Very Well Family reports on how to navigate pregnancy if you have lupus according to experts including HSS rheumatologist Jane E. Salmon, MD, and rheumatology fellow Caroline Siegel, MD.

People with lupus have a higher risk of pregnancy complications. But the good news is that when lupus is properly managed before conception and during pregnancy, it’s possible to have a healthy gestation.

“Having lupus does lead to an increased risk of certain pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction due to placental dysfunction, and preterm delivery,” said Dr. Salmon. But not everyone with lupus will have the same risks. Your risk increases if you are having a lupus flare in early pregnancy, if you have lupus kidney disease, and if you are positive for antiphospholipid antibodies." 

Lupus is not a contagious disease, but because lupus is likely an inherited condition, it’s possible that your child will develop lupus later in life, according to Caroline Siegel, MD, rheumatology fellow at HSS. “Because genetic factors contribute to the development of lupus, first-degree relatives of people with lupus are more likely to develop lupus themselves compared to people without affected family members,” Dr. Siegel said.

Read the full article at verywellfamily.com.