pregnancy Plan
• See Your Doctor
• Find an Obstetrician
• Prepare for Pregnancy Risks
• Create a Birth Plan
• Prepare for (Minimal) Birth Risks
• Enjoy the Pleasure of Parenthood