Pregnancy is an exciting moment. But if you live with Multiple sclerosis (EM) You probably have questions about how chronic disease can affect your delivery plan, treatment plan and breastfeeding plans.
EM can be unpredictable and relapses can have a severe impact on their quality of life. Therefore, it is important to talk to your medical care provider (HCP) and be open about the health objectives you have for you and your baby during each step of the family planning process. Knowing your options for disease -modifying therapies (DMT) in advance can help you have the healthiest possible experience.
Here are some frequent questions about pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding if you have EM.
Does multiple sclerosis affect the results of pregnancy?
The great news is that the disease itself does not affect the results of pregnancy. Studies Show that women with EM do not have higher rates of spontaneous abortions, fetal deaths, birth defects or other pregnancy complications compared to women without EM. However, some DMT can cause damage to the fetus. Therefore, it is important to talk to your HCP before becoming pregnant.
Read: just diagnosed with more? Here are 10 questions to ask your neurologist. >>
Can I take my multiple sclerosis medications while I am pregnant and/or breastfeeding?
Multiple sclerosis management during pregnancy and breastfeeding is reduced to carefully weighing the benefits compared to risks. And everyone’s situation is unique, so it is important to have a conversation with their HCP about the specific medications he takes and their personal circumstances.
It is possible that you can take DMT during your pregnancy and/or continue taking them if you are breastfeeding. But it depends on the medication. Some medications for EM can cause damage to the fetus and get into breast milk and it is possible that you should stop months before you get pregnant.
For example, studies show that the Beta interferon and Glatiramer acetate are generally considered safe during pregnancy. But some oral DMT can damage the fetus, so they are often avoided. And monoclonal antibodies (MABS), such as Rituximab, Natalizumab, Ocrelizumab, Ofatumumab and Ublituximab, are generally avoided due to the risks that can represent the fetus.
We do not have much information about the amount of medications in breast milk for most medications. But, according to the data we have, the injectables and the MAB DMT are probably safe for breastfeeding. Oral DMT seem to be less safe. Breastfeeding is associated with a decrease in the risk of postpartum relapses. Once again, talking to your HCP can help you decide which is the best option for you and your baby.
Having multiple sclerosis affects childbirth?
The symptoms of MS can be different for each person, which can affect childbirth and childbirth during childbirth. EM can affect the nerves and muscles necessary to push during childbirth, which can make vaginal delivery difficult for some people. If this is the case, it is possible that you need a caesarean section, also called caesarean section. In rare cases, tweezers or emptiness can help with birth.
Read: how more affects the body >>
What do I need to know about the restart of my medicine after giving birth?
Some studies show that there may be a slightly greater risk of relapse just after pregnancy. Therefore, people with active EMs must talk to their neurologist or EM specialist shortly after the birth to determine when they should start taking DMT again. One study He found that taking natalizumab or fingerimod within the first six weeks of giving birth significantly reduced the risk of relapse three months after childbirth, but not immediately after birth.
However, breastfeeding can help reduce postpartum relapses in general. One review of 24 studies found lower rates of postpartum relapses in women who were breastfeeding compared to those who were not. The researchers indicated that more research in breastfeeding and postpartum relapse is needed. As mentioned above, not all medications are recommended if you want to breastfeed. The risks of stopping or changing a medication may not overcome the benefits.
If you live with MS, talk to your HCP about your options and have a plan to feel the best for you and your baby during this exciting time.
This educational resource was created with the support of Novartis, a member of the Corporate Advisory Council of Greetings.
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