You're Not Alone If ... (MS Pregnancy Edition)

You and your doctor will talk about how the medications you take for your MS could affect your pregnancy. Together you’ll decide whether you should continue them, stop, or switch. In general, doctors typically advise stopping disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) during pregnancy, but every case is unique.

Pregnancy can have an effect on MS symptoms, and in some cases, these changes are positive. Or you may notice that your bladder and bowel symptoms, balance, and fatigue get worse. Be sure to ask your doctor which treatments for side effects are OK during pregnancy.

Your body goes through big hormonal changes after you have your baby, which can raise your risk of flare-ups in the first three months after delivery. About 1 in 8 people have a relapse during this time. Your chances are higher the more relapses you’ve had before pregnancy. 

Your doctor may recommend having an MRI two to three months after delivery to check how your MS is doing and catch any changes early.

Being pregnant with MS is different from being pregnant without MS in many ways. You may find it helpful to connect with others who understand what it’s like to be in your shoes. Social media groups, online forums, and national organizations like the National Multiple Sclerosis Society can link you to other pregnant people living with MS. 

As much as you can, focus on self-care and rest after your baby is born so your body has the best chance to recuperate. Call on friends and family to help out, and talk to your doctor about ways you can care for your baby while tending to your MS symptoms. They can recommend feeding positions, assistive devices, and other tools.

MS itself doesn’t raise your risk of miscarriage or birth defects. In fact, having MS during pregnancy doesn’t qualify you as a high-risk pregnancy. Some research shows babies of people with MS may be born weighing a little less than other babies, but the difference is usually small enough that doctors don’t worry about it.

The good news is that an MS relapse risk during pregnancy is typically low. If you do relapse and your symptoms are moderate to disabling, your doctor may suggest a round of high-dose corticosteroids, which can slightly increase your baby’s risk of low birth weight and cleft palate. If those don’t work, you may need a plasma exchange, which is safe during pregnancy.

Nerve issues caused by MS can make it harder to feel labor pains, so it can be harder to tell when your labor starts. Labor itself isn’t affected by MS, but you may have difficulty pushing if your MS has made certain muscles and nerves weak. Talk to your doctor about the different options for safely delivering your baby so you’re prepared for different scenarios.