Selena Gomez Reveals She Can't Conceive Due To ‘Medical Issues’; Is it Lupus? Expert Weighs In

Selena Gomez has expressed her hopes of becoming a mother one day. However, in a recent interview, the singer and actress shared that due to her health issues, she won’t be able to get pregnant. Selena revealed that her medical condition poses risks, and her doctors have advised her against taking chances with pregnancy.

Her openness about the difficulties of carrying a pregnancy has sparked discussions, particularly about lupus, a condition she was diagnosed with, which could be contributing to these challenges. To understand more, we consulted Dr. Astha Dayal, Director of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, who shed light on the connection between lupus and pregnancy.

How Lupus Affects a Woman’s Ability To Carry a Pregnancy

Dr. Astha Dayal explained that lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and damage across various organs. This long-term condition can affect reproductive health in several ways:

• Inflammation and Organ Damage: Lupus-related inflammation can damage reproductive organs such as the ovaries, uterus, and placenta, potentially affecting fertility and the ability to maintain a pregnancy.
• Medication Impact: Some lupus treatments, like immunosuppressants and steroids, may negatively affect fertility and pose risks during pregnancy.
• Higher Miscarriage Risk: Women with lupus face an increased chance of miscarriage, especially if the disease is active or if they have antiphospholipid syndrome, which heightens the risk of blood clotting.

Specific Complications Related To Lupus During Pregnancy

Dr. Astha Dayal emphasised, "Pregnancy in women with lupus is categorised as high-risk due to various possible complications." Here are some of the main risks:

• Pre-eclampsia: A condition involving high blood pressure and organ damage, often affecting the kidneys, with women with lupus being more susceptible.
• Preterm Birth: Lupus can induce early labour, leading to premature birth and related health concerns for the newborn.
• Fetal Growth Restriction: Placental issues and inflammation may limit fetal growth, potentially causing low birth weight and developmental difficulties.
• Lupus Flare-ups: Pregnancy can trigger lupus flare-ups, aggravating symptoms, and increasing risks for both mother and baby.

Impact of Lupus Severity on Pregnancy Outcomes

The severity and activity of lupus significantly influence pregnancy outcomes:

• Active Disease: Women with active lupus at conception or during pregnancy face a higher risk of complications like miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and preterm birth.
• Disease Remission: Better pregnancy outcomes are more likely when lupus is in remission for at least six months before conception, lowering the risk of complications.

Symptoms To Monitor During Pregnancy

Women with lupus should stay alert for specific symptoms that may signal complications:

• High Blood Pressure: Be aware of signs of pre-eclampsia, such as sudden weight gain, severe headaches, vision changes, and swelling.
• Fatigue and Joint Pain: These may indicate a lupus flare-up or other pregnancy complications.
• Abdominal Pain and Bleeding: Report any unusual abdominal pain or bleeding, which could indicate miscarriage or placental problems.

Supporting Pregnant Women With Lupus

Healthcare providers play an essential role in ensuring safe pregnancies for women with lupus:

• Pre-conception Counselling: Evaluate lupus activity, review medications, and create a pregnancy plan before conception.
• Regular Monitoring: Frequent prenatal visits to track lupus activity, blood pressure, and fetal growth are key.
• Medication Management: Adjust medications to control lupus while ensuring safety for the pregnancy.
• Multidisciplinary Care: Collaboration among obstetricians, rheumatologists, and specialists provides holistic care for mother and baby.

Selena Gomez’s openness about her struggles highlights the need for increased awareness and support for women with lupus who wish to become mothers. With proper medical care and monitoring, many women with lupus can achieve successful pregnancies and healthy outcomes for both themselves and their babies.

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Credits: Freepik