Overview

Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease. It affects the central nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. There are two forms of MS:

• Relapsing MS
• Progressive MS

Most patients with MS can get pregnant and have a healthy baby. In most cases, patients do not need a high-risk pregnancy referral. Studies show that the rate of birth defects do not differ between patients with MS and those without MS.

If you have MS and want to get pregnant, talk to your MS specialist. Together, you can discuss the benefits and risks of pregnancy.

Your care team will also help you understand how pregnancy can affect MS and how MS can affect pregnancy. We will also counsel you on taking disease-modifying therapy (DMT) during pregnancy.