Multiple sclerosis and pregnancy
Cook, S.D.; Troiano, R.; Bansil, S.; Dowling, P.C.
Advances in Neurology 64: 83-95
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0091-3952 PMID: 8291478 Document Number: 432885
Gestation is a period of decreased risk for a relapse of MS, whereas the 3 months postpartum is a period of high risk. Taken together, the pregnancy year may also be a period of higher risk for relapse than non-pregnancy periods. However, the lifetime risk rate does not appear to change because of pregnancy, and on the basis of current retrospective studies, long-term disability is not higher in pregnant women or even women experiencing relapses during the pregnancy year. MS has little or no effect on the course of pregnancy or delivery, although patients with severe MS may have difficulty fully caring for their newborns. The decision to become pregnant should be made by the patient and her husband after they are appropriately informed about the risks involved.