Pregnancy implications for systemic lupus erythematosus and the antiphospholipid syndrome

► Patients with SLE and APS can have successful pregnancies when properly assisted. ► Multidisciplinary approach and pre-gestational counselling are key points to favourable outcome. ► Optimal timing: pregnancy should start during stable remission of maternal disease. ► Teratogenic drugs should be withdrawn, while “safe” drugs should be continued throughout pregnancy. ► Autoantibodies that may negatively affect pregnancy outcome should be screened in each patient.