What about having children with MS?

[NicoleJ]

I am not diagnosed as of yet and am temporarily taking a break from all doctors because it's putting me on emotional overload (especially with caring for a 6 month old).

I was just curious, how many of you have gotten pregnant after receiving your dx of MS?  I know all studies show that they can't find a genetic link but..........it worries me that I could knowingly pass this on to my children (as some reports have shown that if one member has it others are at risk).  This is all so confusing.

My husband and I just know that we want to have at least one more child but I fear what I mentioned above.  Boo.

Share your thoughts

[julia111]

I can't really answer your question directly regarding having children w/ MS - but I can say that since my husband and I were not able to conceive we chose to adopt and our daughter is the love of our life.  We were blessed with a beautiful, bright and loving child.

Adoption is not for everyone and it is a "leap of faith" in itself - but maybe something you could consider.  : )

Best wishes,  Julia

[Quixotic1]

Please read the discussion on Vitamin D that "monotreme" put up.  It is pretty clear that adequate levels of Vit D can be protective against MS.  No one knows yet "how" protective, but it is something you can do for your children to help.

Quix

[Quixotic1]

Hi, there.  Well, MS definitely HAS a genetic link.  It is not a straightforward link like blue eyes or anything.  All the studies that have looked at it show that there are many dozens of genes involved in having a genetic susceptibility to MS.  In a very rare, isolated family tree, the link is very direct.  

Basically, it goes like this.  In the general population you have about a 1 in 750 chance of developing MS.  If your parent has MS then your chance rises to about 1 in 35 to 50.  A lot of this does depend on whether a lot of other members of the family have MS, what your ethnic background is and where the kids will grow up.

I have not read any studies looking at Vit D levels in the children of a parent with MS, but you would want to ensure that the child did not suffer from Vit D deficiency.  I would have to look up supplementation recommendations to know what to recommend, but you should discuss this with your pediatrician.  Breastfed babies (less Vit D in milk) of darker skin (less Vit D conversion) in the wintertime (less sun) are known to be at risk for Vit D deficiency severe enough to cause rickets even in this country.  I saw a classic case in my practice in Chicago.

The increase in risk is there, but it is not huge.

So you need to know that all studies that have looked at it in depth have found some genetic link, but it is not a direct one.  There is not one or two or 12 genes that determine MS.

I hope this helps.

Quix

[Tahiri_Veila]

I am going to bump a post.  I asked this same question and I recieved many answers please read it.  
Tahiri