Living Library
eFeature - Pregnancy
Spotlight on Pregnancy
http://www.nationalmssociety.org
This is a special feature from the American MS Society’s website about Multiple Sclerosis
and pregnancy. It features several articles including: The Motherhood Decision about a study into
the affects of MS on pregnancy; Surprise, Surprise “I’m pregnant” as personal experience of MS; a
pre-postpartum Checklist that gets you to think about such issues as fatigue, depression and breast
feeding after the baby is born. There are also articles on the latest research, pregnancy issues
and personal experiences.
Can I get pregnant with MS?
http://www.mssociety.org.uk
This is an FAQ from the MS Society website that answers your questions on relapses and
support needed.
A discussion on pregnancy and MS
http://www.mscare.org
An interesting article that looks at how some healthcare specialist views the issue
surrounding pregnancy. It is in the form of a roundtable discussion about what questions and
concerns people have when they come to see them. These include the effects of taking DMT during
pregnancy, will the pregnancy be high risk and how will I cope after the birth. The article dispels
a lot of myths around MS and offers some really practical advice.
MS Pregnancy and parenthood
http://www.mstrust.org.uk
Written by an MS Specialist Nurse this article looks at the concerns and questions women
face on deciding to start a family. It includes personal experiences to add depth to subjects like
how will my MS be effected during pregnancy, effects on symptoms, MS & labour and coping after
the birth. There is also a list of contacts and support groups.
Key pregnancy Issues
http://www.mssociety.org.uk
A feature from the MS Society that looks at some of the key issues around pregnancy. The
article covers four issues : fertility; pregnancy management, such as risk of miscarriage; therapy
use during pregnancy; and genetic factors, such as passing MS on to your children.
Studies into pregnancy
http://www.nationalmssociety.org
An article from the American MS Society that aims to answer questions about the effects of
the disease on childbearing. It looks at the latest studies on the effects of MS on fertility, the
effects of pregnancy on MS, the effects in the postpartum period, medical management and special
concerns for women with MS.
Birth and delivery outcomes
http://www.mssociety.org.uk
These are the findings of a study that examined whether women with MS are more likely to
have pregnancy or delivery complications, have a premature birth, or babies with low birth weight
or abnormalities. The study looked at 198 women with 1584 women without MS who gave birth between
1987-1996. It found that women with MS are no more likely to have pregnancy or delivery
complications, nor are the babies more likely to have a low birth weight or abnormalities.
Postpartum Social Support Needs of Mothers with Multiple Sclerosis
http://www.mscare.org
This article from the Journal of MS Care looks at the impact and concerns on the mother
after the baby is born. It examines the experiences of first and second time mothers, mothers who
have delayed having children and even working mothers. The article explains, through studies
conducted, how these mothers feel, what their concerns are and the support they need. A very
interesting article that helps you think about the issues after you have given birth.
Books
MS & having a baby
http://www.amazon.co.uk
Details from Amazon.co.uk about this book and the opportunity to purchase it. The author,
Judy Graham, has had MS for more than 26 years and gave birth for the first time at the age of 38.
She draws on her experience and on the latest medical research, to offer a guide to pregnancy for
people with MS.
Non-MS Sites
BBC New Parents
http://www.bbc.co.uk
A site from the BBC that helps new parents with the issues they face such as breastfeeding,
depression, communicating with your baby, and how family relationships change. There is lots of
impartial information, articles and advice.
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