Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy

Caucasians living in temperate climates are most prone to multiple sclerosis. One out of 2,000 inhabitants of the temperate climates (areas away from equator) as against one out of 10,000 inhabitants in the tropical climates, are prone to this disease. Canada followed by Scotland has the most number of multiple sclerosis sufferers. The disease is unheard of in countries like Japan, Malaysia and South America. The following article, showcases brief information on multiple sclerosis and pregnancy.

Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, in which it is believed that the body's immune system, for an unknown reason, attacks the cells covered with myeline sheath. The myeline sheath covers neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The myelin sheath is responsible for the transmission of messages between the brain and the body organs, and to prevent the electrical activity inside a neuron cell from interfering with that of others. The autoimmune attack destroys the myelin sheath and disrupts vital communication between the brain and the rest of the body organs. Following are the main multiple sclerosis signs and symptoms, one should look out for: A patient suffering from multiple sclerosis may experience difficulty in walking, speaking, thinking and remembering things. The patient may also experience double vision or blurring of vision. Muscle spasticity which may cause tightening of muscles, may lead to shortness of breath and extreme fatigue etc.

It is not easy for a patient to cope with multiple sclerosis. It makes the patient dependent on others, affects his relationship with others and lowers his self-confidence. Patients suffering from it also suffer from depression. The disease may create a crisis for the patient, by limiting his or her mobility which is essential in discharging responsibilities at the workplace. This may lead to unemployment resulting in a financial crisis.

A Brief Note on Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy
Multiple sclerosis does not present any obstacle for a woman in getting pregnant and giving birth to a healthy baby. However, is it wise to put yourself in a position, where you have to cope with multiple sclerosis and pregnancy at the same time? Research studies show that during the second and third quarter of pregnancy, there are less chances of you suffering a relapse. It is believed to be so, because of hormones that are active during the pregnancy. However, studies found that the risk of attacks may increase many fold, after the pregnancy. Some neurologists counter increased postpartum risk, by prescribing a dose of intravenous immunoglobulin to the mother immediately after the delivery. Intravenous corticosteroids is also prescribed by some neurologists for the same purpose. Studies shows that it lowers the chances of a relapse after delivery. The research also shows that a baby, born to parents with multiple sclerosis, may have a 2% chance of developing multiple sclerosis.

Planning in Handling Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy
If you are suffering from multiple sclerosis and thinking of raising a family, then the unpredictable nature of the disease makes it essential, that you take medical advice and plan well in advance. You should discuss it with your partner in depth, and also with friends who could offer help, or plan for paid help, in case your condition worsens. You should also explore the financial aspect of such a situation.

Medication for Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy
Ingesting multiple sclerosis limiting drugs should be avoided three months before the baby is conceived, as they could cause birth defects, as as well as complications during breast feeding?. So your decision to raise a family could put you off your medication for at least 15-18 months. On top of that, 9 months of pregnancy is a long and difficult period. You should take proper medical advice, and let the doctors guide you in every step of the way before putting your decision into practice.

Multiple sclerosis and pregnancy don't affect each other. Multiple sclerosis is a very unpredictable disease. It may attack a patient infrequently with gaps of months or even years in between. On the other hand, it may bind another to a wheelchair, within a short period of time. There are chances that after the initial diagnosis, a patient may go through his entire life with little or no indication of the disease. This is a progressive disease that can put extraordinary restrictions on the mobility of a patient, thus, the worst case scenario being that, the rearing of a child by its mother who is suffering from multiple sclerosis, becomes very difficult.