Lupus Specialist Appointments During Pregnancy

I only have a short time left before I deliver my second child. The doctor's visits have been easier, but I was finally able to meet my rheumatologist after not seeing her for about a year or so. When the doctor entered the room, she was in complete shock. I have been in a lupus flare for about 4 months.

My facial rash has looked horrible for a long time. She told me that I had lost so much weight since the last time she saw me, and she could not even tell at the time that I was so far along in my pregnancy. I told her that I had lost 30 pounds since being pregnant, and she was also shocked by that comment. She completed a full examination and determined I was in a horrible lupus flare-up. My flare-up was limited to rashes on my face, hands, and legs.

Lupus flare during pregnancy

My sedimentation rate blood test was elevated. The normal range is 0-20, and mine was 53 which is a bit elevated. So, I really need to relax before I cause myself to go into a flare-up that would land me into premature labor and stuck in the hospital. This rollercoaster ride has been a lot for me because of being in a flare I really felt as if I could not enjoy this pregnancy. People look at me like I am a walking disease and in my head, I wonder how society will look at my child once she gets here. Will they accept her?

The doctor took pictures of the rashes and asked how long the rash had been there. I told her it had lasted for months. She asked about the last recommendations, and I told her I followed them. The previous doctor wanted me to see a rheumatologist. However, I learned something new at that appointment. I learned that methotrexate is a medication used in some people with lupus, but it is not recommended for someone still planning to have children. I will likely never take that medication.

Lupus specialist: Dermatologist

The rheumatologist encouraged me to see a dermatologist as soon as possible, but most appointments cannot be scheduled until my baby is almost due. She said she would try to get me in sooner. My appointment was initially scheduled for February 24, but I ended up sending her pictures of my face and body and was able to be seen much sooner.

Lupus specialist: Maternal fetal medicine

The other recent appointment I had was maternal-fetal medicine. I had an echocardiogram to ensure my heart and the baby's heart were healthy. We only learned that my child would have a cleft lip. Thankfully, everything else with her will be just fine.

Stressed by lupus and my pregnancy

My weight is staying at 158, and I am proud of that. They want to ensure I am not prediabetic with the high dosage of steroids and my BP (blood pressure) does not elevate to cause me to have preeclampsia. But overall, I am in good health and have seven weeks left, and I am so excited and ready to have my beautiful daughter.

I have not felt beautiful in a while, and that hurts. Being unable to get pretty and enjoy my pregnancy the best I have been sick for most of it can be very stressful. My baby is as healthy as ever. I’m just stressed about having a baby, and she will be healthy with what’s happening with her. My daughter's future surgeon said don’t worry about what the world will say because people will be that way regardless. People do not know how to be kind. Just as long as you love your baby, that’s all that matters, and I have been keeping that advice ever since.