MS and Pregnancy

[GinniBoBinni]

I've been reading alot about MS and pregnancy. I am 31, have just been dx, and have one child (the relapse came 8 mos after delivery of my baby who is now 1). I want another child. I don't want to start drug therapy before having another child, but my neuro is pushing me to do so, and suggesting I do not have another child. My symptoms are mild, so far. But the neuro says because the lesions are in my cervical spine and are close together, if they grow, I could have much more severe symptoms. Does anyone have any experience with this and any advise?

Thanks!!

[andreamc]

I'm not sure about the cervical lesions, but I was on Avonex therapy, and all the literature says that you can still have children, but not to take the therapy. Pregnancy and childbirth might cause an attack, but you can control it once the baby is here. So far, they don't know if it is hereditary or not, so I don't understand why your neurologist is not wanting you to do this. How soon do you want another child, because maybe he wants you to do therapy now so that you can put yourself into "remission" and then try for another child. I don't know, but if you want another child, you shouldn't let the doctor tell you no. Maybe you should ask another doctor. I hope this helps you.

[grahamby]

Dear Ginni,
I have had MS for 5 years and just gave birth to our third child in February (her brother and sister are 6 & 8). Two months into the pregnancy, all of my MS symptoms subsided except for some minor cramping. It was fabulous! My neuro said that this is common and they are researching the hormones produced in pregnancy as possible treatments.
Judy Graham wrote a book called MS and Pregnancy or something like that that recommends vitamin supplements to take while pregnant (I found the New Chapter Pre-Natals to be most effective).
Good luck and post back if you want any more info.