Many years ago (and more recently) we have looked at the pill in our lupus patients and have found that in general there are no major problems, especially with the mini pill. A small group of patients with antiphospholipid antibody (or anticardiolipin antibody) have more of a clotting tendency and obviously these patients present a totally different problem. In these patients oestrogen containing pills should be avoided.
Can azathioprine be used in pregnancy?
My baby is to be delivered by caesarian section at 36 weeks to prevent my lupus flaring. Is this a good idea or not? I am worried about having a premature baby.
I am scared of having a “flare-up” of lupus after a natural birth. What precautions can be taken?
Statistically, the chances of having a flare in lupus are higher after delivery. Having said this, the chances are still small - only a small minority of our lupus patients have flares in the few months after delivery of the baby. Nevertheless, we like to watch our patients more closely at this time and monitor the urine and blood tests more frequently. If the test results become more abnormal, then we can at least step in earlier with more active treatment.
Having suffered severe lupus, it is now calm and we are thinking of starting a family. Should I tell my GP? Will my lupus react to my pregnancy and should I increase my steroids?
From what you say, there seems every chance of a successful pregnancy. Clearly, it is important to know that the lupus is relatively calm, both from the clinical point of view and from the tests, that the blood pressure and kidney function are reasonable and that the anticardiolipin antibody levels are not high (patients with high anticardiolipin antibodies have a higher risk of miscarriage and this can now be largely prevented). There is no specific need to routinely increase the steroids just because of the pregnancy.
What sort of contraception can I use?
The current view on this has changed over recent years in the light of two studies. Both studies suggest that providing the woman does not have antiphospholipid antibodies, the low-dose combined oral contraceptive should not significantly increase the risk of a lupus flare. In the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies ("sticky blood"), there is an increased risk of blood clots with the combined oral contraceptive. Progesterone is generally OK in APS patients. The Mirena Coil is also generally recommended by the Lupus-In-Pregnancy Clinic at Guys Hospital.
Breastfeeding and Lupus
I am due to give birth in two weeks and am anti-ro positive (I have lupus/Sjögren’s with mild joint/fatigue symptoms, Hashimoto's hypothyroidism and Graves Eye Disease). I am concerned that breastfeeding whilst passing on my 'good' antibodies, might also pass on my bad antibodies. Is it possible to pass on anti-ro through breast milk?
