Kiana Cornejo has lived with lupus since she was 11 years old. When she discovered she was pregnant unexpectedly, she quickly learned the challenges of managing lupus during pregnancy.
“When I was first diagnosed, I felt paralyzed. At times, I couldn’t do anything because everything hurt,” Cornejo said.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body. Symptoms include fever, rashes, hair loss, joint pain, swelling, and sensitivity to sunlight. Scientists do not know the exact cause of lupus. However, the Lupus Foundation of America says it likely results from a mix of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. About nine out of ten people with lupus are women.
One of Cornejo’s immediate concerns after learning she was pregnant was that some lupus medications are unsafe during pregnancy.
“Pregnancies for women with lupus are not like average pregnancies. There is the risk of active disease and sometimes risks from the medications they need to take,” explained Dr. Lisa Sammaritano, a rheumatologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, a healthy pregnancy is possible for women with lupus. However, lupus increases the risk of complications, including preeclampsia.
Fortunately, Dr. Sammaritano said the outlook for pregnant women with lupus is better than ever.
“The best thing women with lupus can do is have their disease under control before getting pregnant. This often requires planning, sometimes years in advance, so they are on medications safe for pregnancy and have quiet disease,” she said.
The Lupus Foundation also advises waiting until lupus is “minimally active” and symptoms are well controlled before trying to conceive.
Cornejo’s symptoms stayed stable after her doctors lowered some medication dosages. Both she and her baby were closely monitored throughout the pregnancy.
“I felt healthy until after I gave birth,” Cornejo said. However, she added that since then, she has experienced a major flare-up.
“My symptoms now are worse than before. I’m losing a lot of hair, getting frequent headaches, and feeling very tired. It’s been a tough time managing these issues,” she said.
Cornejo is working with her medical team to control her lupus and hopes to enjoy more time with her family.
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