How to Understand Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy

Multiple sclerosis, thought to be an autoimmune disease, is a long-term, chronic, debilitating medical condition that attacks the central nervous system, specifically the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves. The disease is progressive and common symptoms are numbness, paralysis, loss of vision, imbalance, loss of speech and swallowing and all motor coordination of the body. If you are a woman diagnosed with MS and are of child-bearing age you should consult with your doctor and learn the facts about how MS can affect pregnancy. Currently, there is no evidence that MS interferes with basic fertility in men or women or that it leads to an increased number of other pregnancy-related problems. However, the risk of passing the MS gene to offspring increases when a parent or close family member has MS.

In this article I will offer some advice on how to understand MS and pregnancy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Healthcare team
• Doctor
• Support network
• Emergency plan

1. When considering MS treatment options before and during pregnancy you should consult with your medical doctor to decide on a therapy treatment plan. Currently, all four medications indicated for treating relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) are not approved for use by a woman who is pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

2. Understand how pregnancy can affect your body if you have MS. Studies have shown that pregnancy produces a positive "natural" protection against MS and women experience fewer relapses during this period. It is thought that pregnancy slows or inhibits natural immune responses, including those directed against the body's own tissues. This seems to be responsible for the reduced relapses and helps control MS.
   See resources below for more information.

3. Consult with your doctor and healthcare team if you have MS and are considering breastfeeding, since all four medications prescribed for MS are not approved for use during breastfeeding. If you decide you want to breastfeed, then delayed therapy treatment can be an option and you can return to therapy after you have finished nursing your child. However, studies have shown that relapse rates can increase 20 to 40 percent after delivery, so it is very important to discuss these decisions with your medical doctor (see link to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website in Resources below).

4. Have full support of a medical team, as well as family support if you are pregnant and diagnosed with MS, and remember that you are not powerless. Proper management of your MS throughout your pregnancy stages is the key to a successful outcome and for avoiding serious complications. Lifestyle changes and proper post-partum treatment plans will help you to lead a productive and active life (see Resources for more information).

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a certified nutritionist or dietician for proper nutritional advice and the specific needs of a pregnant woman with MS. Increase your intake of folic acid to decrease the risk of CNS defects in your child's development.
• Decrease or eliminate your intake of stimulants such as coffee and alcohol in your diet during pregnancy.
• Have an emergency plan in place in case you suffer a relapse during the pregnancy, especially during the third trimester.
• If you smoke, quit!
• This article is not a substitute for seeking medical attention from your own medical doctor or healthcare professional.

Resources

• Jewell TV
• JewellProductions TV
• National MS Society: Pregnancy
• MS Society: Breastfeeding
• MS University