Meanwhile, potential mothers with MS face serious challenges. It is better you plan ahead and learn what to do before, during, and after pregnancy to make your ensuing 9 months a little easier.
Before Pregnancy
Have a dialogue with your doctor. You should let her know you want to have a baby. If your MS is kept in check, you’ll likely get a green light.
There are some MS drugs like interferons, teriflunomide (Aubagio) and glatiramer acetate (Copaxone). They are not safe during pregnancy. You’ll require to stop taking them for more than 1 month before you start trying.
Do it at the right time. You may not get pregnant immediately. To reduce the time you’re off your medicine, try to learn your fertility window. That’s the month period when you’re most likely to become pregnant. You can buy an ovulation kit at the medicine store to aid you figure it out. Your physician can suggest other ways to help your timing, too.
Establish a back up team. MS can wear you out, and pregnancy can, too. Don’t be scared to ask family and friends to fix meals or help around the house so you can save your energy. Ensure your team is set to pitch in after the baby comes, too.
While Pregnant
You should anticipate some solace. You may get a recess from your MS symptoms. That’s because pregnancy naturally protects many women from new bursts, primarily after the first 3 months. So enjoy it! Focus on getting the right foods, exercise, and plenty of rest.
You should be careful of urinary tract infections (UTIs). They are more common for pregnant women with MS. Drink lots of water, and tell your physician if you feel burning sensation when you go to the bathroom or if your urine is cloudy or smelly. You may get monthly urinalysis to check for UTIs.
You also may have trouble with constipation. A stool softener can get things moving.
You should maintain balance. As you get larger, you may loose balance. Use a walking aid so you don’t fall.
You should be prepared for unique delivery. Possibilities are you’ll be able to deliver just like any other lady.
If you can’t push because of muscle weakness or tiredness, your doctor may use special tools to help you deliver naturally. Or you might require a C-section.
You might not be aware when labor starts if you have lost sensation in your pelvis. In that case, your physician will watch you more closely throughout the last month. She may want to use medicines or other procedures to put you in labor.
Medicines to block pain, as well as epidural injections, are safe for humans with MS. If you need one, tell your physician.
What to do after Baby’s arrival
You should be mindful of flares. In the first 9 months after birth, likely 40% of women with MS will have a relapse. But a flare doesn’t increase your likelihood of a continuing defect.
If you had many flares before pregnancy, you may be more likely to have one now. It may be a good plan to start taking your MS medicine immediately to aid stop one.
Be conscious of breastfeeding. If you go back on your medications, you may not be able to do it. The drugs could hurt your baby through your milk. But if your doctor says it’s alright to hold back to take your medicine, breastfeed your baby if you want to. Absolutely, it’s safe for you and better for your little one.
Keep the milk you pump in the fridge so your spouse can tackle middle-of-the night feedings. You need your rest now more than ever.
Don’t feel ashamed or depressed if you choose medication over breastfeeding. In the course of time, your new addition requires a mom who can stay healthy.
Be mindful of your state of mind. Most times, women with MS have a higher risk of depression throughout pregnancy and primarily right after they give birth. Call your doctor if you start to notice any symptoms, like feeling depressed or despondent. Your gynaecologist(doctor) may also examine you for depression during a routine prenatal or postpartum visit. Your physician can aid treat your depression symptoms.
Some may ask, will the baby grow up to have MS? This is a common worry for many future parents. MS does have some genetic links, but the adult children of parents with the disorder have a 96% likelihood they won’t have it.
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