Anti-phospholipid syndrome and pregnancy loss
Antiphospholipid syndrome is not only responsible for early pregnancy loss. Fetal
loss can occur in mid-trimester and sometimes late, causing stillbirth. This is why
some experts advocate that treatment is maintained throughout the course of the pregnancy.
There is, however, no consensus among experts whether that is necessary. The current
practice in most centers is to treat right through until delivery.
SLE and pregnancy
Other effects of SLE on the baby
With anti-phospholipid syndrome associated with SLE; apart from the risk of pregnancy
loss, the fetus may be affected by other antibodies that are found in people with
SLE. Some babies are born with serious cardiac problems that could occasionally be
fatal. There is no known way of preventing this from happening. Mercifully, this
is quite uncommon. This phenomenon is unique to SLE sufferers and not the other forms
of anti-phospholipid syndrome.
In managing SLE, steroids are used as well. These are maintained for several weeks
after delivery.
It is important that any pregnant woman affected by this condition is given as much
detail about it as is practicable, so she can understand the potential problems and
the possible implications and solutions.
Steroids and breast-feeding
With the use of steroids in SLE which continue post-delivery, many affected women
worry about the potential effect on breast-feeding. They need not worry. It is perfectly
safe to do so.
Anti-phospholipid syndrome and the baby
A mother will not pass on this condition to her new-born. It is not a heritable condition.
