Recurrent Miscarriages
Lupus Patients should all be tested for antiphospholipid antibodies (see antiphospholipid (Hughes) Syndrome). If these tests are positive there is an increased risk of miscarriage and patients are treated accordingly - either with aspirin or heparin during the pregnancy. In those patients with lupus who are anticardiolipin negative it is probably true to say that there is not an increased risk of spontaneous miscarriage.
Will my baby be fine?
Lupus mothers have normal babies. However, there is one congenital problem which has been described in rare cases. Approximately 1 in 1000 babies (0.1% of babies) of lupus mothers are born with a slow pulse rate, so-called congenital heart block. This congenital abnormality is only seen in offspring of mothers with a particular antibody - antiRo (see fact sheet on Lupus and Laboratory Tests).
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