The majority of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at reproductive age. The mean age of SLE onset is 29 years. In contrast to rheumatoid arthritis, in pregnant patients with SLE the disease is still active or even may be exacerbated. Pregnancy – preparation for it, its course, and the breastfeeding period – is a major therapeutic and organizational challenge for doctors taking care of patients with SLE. The management of pregnancy and puerperium in a patient with SLE requires close cooperation of doctors of various specialities, including in the first place rheumatologists and obstetricians. In the paper the recommendations are presented concerning preparation for pregnancy, treatment of the underlying disease and complications during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period in SLE patients. Particular attention is paid to the treatment according to the recently published recommendations for patients with lupus nephritis.