Multiple Sclerosis and its effects on pregnancy are currently being researched to inform the common audience about its effects. The number of women with MS who are having children continue to grow progressively. Research shows that MS does not affect a woman's ability to get pregnant. In addition, symptoms usually range around a lower severity during the pregnancy. In some cases, symptoms even got better during the third trimester. Some studies show that women with MS, if anything, are more likely to have a small gestational baby, cesarean birth, or difficulty during labor.
Researchers have come to the conclusion that women who have MS are likely to experience some sort of relief, especially throughout the first trimester. The natural instinct of the female body is to protect and preserve during the first three months, so the usual flares in symptoms are often prevented. The common finding was stability of symptoms during pregnancy but flare ups of more intense symptoms after. While MS won't directly affect the pregnancy, many patients with MS have physical incapabilities. These incabilities would increase physical turmoil, symptoms of fatigue, and risk for urinary tract infections due to wheelchair use.
For women with MS, they would need to schedule more frequent visits with their primary doctor and continue to get frequent exercise. A common misconception for women with MS is that pain reducers can not be administered. This is far from the truth as epidurals and other pain preventers are all safe for those with MS. For women who are looking to have children, MS does not reduce their chances at all of having a child. However, it can have a small effect on the child bearing and birthing process. During labor, MS can make it difficult to deliver the child as the disease can affect the nerves and muscles of the lower pelvic area. Due to this, C-sections are more common among women with MS. An important factor to note is that some of the treatments used for MS are not safe to administer while carrying a child. Drugs like interferons and teriflunomide should be avoided and new treatment plans should be developed for the soon-to-be mother.
After pregnancy and delivery, it is very common for flares to start occurring. 40% of women with MS have been recorded to have had a relapse during the first third year after pregnancy. Mothers with MS should be prepared for this time period and should get medical help and treatments when necessary. Many parents with MS are frightened to have children because they believe their child will have MS also, but there is only a 4% chance of this happening. As described, Multiple Sclerosis is beginning to move away from being a roadblock for women as more females have come educated on the issue.
Works Cited
“Multiple sclerosis and pregnancy.” March of Dimes, https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/multiple-sclerosis-and-pregnancy. Accessed 16 May 2023.
“Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/multiple-sclerosis-ms/multiple-sclerosis-and-pregnancy. Accessed 16 May 2023.
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