Pregnancy is an exciting time. However, if you live with multiple sclerosis (MS), you probably have questions how the chronic illness can affect your birth schedule, your treatment plan and the still plan.
MS can be unpredictable and relapses can affect their quality of life. It is therefore important to speak to your health service provider (HCP) and to be open about the health goals you have for yourself and your baby during every step of the family planning process. If you know your options for disease -modifying therapies (DMTS) in advance, you can have the healthiest experience.
Here are some frequently asked questions about pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding when you have MS.
Does multiple sclerosis influence the pregnancy results?
The big news is that the disease itself does not affect the pregnancy results. Studies show that women with MS have no higher rate of miscarriages, dead births, birth defects or other pregnancy complications compared to women without MS. However, some DMTS can harm the fetus. So it is important to talk to your HCP before getting pregnant.
Reading: Newly diagnosed with MS? Here are 10 questions that can ask your neurologist. >>
Can I take my multiple sclerosis medication while I’m pregnant and/or still?
The treatment of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy and breastfeeding is to carefully weigh the advantages over the risks. And the situation of everyone is unique, so it is important to talk to your HCP about the specific medication and your personal circumstances.
You may be able to take DMTS during your pregnancy and/or continue to take if you breastfeed. But it depends on the medication. Some MS medication can harm the fetus and get into breast milk and possibly be stopped months before pregnancy.
For example, studies show that interferon beta and glatirameracetate are generally considered safe during pregnancy. But some oral DMTs can harm the fetus so that they are often avoided. And monoclonal antibodies (MABS) such as rituximab, Natalizumab, Ocrelizumab, Ofatumumab and Ublituximab are usually avoided due to the risks they can take for the fetus.
We don’t have a lot of information about how much medication for most medication is incorporated into breast milk. Based on the data we have, however, the injectable and MAB -DMTS are probably safe for breastfeeding. Oral DMTS seem to be less safe. Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of postpartum relapses. When you speak to your HCP, you can decide again which option is best for you and your baby.
Does the birth of multiple sclerosis influence birth?
The symptoms of MS can vary for any person, which can affect work and childbirth during birth. MS can affect the nerves and muscles that are necessary for work during labor, which can make vaginal birth difficult for some people. If this is the case, you may need a caesarean section, which is also referred to as a caesarean section. In rare cases, tweezers or a vacuum can help at birth.
Read: How MS influences the body >>
What do I need to know to restart my medication after my birth?
Some studies show that there is a slightly higher risk of relapse right after pregnancy. People with active MS should speak shortly after birth with their neurologist or MS specialist to find out when to take DMTs again. In a study it was found that Natalizumab or Fingolimod reduced the risk of relapse three months after childbirth within the first six weeks after the birth, but not immediately after birth.
However, breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of postpartum relapses as a whole. A review of 24 studies showed that women who did not breastfeed, lower rates of postpartum relapses compared to those who were not. The researchers found that more research is necessary for breastfeeding and after birth. As already mentioned, not all medication are recommended if you want to breastfeed. The risks of stopping or changing a drug cannot outweigh the advantages.
If you live with MS, talk to your HCP about your options and have a plan so that you can feel your best for yourself and your baby in this exciting time.
This educational resource was created with the support of Novartis, a healthy member of the corporate Advisory Council.
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