Lupus and pregnant.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in pregnant women is an autoimmune disease. This means you produce antibodies to your own organs, which may destroy or damage those organs and their function. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including joints, kidneys, lungs and the heart.

This problem can be difficult to diagnose. Lupus occurs in about 1 in 700 women between 15 and 64 years of age. In black women, it occurs once in 254 women. Lupus is found more often in women than in men, especially between the ages of 20 and 40.

There is no cure for lupus at present. Treatment is individual and usually involves taking steroids. It is best not to become pregnant while you are experiencing a flare-up. There is an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirths in women with lupus, which requires extra care during pregnancy.

Babies born to women with lupus may have a rash, heart block and heart defects. These babies may be born prematurely or experience intrauterine-growth retardation. Consult your healthcare provider before you become pregnant if you have lupus. (See Week 27 for more information on lupus in pregnancy.)

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