Lupus is an autoimmune disease, a condition caused when a person’s body attacks its tissues and organs. Lupus affects various parts of the body including the skin, kidneys, and joints. When a woman with lupus becomes pregnant she undergoes a range of complications that impacts both her and her developing baby. The potential risks and pregnancy complications caused by lupus are as follows:
- Miscarriages: Women with lupus are at a higher risk of miscarriages.
- Fetal growth restriction: Fetal growth restriction refers to underdeveloped babies. The baby suffers from low body weight and several other complications.
- Preeclampsia: Lupus increases the risk of Preeclampsia, a condition in which the blood pressure of the woman increases after the 20th week of pregnancy causing premature deliveries.
- Increased risk of infection: Women on lupus medications are at a higher risk of developing infections during pregnancy.
- Lupus flares: Lupus flares are the increase in disease activity during pregnancy.
- Blood clots: Women with lupus are at a higher potential risk of developing blood clots which can harm both the mother and the baby.
- Delivery complications: Delivery complications such as excessive bleeding and infections can happen at the time of delivery.
- Breastfeeding complications: Medications used to treat women with lupus may harm the infants.
Higher risks of C-Sections with concerns over normal delivery.
Women with lupus who are pregnant or considering pregnancy can take several steps to reduce the risk of complications:
- Regular prenatal care: The care received during pregnancy is termed prenatal care. Women should often visit the best gynaecologist in Mumbai during pregnancy to ensure favorable outcomes.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Women suffering from lupus should avoid liquor and smoking and focus more on balanced diets and exercises.
- Get adequate rest: Women suffering from lupus are more prone to fatigue. They should take an adequate amount of rest and ensure they do not participate in any exaggerated exercises.
- Avoid stress: Stress can trigger lupus flares which can further lead to delivery complications and infections. Women suffering from lupus should try to avoid stress and keep their minds and body relaxed.
- Take the prescribed medicines: Women suffering from lupus are already on a high dose of medications. The patient must discuss the medications with a top gynaecologist in Mumbai to ensure no complications arise.
It is also essential that people affected by the condition should conduct a thorough online research so that they learn more about the disease and incorporate effective strategies to mitigate pregnancy complications caused by lupus. Women with lupus need to receive appropriate medical care before, during, and after pregnancy to minimize these risks and complications. Close monitoring by a team of healthcare professionals, obstetricians, and gynaecologists can prevent the situation from worsening.
Dr. Neelima Mantri is amongst the best obstetricians in India who can be consulted by women suffering from lupus. She holds multiple degrees (MS – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MBBS, FMAS, FACS & Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery) which showcase her utmost talent with over a decade of experience. Check the official website of Dr. Neelima Mantri to gain more information about this topic.