What to do if you are pregnant with systemic lupus erythematosus
Disease description:
I have recently been undergoing treatment for a skin condition when I suddenly discovered I was pregnant. I would like to know what to do if one has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and becomes pregnant?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Pregnancy recommendations for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE):
1. Disease evaluation: Assess whether the patient's lupus condition is stable. Patients experiencing active disease should not become pregnant and should wait until the disease is stable, there is no active lesion, and teratogenic drugs have been discontinued for at least three months before considering pregnancy. During pregnancy, care should be managed jointly by rheumatologists and obstetricians, with regular monitoring of blood tests, urine tests, antinuclear antibody profile, and other relevant indicators.
2. Regular prenatal checkups: After becoming pregnant, the patient should follow medical advice and attend regular prenatal examinations to monitor fetal development and changes in the mother's disease status.
3. Medication adjustment: The use of immunosuppressive agents should be minimized during pregnancy, as these medications may have adverse effects on the fetus. For necessary medications, such as corticosteroids, the lowest effective dose should be selected under a physician's guidance.
In addition, pregnant women should ensure adequate rest, avoid ultraviolet radiation, and maintain a positive mental state.
