Pregnant with MS -- How to help?

[takechargelady]

Hello, and thank you in advance for reading this post.

A good friend of ours was diagnosed several years ago with MS.  She has her "up days" and her "down days", as I am sure many can understand (down days include obvious issues with fatigue, heat sensitivity, leg/ankle/foot problems, vision issues, etc.).  

She and her husband are now pregnant and I was hoping that this forum could help us with determining some good gift ideas or life/personal relief solutions that could help her during her pregnancy.  I am familiar with the nutrition, exercise and mental stimulation that benefits those with MS, and am aware of the MS no-no's, so really what I am asking for here is recommendations of specific items that gave you or your loved one relief -- ESPECIALLY during pregnancy.

The bases that have already been covered:
-weekly house cleaning
-picking up as much cooking responsibilities as they will accept from us

Please, could you let me know what made a difference for you or yours?   Even the smallest, little thing?  Because even the smallest things matter.

With much appreciation,
~a friend

[ku111]

I took care of a patient with MS (there are a few per year) and her family and friends went on the lighter side and it was comical.  I didn't see everything in the bag but they showed my a re-useable cold pack, heat pack for sore areas, a body pillow, a personal fan, a book, inspirational book about pregnancy, and her favorite comfort foods.  It really was a sweet idea and it made her laugh.  

[jensequitur]

I think the most need would be after pregnancy - people with MS tend to flare up afterwards, because of the hormonal change.  As for what she needs during, I haven't the slightest.  I'm attempting to get pregnant myself, so I'd like to hear what other people think.

[takechargelady]

Thank you for the response guitar_grrrl.  Strangely, she actually just had a pretty bad flare up (most of her left side is numb at this time).  So maybe the better question would be, outside of taking some life responsibilities off of her plate, what else can we do to make her more comfortable post-flare-up, keeping in mind her pregnancy?  Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated, and thank you again!

[Guitar_grrrl]

Wow, that's really sweet of you to be thinking of your friend!  Pregnancy is one of those times we feel our best.  Our immune system is suppressed during this time, so our disease activity is quieter.  I can't think of anything specific to MS and pregnancy that any other expectant mom wouldn't appreciate.  If it were me, I would want some help after the baby is born, as many of us flare up soon after giving birth, as our immune systems ramp back up to normal.