A Monash University-led study published in JAMA Network Open was the first to examine the impact of pregnancy on multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse activity and long-term disability progression in women with moderate to severe disability. Most previous research has focused on women with mild MS-related disability.
Similar to findings in women with minimal disability, MS relapse rates decrease during pregnancy and increase in the first three months postpartum in women with more significant MS disability. Pregnancy does not worsen long-term disability outcomes in this population.
Available to comment:
Dr Jessica Shipley, Monash Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine
Contact: +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]
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Neurology
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Multiple sclerosis
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Pregnancy
Comments attributable to Dr Shipley:
“Until now, we have not had an evidence base that we could use to advise women with moderate to severe MS-related disability about the likely impact of pregnancy on their long-term MS outcomes.
“Our findings provide reassurance that pregnancy does not accelerate long-term disability in women living with more significant MS-related impairment.
“This research helps inform pregnancy counselling for women with moderate to severe MS-related disability, giving them clearer information to support family planning decisions.
“By focusing on a group that has been largely understudied, we’re building a more complete understanding of how pregnancy affects MS across the full spectrum of disability.”
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