"I'm waiting for you to give me a problem. Don't worry, we got this."

These simple words spoken to Latasha Green by her now husband when they started dating meant that a family might one day be possible. Diagnosed at 24, Latasha knew that her lupus raised the risk for certain issues during pregnancy.

“Prior to having children,” Latasha said, “my main concern was if I could get pregnant and carry a baby to term without any complications.”

People with lupus need to be especially careful when planning pregnancy because the disease elevates the risk for serious complications — for both the mother and the baby. Pregnancy during lupus carries higher risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, high blood pressure/preeclampsia, kidney problems, blood-clots, and neonatal lupus (a rare condition affecting the baby) if appropriate planning and monitoring aren’t in place.

When she was first diagnosed, Latasha says having children was not one of her immediate concerns. Her main concern was the quality of life associated with living with an incurable disease.

As the years passed and her marriage deepened, the desire to start a family naturally grew. Her husband's unwavering support became her safe space - the reminder that they would face whatever came their way together. His reassurance gave her the confidence to believe that when the time was right, becoming parents would be possible.

However, by their fifth year of our marriage, it had not happened. Latasha shared that the mental, emotional, physical and even financial challenges began to take a toll on her.

“I had countless appointments.” Latasha said, “We even saw a fertility specialist to pursue in vitro fertilization (IVF) because I was told both my fallopian tubes were blocked and I would not be able to get pregnant.” Hearing this was devastating and overwhelming. But Latasha remained determined and sought a second opinion - something she now encourages others to feel empowered to do. Her second opinion revealed that her tubes were not blocked after all. This moment became a powerful reminder that advocating for oneself is essential, and that seeking clarity from another qualified specialist is not only acceptable, but sometimes transformative.

For people with lupus, trying to get pregnant can be frustrating due to the need for careful planning, medication adjustments and disease monitoring. Delays and health concerns can make the process feel uncertain and stressful, leaving many feeling anxious or discouraged as they navigate a complex path to parenthood.

"There were so many days I cried," shared Latasha. "I felt broken, alone, and disappointed that my body wasn't doing one of the things I believed it was created to do - carry life." Friends and family would casually ask when she and her husband planned to have children, unaware of the appointments, the heartbreak, and the silent grief happening behind the scenes. 

Additionally, finding the right time was also challenging for Latasha. As a military spouse, constantly moving and changing zip codes every few years had its own set of stressors. Latasha shared the importance of being flare free when trying to conceive, and by the time she and her husband would settle down at a new duty station and find a team of doctors, it would be time to move again.

While trying to get pregnant with lupus can be stressful and filled with uncertainty, many people have healthy pregnancies and babies with the right care and planning. Working closely with doctors, keeping lupus under control, and staying informed can make a big difference.

Through the challenges, Latasha knew one thing for certain: she needed a strong medical team. “Having a great team was important to me,” Latasha said. “I wanted to surround myself with doctors that were positive and understood my ultimate goal; to conceive and have a successful pregnancy.”

For people with lupus who are planning a pregnancy, it’s important to work with a team of specialized doctors to ensure the safest possible outcome. A rheumatologist helps manage lupus disease activity and medications, while a maternal-fetal medicine specialist (or perinatologist) monitors the pregnancy and addresses higher-risk issues. An obstetrician/gynecologist is also essential, ideally at a hospital equipped with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) if needed.

Ensuring that lupus is well controlled, medications are safe for pregnancy, and that you’re working with a specialty team ahead of time significantly improves the chances for a healthy outcome.

Another chapter of Latasha’s journey was participating in lupus and pregnancy research. She participated in a study where she shared her journey of what it's like as a lupus patient navigating the pathway to pregnancy.

“It's important that people with lupus participate in research because knowledge is power,” Latasha said. “We get to be a voice for lupus. Taking part in a research study can help those living with lupus learn more about their own health or condition, benefiting not only themselves but also supports future generations.”

Participating in research also gave Latasha a sense of empowerment during a period that often felt out of her control. Sharing her experiences not only contributed to broader understanding of lupus and pregnancy but also helped her connect with others navigating similar challenges. 

“Eight days before I was scheduled to begin IVF, I found out I was pregnant naturally! Words will never be able to describe that moment," Latasha recalled. After years of waiting, tears, prayers, specialist visits, and emotional ups and downs, her miracle arrived at the perfect time. Today, Latasha is the proud mother of two children - a chapter she once feared might not be possible. Her journey reflects deep resilience, self-advocacy, faith, and the power of trusting one's body and instincts throughout the process.

If you’re planning for a family or navigating pregnancy with lupus, having clear, reliable information can make all the difference. Understanding how lupus can affect fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum health empowers you to make informed decisions and advocate for the care you deserve. Learn more about lupus and pregnancy by visiting our resources so you can feel confident and supported every step of the way.

Authored by:
Ian Decker, Health Writer