Hi J., I too have lupus, I got diagnosed when it affected my kidneys when I was about 17. I am 30 now and have a healthy 3 soon to be 4 year old girl. I had to see a high-risk ob-gyn too, they are called Perinatologist. My doctor was located in palmetto hospital in hialeah, so that may be far from you, but my ob was the one who recomended him to me and they worked close togehter throughout my pregnancy. Make sure they test you for the anti-ro and anti-ra anitbodies since having these positive can give the baby neonatal lupus when they are born, nothing really serious they usually have a rash for about 6 months, a more serious complication from these antibodies, but very rare, is that the baby can get a complete heart block and may need a pacemacker. the dr probably have told you all these things but just letting you know, I had these antibodies, but thank God, my daughter was healthy with no problems, she did have to go to a cardiologist the first week she was born, but that was just to make sure everything was good and it was! I know it can be scary being pregnant with this horrible desease, but it is posible to have a healthy and complication-free pregnancy, I am proof! Before I got pregnant, my Rheumatologist always advised me that I shouldnt have children because of the risk to my health, but here I am today, still in remmision for over 10 years and with a healthy daughter so please dont let your doctor discourage you. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. hope I helped you out.
B.