Be aware that a vaginal birth may not be possible. Very premature babies, babies showing signs of stress, and babies of mothers who are very ill will probably be delivered by cesarean section. One problem that can affect a pregnant woman is the development of a lupus flare. In general, flares are not caused by pregnancy. Flares that do develop often occur during the first or second trimester or during the first few months following delivery.
Most flares are mild and easily treated with small doses of corticosteroids.
Another complication is pregnancy-induced hypertension. If you develop this serious condition, you will experience a sudden increase in blood pressure, protein in the urine, or both. Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment, usually including delivery of the infant. In most cases, the answer is yes. Babies born to women with lupus have no greater chance of birth defects or mental retardation than do babies born to women without lupus.