When a woman decides to seek pregnancy, hundreds of doubts and fears usually arise about it. The uncertainty of knowing if it will be possible to get pregnant and if everything will go smoothly, generates many fears in anyone. Much more when the woman also has a previous illness. Today is the National Day of the Multiple sclerosis, a disease that can pose a greater challenge in pregnancy.
A few decades ago, pregnancy was discouraged for women with multiple sclerosis. Since the specialists thought, that this disease could worsen during the gestation period. However, in recent years there have been numerous studies in this regard, and almost all of them have reached a very different conclusion. Curiously, during pregnancy the chances of relapse are reduced, especially in the second and third trimesters.
Can multiple sclerosis affect fertility?
Today, there is no relationship between multiple sclerosis and infertility. Therefore, having the disease should not be an impediment to achieving pregnancy. Therefore, a woman with multiple sclerosis can live a completely normal pregnancy, as well as childbirth and breastfeeding. However, it is essential to plan the pregnancy properly. So that you have the support of both the specialist and the family.
Above all, because it is possible that the woman with multiple sclerosis undergoes some change in her disease during the pregnancy. In this case, family help and support would be essential. In addition, it would be very important for the neurologist in charge of the case to be aware of the woman's desire to be a mother. Most of the medications used to treat multiple sclerosis are contraindicated in both pregnancy and lactation.
Is Multiple Sclerosis Hereditary?
When a woman or a couple decide to seek pregnancy, one of the main concerns is that the baby may inherit the diseases suffered by the parents. In the case of multiple sclerosis, it is logical that there is a fear that the future baby may inherit this disease. Nevertheless, multiple sclerosis is not an inherited disease.
Although the risk of suffering from multiple sclerosis, increases when there is a family history. If one of the two parents suffers from multiple sclerosis, the percentage of risk of developing the disease in the children is between 1% and 4%.
Should I have a child if I have multiple sclerosis?
As with the rest of the couples who consider the possibility of seeking a pregnancy, the decision is something completely personal that you must take calmly and studying all the circumstances. Multiple sclerosis can complicate childbearing in part. But It shouldn't be an obstacle if you have enough support. As long as your specialist recommends your pregnancy and does not tell you otherwise. Each pregnancy is completely different, regardless of the future mother's previous illnesses.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease and its symptoms may worsen over time. ANDThis may affect the ability to perform some parenting tasks. Therefore, it is essential to have enough support, in case you need help to take care of your child. Taking care of a baby is hard and exhausting work, any help is necessary for any mother, even if she does not suffer from multiple sclerosis.
What should I do if I want to get pregnant?
If you have multiple sclerosis and you are thinking about getting pregnant, it is essential that make a consultation with your neurologist before starting with the process. In addition, you will have to visit your family doctor to recommend the necessary vitamins and prior care.
It is very important that you plan your pregnancy, although there is no increased risk of miscarriage due to multiple sclerosis. But the drugs used to treat it can increase the risk of miscarriage. Your specialist will be able to analyze the possibilities and the way to continue with your treatment. Without this affecting your search for pregnancy and your future baby.