Multiple sclerosis (MS) may affect a woman’s body, but it does not have to affect her dream of becoming a mother. MS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system.

It can cause a wide array of symptoms, including fatigue, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking. However, MS does not mean giving up motherhood. With proper planning and management, women with MS can safely carry a pregnancy to term and raise healthy children.

Understanding MS and Pregnancy

Women with MS can safely become pregnant and give birth to healthy babies. However, pregnancy and childbirth can trigger an MS relapse in some women. MS relapse is the worsening of MS symptoms or the appearance of new symptoms.

Studies have shown that up to 20% of women with MS experience a relapse during pregnancy or in the postpartum period.

Relapses are more likely to occur in women who have had a recent relapse or who have active MS lesions on MRI. Women who stop taking disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) before or during pregnancy are also at higher risk of relapse.

The good news is that most MS relapses during pregnancy or the postpartum period are mild and do not cause permanent damage. Most women with MS who become pregnant have a normal pregnancy and delivery without any complications.

Planning for a Healthy Pregnancy with MS

If you are a woman with MS who is thinking about becoming pregnant, it is important to consult your neurologist and obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) before conceiving. Here are some tips:.

1. Manage your MS

If you have MS, it is essential to manage your disease before and during pregnancy.

This includes taking prescribed DMDs, avoiding triggers that can worsen your symptoms (such as stress, hot temperatures, and infections), and following a healthy lifestyle (such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, and exercising regularly). Your neurologist can help you decide which DMDs are safe to use during pregnancy and can also monitor your MS during pregnancy.

2. Plan your pregnancy

Women with MS should discuss their pregnancy plans with their neurologist and OB/GYN at least six months before trying to conceive. This allows time to optimize MS management, adjust medications, and address any health concerns.

Your neurologist may recommend stopping DMDs before pregnancy or switching to a safer drug during pregnancy. Your OB/GYN can check your overall health and provide preconception care, such as folic acid supplementation and genetic testing.

3. Monitor your pregnancy

During pregnancy, women with MS should receive regular prenatal care from their OB/GYN. This includes monitoring fetal growth, blood pressure, weight gain, and glucose levels.

Women with MS may also need closer monitoring of their MS during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Your neurologist can help you decide if MRI or other tests are needed to monitor MS activity.

4. Prepare for childbirth

Women with MS can safely deliver vaginal or cesarean (C-section) births, depending on their MS status and delivery preferences.

However, women with MS should discuss their delivery plan with their OB/GYN and neurologist to minimize the risk of MS relapse or complications. Your OB/GYN may recommend avoiding epidural anesthesia, which can weaken leg muscles and affect mobility in women with MS. Your neurologist may advise you to take steroids before delivery to reduce the risk of MS relapse.

Raising Healthy Children as a Mother with MS

Women with MS can be excellent mothers, just like any other women. However, parenting with MS may require some adjustments and support. Here are some tips:.

1. Get help

Parenting can be challenging, especially for mothers with MS. It is essential to ask for help when needed, whether it is from a partner, family member, friend, or professional caregiver.

Getting help can reduce stress, improve parenting skills, and prevent MS relapse or worsening of symptoms.

2. Adapt your home and lifestyle

Having MS does not mean giving up an active lifestyle or a safe and comfortable home environment. Women with MS can modify their home and lifestyle to accommodate their physical limitations and prevent MS relapse or injury.

This includes using assistive devices (such as walking aids, grab bars, or specialized furniture), adapting home design (such as eliminating tripping hazards and adding ramps), and finding MS-friendly exercise and leisure activities (such as swimming, yoga, or gardening).

3. Stay informed and involved

As a mother with MS, it is crucial to stay informed and involved in your MS management and caregiving.

This includes attending regular neurologist and OB/GYN appointments, monitoring your MS symptoms and relapse risk, and educating yourself and your loved ones about MS. Trusted sources of information, support, and advocacy for mothers with MS include MS Society, MS Foundation, and Can Do MS.

Conclusion

MS does not mean giving up motherhood. Women with MS can safely become pregnant, deliver healthy babies, and raise happy and healthy children.

However, pregnancy and motherhood may require some planning, management, and support to minimize the risk of MS relapse or complications. With the right mindset, resources, and guidance, women with MS can fulfill their dream of motherhood and enjoy their role as a loving and caring mother.