SSA-Ro Antibodies in Pregnancy

[believe]

Well...

I'm at 21 weeks and plugging along. Just emotionally cautious due to the high risk factors for miscarriage and congenital heart block (though the occurance rate is low).

I was curious if any lupies here have the SSA-Ro antibodies. I wonder how prevalent these autoantibodies are in the "normal" population. Anyone with these autoantibodies go through pregnancy? How did it affect your pregnancy/fetus/baby?

So far, I have to see the pediatric cardiologist every two weeks for a fetal cardiac sonogram. Additionally, I see the Rheumy, OB, and Perinatologist monthly. They are trying to catch a heart block, if it happens, before it's too too late. Tell me not to worry in between the appointments- wondering if the heart will stop, wondering if a miscarriage will occur... It's all normal emotions- I know...that's why I say I am emotionally cautious.

I still haven't told my co workers, relatives, and some friends yet, but I am looking pretty chunky, and it's getting hard to hide. :notlook:

:flowers: Believe

[jm_jazzy]

Hi Believe,

I have SSA-Ro antibodies but as yet haven't managed to get pregnant so I can say how it will go for you. I know it is very easy to worry so just try to stay positive. It sounds like you and your doctors are keeping an eye on things which will help.

Good luck :luck: :love: :love:

I hope all goes well for you and bub.

Bye for now.

Jodie :flowers:

[tracyweb]

Hi Believe!
I have the SSA-Ro antibodies also and I know what you are going through. I went through all the testing also and by the grace of God, my son came out fine. I will keep you in my prayers. It can be done and I will pray that your baby will be fine also.

Tracy

[Sara2804]

Hi Believe!

I'm SSA positive as well...hubby and I are planning to start a family in a few months or so...so I understand your concern...But stay positive and you and your partner will be in my thoughts and prayers!!!!

Lots of love :love:

Sara

[believe]

Hello Everybody :wave:

Okay, I've got some info...for all of us here. Thanks so much for your kind words of encouragement :love: .

We saw the perinatologist yesterday, and he said about 5 to 15% of women with lupus who do get pregnant, have the SSA-Ro antibodies. Now, in the United States, 1 in 2000 will have lupus.

WHO here is good in mathematics? I guess that means that means LESS THAN .05 % of the "normal" population have this SSA-Ro antibody. THAT JUST MEANS WE ARE VERY UNIQUE PEOPLE :blink: . (What's the exact statistic?)


So far, I've had 3 fetal cardiac echo ultrasounds. There hasn't been a change in the PR interval yet. That is good so far ;) but the perinatologist said to me yesterday, "Knock on wood, everything is okay." Geesh :unsure: :wacko: :(WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN? I love the guy, I really do, but it's kinda worrisome coming from a very well respected periantologist!

Bye for now :flowers:
Believe

[gsands]

Hi,

Just wanted say 'Hi' and hope this message gets to the correct place, it's my first message in a chat room!!

I have SSA-Ro antibodies and had 2 miscarriages (at 10 - 12 weeks) followed by 2 healthy baby boys.

I was scanned weekly from 16 weeks with my first son and fortnightly from 20 weeks with my second.

There were no complications and my Dr told me that the heart would not stop beating overnight, it would be a gradual deterioration which they would be able to resolve either with drugs or early delivery as it would be caught early by scans.

He also thought that it was very unlikely that anything would happen pre 24 weeks.

Hope this helps

Gillian