Pregnant and taking 60mg of prednisone

[bama_girlz_rule]

I was diagnosed with lupus during the 5th month of my pregnancy. I am now in the 8th month and having a lot of problems with my kidneys. I've been in and out of the hospital more times than I can count. Last week my rheumatologist increased my prednisone from 5mg day to 60 mg a day. I was wondering if anyone else had experienced this and if it caused any problems for the baby.

[cath]

Hi Bama,

Welcome to the site!

I'm sorry that you got sick and diagnosed during your pregnancy - it must be a very stressful time for you:( .

Well done on getting so far :blush: .

Prednisolone is one of the safest drugs used for lupus you can take during pregnancy. The greatest risk of high dose pred use is premature rupture of the membranes, but this late on in the pregancy, the baby should do well even if born today. Have the doctors discussed induction of labour with you? That may be something they will suggest to lighten the load on your kidneys and also allow other treament options.

I wish you all the very best for the coming few weeks.... let us know how you are doing:blush:

X C X

[Maia]

Excellent post already, I would say the same thing. Also, a lot of times doctors have trouble differentiating pre-eclampsia from lupus induced kidney damage so it's possible in your case especially that it's pre-eclampsia causing the kidney issues and maybe it will go away after you have your baby. I hope this is the case for you!

Also writing to offer you a hug (((hugs))). Only a little more to go and you'll be holding your baby in your arms. ;)

[bama_girlz_rule]

I have been such an emotional wreck for the past couple of months and I'm just ready to get there so I know that my baby is out safe and healthy. Not knowing much about lupus and pregnancy makes it so much worse because I don't know exactlly what to expect. The doctors have put me on weekly ultrasounds and fetal monitoring but haven't mentioned induction yet. My biggest fear is that they will push the limit and wait too long and have something happen to the baby.

[Maia]

Welcome to motherhood! Once a mother, you can never rest as easy as you once did I swear! *lol* Once you get to 36 or 37 weeks, which sounds like is still a few weeks away for you?.... they may start talking about induction. If they are NOT talkign about induction now or later, then take that as a good sign that you are still well enough to continue taking the "stresses" that pregnancy brings with it... Because by 32 weeks/8 months, a baby can be delivered and is usually totally healthy in the long run although might need some time in the NICU/preemie ward. So try thinking of it as a good sign that they aren't talking induction yet.

Believe it or not, I really miss being pregnant! I never thought I would be saying that when I was 7, 8 9 months pregnant either *lol*