Although pregnancy in women with lupus is considered high risk, most women with lupus carry their babies safely to the end of their pregnancy. Women with lupus in general have a higher rate of miscarriage and premature births compared with the general population. In addition, women who have antiphospholipid antibodies are at a greater risk of miscarriage in the second trimester because of their increased risk of blood clotting in the placenta. Lupus patients with a history of kidney disease have a higher risk of preeclampsia (hypertension with a buildup of excess watery fluid in cells or tissues of the body). Pregnancy counseling and planning before pregnancy are important. Ideally, a woman should have no signs or symptoms of lupus and be taking no medications for at least 6 months before she becomes pregnant.

Some women may experience a mild to moderate flare during or after their pregnancy; others do not. Pregnant women with lupus, especially those taking corticosteroids, also are more likely to develop high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and kidney complications, so regular care and good nutrition during pregnancy are essential. It is also advisable to have access to a neonatal (newborn) intensive care unit at the time of delivery in case the baby requires special medical attention.

For women with lupus who do not wish to become pregnant or who are taking drugs that could be harmful to an unborn baby, reliable birth control is important. Previously, oral contraceptives (birth control pills) were not an option for women with lupus because doctors feared the hormones in the pill would cause a flare of the disease. However, a large NIH-supported study called Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment (SELENA) found that severe flares were no more common among women with lupus taking oral contraceptives than those taking a placebo (inactive pill). As a result of this study, published in 2005, doctors are increasingly prescribing oral contraceptives to women with inactive or stable disease.

Like many conditions, lupus disease is one many people either haven’t heard of or don’t know much about. Which is surprising since this often debilitating disease isn’t really all that rare. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in every 2,000 people have one of the four forms of lupus. And the most common type of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus, is also the most severe and debilitating.

Lupus disease doesn’t discriminate. It affects men and women of many different ages and races. However, certain factors put some people at greater risk of developing lupus.

While there are many men who suffer from lupus, this condition is more commonly found in women, especially women between puberty and menopause. While lupus is found in people of all races, it is most commonly found in of African-American or Asian descent.

Those who are diagnosed with lupus are usually between the ages of 15 and 45 years old. However, lupus can be found in patients both older and younger. In fact, one of the four types of lupus is neonatal lupus, which can affect a fetus still in its mother’s womb. Fortunately, this type of lupus seems to disappear within about six months.

Also, taking certain kinds of medications can cause certain people to develop lupus. Some people are genetically predisposed to having lupus, although many never will. But there are some medications that can act as a trigger in some people, especially if they take the drugs over a long period of time. If you are genetically predisposed to lupus, and you are taking medications for some other condition (like high blood pressure) ask your doctor if that medication could trigger lupus. However, don’t stop taking any medication without talking to your doctor first.

Knowing whether or not you are at risk for lupus disease can prepare you to quickly spot any lupus symptoms you might experience. And the earlier lupus is diagnosed, the earlier you can be treated.