can i concevie? diagnised myasthenia gravis

i am a 25 year old female from india. have been in the us for the last 6 months.i was diagnosed of throid gravis at the age of 18 consequently diagnosed of myasthenis gravis . after which i have been on medications of prednesolone 20 mg tabs which have been tapering now on 10 mg predneslonoe tablets and pyridostigmine tablets 180 mg for the last 7 years. now i have been married for the last 6 months, i plan on pregnecy in the next 2 years will i have complications?? can i conceive?? would these medications affect pregnancy. can i be on any alternative medications?

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Dear Aashka,

There's good news for you!

There has been a lot of research conducted on this subject. And the results have been encouraging.

According to a study done by Ferrero et al, in Italy, "...MG can be well managed during pregnancy with relatively safe and effective therapies....".

Please read the abstract of their article -

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18505362?ordinalpos=5&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

There have been some cases where the Myasthenia Gravis has worsened in mothers. But usually it can be managed.

According to another study by Cheng et al, Caesarian section reduces complications, though, many feel the Caesarian section should only be used for any obstetrical problems.

Please read this article, too.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17912986?ordinalpos=15&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

I hope you find this helpful.

All the best.

Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD