If you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), planning for a family might feel overwhelming. At Desert Perinatal Associates, our team of nine maternal-fetal medicine specialists, including Dr. Joseph Adashek, MD, FACOG, is here to guide you. We specialize in managing high-risk pregnancy cases for families across Las Vegas, Nevada and Henderson, Nevada.
Historically, women with lupus were often told they could not safely have children. Today, the medical consensus is clear: with the right care, a successful and healthy pregnancy is highly achievable.
Lupus increases the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure and premature birth, but these risks can be managed with close medical supervision. Because lupus is an autoimmune condition, it can cause systemic inflammation that affects both you and your developing placenta.
One of the primary concerns we monitor is preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and potential damage to organs like the kidneys.
Research published in the Lupus Journal (2024) shows that the absolute risk of preeclampsia for pregnant women with lupus is about 27%, compared to just 8% for those with other rheumatic diseases.
Additionally, having active lupus or kidney involvement (lupus nephritis) at conception can increase the risk of preterm birth. A study in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2025) found that conceiving during a period of active lupus carries a 10.56-fold higher risk of pregnancy loss compared to conceiving when the disease is in remission. This is why we emphasize planning and timing.
Achieving deep disease remission before conceiving and taking pregnancy-safe medications are the most effective steps you can take for a healthy lupus pregnancy. We recommend waiting to conceive until your lupus has been quiet or in remission for at least three to six months.
During this preconception window, we work with your rheumatologist to safely transition you off medications that are not safe for the baby, like methotrexate, and onto pregnancy-compatible options like hydroxychloroquine. This transition ensures your disease remains controlled without harming your baby.
To protect your cardiovascular and placental health, we also utilize proven preventative therapies. According to guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2021), taking a daily low-dose aspirin starting between 12 and 16 weeks of pregnancy is highly recommended for women with lupus to significantly lower the risk of preeclampsia.
Many common fears about lupus and pregnancy, such as guaranteed infertility or passing on lifelong lupus to your baby, are completely false. Don't let outdated myths scare you away from your dream of starting a family.
First, lupus does not cause infertility. Women with lupus can conceive just as easily as anyone else.
Second, if you carry anti-SSA/Ro antibodies, your baby is not guaranteed to have heart issues. While these antibodies can cause a temporary rash or blood count changes in newborns (often called neonatal lupus), the risk of a permanent heart block is extremely low—only 1% to 2% in a first pregnancy.
Our dedicated team is ready to support you every step of the way. If you are planning a family or are currently pregnant, please contact our team to schedule a consultation today.
