When you have an autoimmune disease, a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Also known as chronic immune disorder, it can include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Pregnancy doesn’t just change your body—it changes how your immune system works. That shift can make your autoimmune condition better, worse, or stay the same. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but knowing what to expect helps you prepare.
For example, lupus, a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs, often flares during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. Women with lupus need close monitoring because flares can raise the risk of preterm birth, preeclampsia, or low birth weight. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory joint disease that causes pain and stiffness, often improves during pregnancy—sometimes so much that women reduce or stop their meds. But symptoms usually return after delivery. These patterns aren’t random. They’re tied to how pregnancy hormones like estrogen and progesterone quiet down overactive immune responses.
Medications matter too. Not all drugs are safe during pregnancy. Some common autoimmune treatments, like methotrexate or mycophenolate, must be stopped months before conception because they can cause birth defects. Others, like hydroxychloroquine for lupus or certain biologics, are considered low-risk and may even help prevent flares. Working with a rheumatologist and an OB-GYN who specialize in high-risk pregnancies is critical. It’s not about avoiding pregnancy—it’s about planning it right.
And it’s not just about the mother. Autoimmune diseases can affect the baby too. Antibodies from the mother can cross the placenta. In rare cases, this leads to neonatal lupus—a temporary condition that causes skin rash or heart rhythm issues in newborns. Most babies recover fully, but it’s something your doctor will watch for. Thyroid issues like Hashimoto’s can also impact fetal brain development if left untreated. That’s why regular blood tests for thyroid levels are often part of prenatal care for these women.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just theory. These are real-world insights from people who’ve lived through it, and from studies that track outcomes. You’ll see how medications like hydroxychloroquine help manage lupus during pregnancy, how diet and stress play roles, and what signs mean you need to call your doctor right away. There’s no magic fix, but with the right info and support, many women with autoimmune diseases have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. This isn’t about fear—it’s about control. You’re not powerless. You just need the right tools.
Learn which autoimmune medications are safe during pregnancy and how to plan ahead for a healthy pregnancy. Updated 2025 guidelines show most treatments can continue safely-with critical exceptions.