The introduction of male hormones in mice has been shown to suppress development of the disease, whereas female hormones accelerate it. Studies have also determined that lupus symptoms get worse during the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy and the postpartum period. A Strategy for Pregnancy Pregnancy can be tricky for women with lupus. Besides the possibility of a worsening of symptoms, they're at risk for complications of pregnancy. About 15 percent of these pregnancies end in miscarriage, and women with lupus are three times more likely to deliver prematurely than women who do not have it.
Pregnancy risk varies from woman to woman, however.
Those who have certain types of antibodies that interfere with the circulation of blood to the placenta and fetus are said by experts to be at greater risk for miscarriage in midpregnancy. It's best to get pregnant when the disease has been inactive for at least three to six months, researchers say. Living with Lupus Lupus has no cure and can't be prevented. But it can be managed with medication, and there are ways to keep your symptoms under control. Here are some suggestions.