Risks and Complications of Pregnancy Caused by Lupus

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.

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