Is it safe for me to get pregnant if I have multiple sclerosis?
Aug 03, 2012
Mar 15, 2023
Ask the Expert
Randall T. Schapiro, MD, FAAN
Dr. Randall (Randy) T. Schapiro grew up in Minnesota and received degrees there as well as in California. He founded the first private-practice comprehensive MS Center in 1977, renamed “The Schapiro Center for Multiple Sclerosis” at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology in 2004. Dr. Schapiro has participated in numerous research studies, helped to develop two MS organizations, served on numerous boards and advisory committees, and lectured and written extensively on all topics associated with MS management, both nationally and internationally. His awards include the Can Do Award, the prestigious Starfish Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award by the CMSC, and has been elected to the NMSS Hall of Fame.
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Q:
Is it safe for me to get pregnant if I have multiple sclerosis (MS)?
A:
Since MS generally strikes a woman during childbearing years, many women with the disease wonder if they should have a baby. Studies show that MS has no adverse effects on the course of pregnancy, labor or delivery; in fact, symptoms often stabilize during pregnancy. Although MS poses no significant risks to a fetus, physical limitations of the mother may make caring for a child more difficult.
Women with MS who are considering having a child should discuss with their health care professionals which drugs to avoid during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. The disease-modifying drugs are not recommended during breast-feeding because it isn't known if they are excreted in breast milk.
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