title: Obstetric complications and rheumatic disease.
abstract: This article summarizes common fetal and maternal complications of pregnancy and emphasizes special problems in women who have systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and Sjögren's syndrome. Joint management of pregnancies in these women requires an understanding of the obstetric management of the complications. Pathophysiology and treatment options for preterm-labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes, abnormal fetal growth, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases