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positive living with MS
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Pregnancy and Multiple Sclerosis
It already has been noted (see What Causes MS?) that, if there is a person with MS in the family, other family members may have a higher risk of developing the disease. A woman with MS runs a higher risk of her child developing MS. However, most people find that the risk is not a reason to give up the idea of having children.
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Pregnancy can have an effect on MS. Various studies have shown that, during pregnancy, MS is less active. Relapses occur less frequently, but in the first 3 months after the birth they can actually become more frequent. Of course, this does not stop women with MS choosing to become pregnant ref nd16.
It is important to consider the additional challenges that MS can pose when bringing up a child.
Such challenges may include the times when the MS causes people to feel less well or more tired, or
if the MS becomes more progressive in the future.
For most people, MS has not been a reason for giving up the idea of children, and if the people around them (partner, family members and friends) are prepared to be supportive, there is no reason why a person with MS should not be able to experience a normal family life.
Current medications should be discussed with your neurologist or MS nurse. He or she may advise stopping certain medications during pregnancy. Also, if a woman with MS stops therapy, she should discuss restarting it, shortly after giving birth.
Further information and sources of support (although these are mainly American) for mothers (or potential mothers) with MS can be found at www.msmoms.com.
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Did you know?
MS affects about three times as many women as men.
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Page last updated: 22 Jun 2010
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