Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable autoimmune disorder that can affect the central nervous system. It is estimated that about 2.3 million people live with MS worldwide. Women are two to three times more likely to develop MS than men, and many women of childbearing age are affected.

For women with MS, pregnancy can be a challenging time. There is a lack of research on the effects of pregnancy on MS, which can make it difficult to know what to expect. Here is what you need to know about MS and pregnancy.

First, it is important to understand that MS is not likely to affect your fertility. Most women with MS are still able to become pregnant and carry a baby to term. However, there are some risks associated with pregnancy and MS.

For example, it is possible that MS symptoms may worsen during pregnancy. This can be due to hormonal changes, stress, physical changes, and the increased demands on the body during pregnancy. Some women may experience an increase in MS symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, and bladder problems.

On the other hand, some women may find that their symptoms improve during pregnancy. This is likely due to the high levels of hormones during pregnancy, which can reduce inflammation in the body.

It is also important to know that there are medications that can help manage MS during pregnancy. There are some medications that should be avoided during pregnancy, such as beta interferons and glatiramer acetate. However, there are other medications that can be used to manage MS symptoms during pregnancy.

It is important to talk to your doctor and find out what medications are safe to take during pregnancy. It is also important to discuss any plans for labor and delivery with your doctor. There are some steps that can be taken to make labor and delivery safer for women with MS.

Overall, it is important to remember that MS is a manageable condition and many women with MS are able to have successful pregnancies. It is important to talk to your doctor and make sure that you are taking the right steps to keep you and your baby safe.

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