Any Mommas with Multiple Sclerosis?

chetrick

I was wondering if any of you have or have known other mommas with Multiple Sclerosis.  I have MS and am in my 32nd week and am starting to worry about delivery.  Will I have the strength or the feeling to have a vaginal delivery or should I push my perinatologist to just schedule a c-section?  Should I breastfeed or go back on my meds?  Just wanted to find out if anyone has been through this before ...

 Thanks!

Rubypercy

My cousin's wife has MS and had a beautiful baby boy in August.  I don't know all the specifics for sure, but she had a vaginal delivery.  It was tiring, but she made it through great.  She actually felt pretty good throughout her pregnancy.  She definitely breastfed for a while.  She may still be.  After she had the baby, her brain scan wasn't great -and her doctor's wanted her to go back on her meds asap, but she wanted to nurse for at least 3 months.  So they agreed to delay it.  Then when it was time, our other cousin's wife who is a nurse knew of some doctor, who said that her MS meds do not pass the placenta and called her doctors to explain.  So as far as I know she went back on at least some of her meds and is still breastfeeding.  So it can be done.  I don't know your condition, but my cousins wife is definitely someone who is symptomatic (wombling walk) and she did great in labor.  GL!!!

koosh ball

I have MS. I was told that MS doesn't make you high risk by several doctors. Do you currently have any disabilities related to MS that would make a c-section better? I would do everything possible to avoid surgery since I know the added stress can make MS worse... also I was told by my nurse to avoid epidurals/spinals because there was a study that showed it increased relapse rate.

As for breastfeeding, I think its important that you do breastfeed since the research suggest it lowers relapse rate after childbirth. As you know, that rate is very high already. What medication are you on? I have done a lot of research on Copaxone and feel its very safe for breastfeedingl I discussed it with my neuro and he was on board with breastfeeding while taking it. I like the double protection after childbirth!

chetrick

Thank you both for your responses. 

 My first attack was kind of severe and left me unable to control most of the muscles in my pelvic region - including the muscles that control bladder and bowel function.  I have really had to relearn when my body is telling me that I need to use the facilities and I worry that this lack of control may affect childbirth, or that vaginal childbirth may affect how I now know my body functions.  I was also left with limited sensation in my lower legs which inhibits my ability to walk long (1 mile or more) distances.  Finally, the fatigue that I feel is unbelievable.  I am in bed each night by 7:30pm and pretty physically tired throughout the day.  I am worried that all of these symptoms may significantly impact the birth experience.

I am meeting with my neurologist next week to discuss her reccommendations and I am hopeful that she will be able to led me in the best direction, but I am still hoping for some reassurance from some real women.  

Koosh - I was told that I would be considered high-risk because of the uncertainty of what accommodations I would need throughout my pregnancy.  I started seeing a perinatologist last April before I stopped taking Avonex.  I went off of it for 2.5 months before getting pregnant and have been closely monitored by my perinatologist for the entire pregnancy.  I have had some issues with bladder and bowel control while being pregnant.

I am encouraged by your info on Copaxone - I have not taken that, but am very interested in breastfeeding, so that might be a great option for me.

I am also glad to hear that you are doing well - gives lots of hope to this first time mom!

imnyke

I am a momma with MS too.  I was diagnosed right before I got pregnant.  I was supposed to go back for an MRI last October but I have been hesitant because I didn't want to stop breastfeeding.  Reading these posts really encourages me to make an appointment asap.

I had a complete normal pregnancy and a fast labor.  The only bump in the road for me was that I could not get an epidural, which I didn't find out until I was already in labor.  My son is now 10 months and I have not had any issues with MS.  I have been super tired here and there, but the lack of sleep from a sick or teething baby hasn't helped.

Good luck in your journey!

koosh ball

It looks like Dr. Hale believes most MS medications are safe for breastfeeding:

https://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/discus/messages/53/1448.html

https://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/discus/messages/53/138.html

Dr. Hale publishes this book every year and is the leading expert in medications and breastmilk  https://www.amazon.com/Medications-Mothers-Milk-Lactational-Pharmacology/dp/0981525725/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298261321&sr=8-3

When you go to your doctors appointment, you need to be informed because 95% of doctors will tell you no breastfeeding without researching it.