QUICK GUIDE

Lupus and

Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter 9302 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46260 I (317) 225-4400

Facts & Statistics To Avoid Pregnancy

Pregnancy is no longer considered an Complications impossibility if you have lupus.

 See your rheumatologist at least Your chances for a successful pregnancy Mission once every trimester—more often are excellent if you plan properly—when if you have a lupus flare. If you The Lupus Foundation of America, lupus symptoms are in remission—and have a flare, you may need to be Indiana Chapter is part of a national your rheumatologist and specialists in treated with prednisone, which force devoted to solving the cruel maternal-fetal medicine monitor you does not cross the mystery of lupus while providing closely. except at high doses. caring support to those who suffer About 2 in 10 pregnant women with lupus  See your perinatologist and from its brutal impact. obstetrician regularly and get preeclampsia,2 a serious condition

that must be treated right away. frequently, and follow their Efforts instructions about rest, exercise,

Support research and conduct diet, and medications. Risk Factors  Pay very close attention to what education programs so everyone your body is telling you and tell affected by lupus can have an  Pre-existing or present your doctors about anything that  History or presence of kidney disease improved quality of life and get does not seem right.  History of previous preeclampsia answers and health professionals  Make the right lifestyle choices:  History of low platelets know about new means to diagnose Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or  History of blood clots and manage the disease. take recreational drugs, and limit  History or presence of caffeine. Conduct activities to increase antiphospholipid antibodies awareness of lupus, rally public support for those who are affected by lupus, and advocate on their behalf. If you have lupus and are "With passion and

About Lupus & Pregnancy planning to start a family, perseverance, we will

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune you should… fulfill our purpose as disease that can damage any part  Talk to your doctor about banking of the body. Although many lupus an organization. That if you are being treated with will have no purpose is to be a cytotoxic medicines. complications, all lupus  Make healthy lifestyle choices. resource for and pregnancies are considered “high  Develop a network of friends and risk”—meaning problems may occur support to lupus neighbors and must be anticipated. The best patients, and to  Maintain a steady, healthy time to be pregnant is when you are ultimately live in a doing well with your health. Women workplace.  whose lupus is in remission have Engage a positive self-talk. world without lupus." much less trouble with pregnancy  Reassign household responsibilities as needed. than women whose disease is - La Toija Snodgrass, CEO active.