Lupus and pregnancy

[Lulucy]

Hi, I m new here. I have been diagnosed with Lupus in June 2016 a few weeks after having my fourth miscarriage. So far, I m only prescribed Hydroxycloroquine 2x a day and non-steroids anti-inflammatory when in pain due to flare ups. I m about to have some further blood tests and I have mentioned to the doctor that I would like to try to get pregnant again. Does anyone there went through pregnancy well? I m still having mild flare ups and because of that,I am not sure if I should go ahead with the hope for a baby. I m in my early forties and would really appreciate some advice.

[Sara_A]

They need to check u for antiphospholipid syndrome (Hughes) as this can cause recurrent miscarriage.

But with the right treatment u have a good chance of a successful pregnancy. Treatment is usually aspirin or aspirin and daily heparin injections.

I have managed to have 2 children with close monitoring and treatment, so please please ask them for this!!

Good luck u have to be firm and strong with them!

[Lulucy in reply to Sara_A]

Hi, thank you for replying. Yes, I was checked for antiphospholipid syndrome after my third miscarriage and have had heparin injections from week 5 of next pregnancy but at 8 weeks no heartbeat and then miscarrie again at 9weeks. A few days ago I have consulted a private immunologist in Surrey, Dr Shehata, who seems to be very knowledgeable but I m not sure if I will be able to afford his treatment. Then I went back to my GP and he has agreed to do some blood tests next week. I have to be honest that I m scared of any complications like kidneys or pre-eclampsia etc. I have a son who is 7 now and I feel terrified to be sick and not there for him. If you don't mind me asking, when you got pregnant, where you completely free of Lupus flare for a long time? I was very well until September but since then I am suffering with flare ups Sorry for this long text. Its so nice to hear someone else's experiences. It gives me hope.

[nanleighh]

Hi Lulucy, I have been an OB triage nurse for the past 17 years of my nursing career. Sara is absolutely correct. Pregnancy can be successful with proper care and you should be tested for antiphospholipid syndrome if you haven’t already. I don’t know where you live, but here they give aspirin and lovenox in pregnancy and transition to heparin for delivery, being heparin can be reversed for delivery if your INR shows your blood too thin. If you haven’t already seen a high risk pregnancy specialist you should ASAP especially because of your age before you try again. The best of luck to you for success. Don’t give up XO, Nan

[Lulucy in reply to nanleighh]

Hi nanleighh, thank you for your advice. Perhaps I should ask to see a high risk OB soon. As I mention to Sara, Dr Shehata is a specialist in this area but he told me that unfortunately I cannot combine his treatment with NHS care, then I will perhaps not be able to afford all. I will try the NHS and see if I can get referred. X

[leslieliesel]

I am rooting for your hopes for a baby xo

[Lulucy in reply to leslieliesel]

Thanks Leslie

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Lulucy,

Welcome to the LUPUS UK HealthUnlocked Community!

We offer a free information pack which you may like to download or request here: lupusuk.org.uk/request-info...

With close monitoring, many lupus patients have successful pregnancies; we published a booklet about lupus and pregnancy which I hope you find helpful - lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Please keep us updated, wishing you all the best.