Lupus in pregnancy

[pixie_woo]

Hi When I was 18 (1999) I was hospitalised due to a rash. I had everyone baffled and was kept in for 4 days while they ran extensive tests, the cause was never found and the rash cleared up about 2 weeks after I was discharged. I am now 30 weeks pg and mentioned "the rash" in my first booking-in appt with mid-wife back in December. I went to see consultant yesterday who was very concerned that it may have been Lupus as this could have consequences in pregnancy. I have had 1 rash during pregnancy but the GP put it down to a virus, the consultant didn't seem too happy that considering my history I wasn't sent to hospital for further tests. After all that waffle, my question is what effect can Lupus have during pregnancy?

[redcrx]

the effect of lupus on the pregnancy is to the placenta which can cause a premature birth or miscarriage in about 50% of cases. I found some info here which may help http://www.hamline.edu/~lupus/articles/Pregnan cy_in_Lupus.html

are you being offered tests now?

[pixie_woo]

Not being offered tests but I had my routine blood tests a few weeks ago and no abnormalities were found in mt platelet levels.
I have just read the article via the link from redcrx and the hyperchodriac inside is now going mental! The article mentions kidney problems as a side-effect of Lupus, well when I had "the rash" I was also treated for a serious urinary tract infection (the hospital couldn't understand why I wasn't in serious pain when passing water). Oh, so confused.
Consultant was writing to hospital to find out what I was tested for so I guess I just have to wait and see.

[redcrx]

sorry, i really didnt mean to scare you.

If youve never had the symptoms of lupus before that one time then perhaps the original GPs were right and it was just a viral rash. UTIs are very common in pregnancy as the baby can lie across the bladder and prevent the complete emptying of urinary tract.

[fayelc123]

Hi, probably wont be much help, but just wanted to add that my cousin suffers very badly with Lupus, has done for years. However, she had a baby girl 2 years ago now & they were both fine. although she was closely monitored & has been told not to try for another baby.