pregnancy and ms -- your thoughts

[little_lady_chat]

So I am new here but I will kind of repeat my little story.  I was diagnosed about 7 or so years ago.  I recently had a relapse about a month and a half ago.   I was treated with solu-medrol IV for 3 days and now am having some rebound symptoms and a little anxiety.  But my husband and I want to try to get pregnant in the next couple of months.  I heard that some symptoms can almost disappear when pregnant.  I am also on copaxone and my neuro said to stay on it until I find out that I am pregnant.  I have read that you should stop using your meds when you start trying to get pregnant.  It could take a few months to get pregnant, I need some info or personnal stories Thanks everyone!!  Heather

[Heather3418]

I take Copaxone and I looked through the accompanying literature in my box and it said that you should stop Copaxone before you decide to conceive.  I would check with your OB about how soon they would want you to stop taking Copaxone, making sure that the OB understands EXACTLY what this drug is and that it is known to causes miscarriages.

If you are not going to breastfeed, you can get back on your Copaxone, as soon as you deliver, possibly preventing an attack that usually occurs within 3-6 months after giving birth.  I have heard from a couple of women that they did NOT have a relapse after the birth of their babies.  I would get back on the Copaxone after the delivery, if it was me.  

Please let us know what your OB says.  And good luck with your eventual pregnancy.  Health in anyone is not a guarantee, while we raise our kids.  Yes having MS may make things different, but I am sure that you will do just fine.  Bringing a little life in the world IS possible if you have MS.  I have two children and MS.  They are now 34 and 38.  See, we got through it just fine.

Good luck to you dearheart.  Keep us posted...will you?
Heather

[artspaz]

I have a two year old. I'm still in limbo of trying to find out what exactly I have. I want to have another child but I'm afraid to have one until I know what's going on. I also think my difficulty walking might get in the way of juggling two kids. I'm jealous that my sister-in-law just found out that she's pregnant. Of course, this gets my husband wanting to have a kid soon. My heart says I want to, but I'm scared. Luckily, if it were to happen I have a very supportive family that can help.

[little_lady_chat]

Hello,

What great advice!  Thanks for your support, we are definately ready to branch out with a new little member of our family.  Our families and neighbors are very good to us also.  We are just waiting for some of my current symptoms to disappear or be at bay.  Thanks again and take care!  Heather

[jed9999]

I think you want to be thinking about after the baby is born as well as pregnancy. You'll want a particularly good support system since sometimes things get rough after delivery for the MS mom--at least for a time. With one of our three I remember I got numb in every cell of my body for awhile, but it didn't prevent anything about my mothering. It could have been motor problems which would have been disastrous.The best thing is to have backup ready in case it's needed. Sleep is even more important to us after birth, of course.

It's true that usually during pregnancy it's sort of like having a "foreign body" inside you, and particularly the last few months it's often very smooth sailing being pregnant because it makes our immune response less since our body sees it as the "enemy" to attack.


This is such an important decision in our lives! My suggestion is to check everywhere about the meds you've taken recently as well as what you're on now (get opinions then decide yours), make a conservative decision on when you consider your body safe, then make that baby! We can spend our lives being afraid or we can branch out and create new life!

My diagnosis was in 1973. They mistakenly thought back then you should not have kids with MS and I was told to have one if I had to, better to have none. If I had listened I know three wonderful young adults who wouldn't have been born. There's also a time to follow your heart.    Good luck, Jane

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

I just read on a MS information sheet that breastfeeding is fine, but that should be off the disease modifying meds while doing it.

[little_lady_chat]

Thanks - all of the info will be very helpful have a good weekend!  Heather

[Tahiri_Veila]

I would be asking your OB/Gynecologist not your neuro on this one as the OB would be more likely to know the effects during pregnancy.  Everything I have read suggests stopping Copaxone at least 3 sometimes up to 6 months before trying to get pregnant.  I would definetly ask your OB as well to see what they think.

Tahiri

[opie74]

I am on Betaseron.  It can cause spontanious abortions.  My doc said that I shoould get off before I try to get pregnant.  I don't know if copaxone is the same.  I yould read the patient information that comes with every shipment.  My Neuro and my OBGYN both said that pregnancy is good for MS, but the few hours to months afterward, you are at an increased risk for relaps with new symptoms.  Get back on treatment asap, and do not try to breastfeed.