I was diagnosed in march with Lupus and would like some advice on trying for a baby this early after diagnosis.

[SummersMummy]

My partner and I were planning on trying for our second baby starting in September. But since being diagnosed in march things have changed so much and I would just like some advice. I also have endemetriosis and was told to have children sooner rather than later. Im only 22 (my partner is 31 ) but we don't want to leave it two long between the siblings. I was reacting really well to my medication ( hydroxichloraquin ) until that heat wave in July and I ended up being hospitalized in a flare due to a reaction to the sun ( which had never happened before) anyway my take on it is that I should start trying for a baby now instead of being on medication then having to wait for medication to get out my system and then start tying . . . Has anyone else experienced how I'm feeling I'm so frustrated and with everyone else telling me that becoming pregnant now could be dangerous for me. I'd rather do it now and get it done than have to wait for god knows how long. Considering it was all planned xx thankyou xx

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi,

I would recommend that you arrange an appointment with your consultant if you are considering trying for a baby. Lupus can increase the risk of miscarriage and so some patients may need extra monitoring or even different treatment.

If you are in or around London I would recommend you try to get a referral to the Louise Coote lupus clinic at St Thomas Hospital. They have a special team for lupus & pregnancy.

Paul

LUPUS UK

[SummersMummy in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thankyou very much Paul.

[AlisonM]

It is advised to only try if ur disease is stable, as this increases ur chances of having a safe pregnancy. Plaquinel, the medication u said u were on, is safe during pregnancy. I had a pre-pregnancy counselling before conception & the consultant discussed options for pre, during & after care. (I'm nearly 7 weeks pregnant & going for a scan on Friday, so excited & scared at the same time!!)

Good luck xxx

[SummersMummy in reply to AlisonM]

Thankyou. Good luck worth your scan. You will have to let me know how you get on very happy for you x

[lilliekinz]

I too am 22 and am about to get married. I have always been very keen to have a big family so this is something I have discussed with my consultant a lot. I go to st Thomas' and he told me that I should just tell him when I feel ready and he will sort an appointment for me with the specialist pregnancy lupus unit. So I suggest you try to get an appointment at st Thomas? Best of luck x

[lb22]

Hi, I am currently 28 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby. I take 400mg of hydroxychloroquine daily which my consultant advised to continue taking as its safe and stopping it could lead to flares. I would also echo that you should see your consultant as there can be complications but for most of them you can be tested. I am one of the lucky ones, as my first pregnancy was relatively straight forward (before I was diagnosed) they assume this will also be but as a precaution I have 4 growth scans and a few extra outpatient apps.

I wish you the best of luck xx

[SummersMummy]

Thankyou everyone. I have an appointment with my new rhymatologist on the 5th October. Very excited as I have so many questions pregnancy related and general lupus questions. I will let you know what the out come is hope your all well xxx