Since the placenta is the passageway for nourishment from the mother to the baby, the baby's growth slows. The baby can be delivered at this time and will be normal if it is big enough. Treatment for lupus patients who have these antibodies is still being tested. Aspirin, Prednisone, Heparin, and plasmapheresis have all been suggested as possible therapies. However, even with the use of such medications, these antibodies may still lead to miscarriage.
Prematurity is the greatest danger to the baby.
About 50 percent of lupus pregnancies end before 9 months, usually because of the complications previously discussed. Babies born after 30 weeks or over 3 pounds usually do well. Premature babies may have difficulty breathing, may develop jaundice, and may become anemic. In modern neonatal units, these problems can be easily treated. Babies weighing more than 3 pounds at birth grow normally.