Work

Considering Pregnancy: Duality in the Reproductive Journey and Decision‐Making in Hispanic Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the United States

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) commonly affects women during their childbearing years, making pregnancy experiences especially important to understand. This is particularly true for US Hispanic women, who face a higher SLE burden, more unplanned pregnancies, and frequent language or cultural discordance with clinicians. This study explores their perspectives, focusing on emotional dualities, logistical challenges, and views on unplanned pregnancies. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews with 30 Hispanic women aged 18 to 45 with SLE, recruited from Los Angeles General Medical Center and LupusLA. Eligible participants were heterosexually active or considering pregnancy within three years. Interviews were analyzed using grounded theory to identify themes related to pregnancy experiences, whether actual or hypothetical. RESULTS: Three core themes emerged: (1) pregnancy with SLE was marked by a variety of emotions (primarily hope and anxiety); (2) navigating frequent appointments and complex care created logistical strain but also reassurance; and (3) unplanned or poorly timed pregnancies led to a desire for immediate, trusted guidance from their rheumatologist, with most participants preferring continuation if medically feasible. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the emotional complexity and logistical challenges faced by Hispanic women with SLE. Many of the themes mirror those seen in other chronic disease populations, underscoring that US Hispanic women with SLE, their cultural and linguistic barriers notwithstanding, share many of the same hopes, fears, and needs as other women navigating pregnancy with chronic illness. These results emphasize the need for empathetic, patient-centered reproductive health care that addresses their emotional, medical, and informational needs.

Source: ACR Open Rheumatology

DOI: 10.1002/acr2.70182

Authors: Leanna Wise, Alexa Montes De Oca, Martha Delgado, Andrew Ramirez, William Stohl, Mellissa Withers

Institution: University of Southern California

Language: English

Topic: Pregnancy and Medication Impact

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,550