Will I be able to have Children?
Yes. MS does not affect the fertility of either men or women. Men may have problems with achieving an erection (impotence), but this can be overcome successfully using drugs or medial devices, so don’t be embarrassed to ask your doctor for help. Don’t be put off if some doctors are negative about women with MS starting a family: the risk of any abnormality in the baby is no different to normal, and there is no reason why you should not have a natural labour and delivery. Most neurologists now agree that is a woman with MS wants children, she should go ahead and have them. However, if you are on drug treatment for your MS, it's very important to discuss your plans for starting a family with your doctor. Some treatments for MS may not be suitable for use during pregnancy, or may pass into the milk if used during breast feeding.
Many women find their MS stabilises or improves during pregnancy. One of the natural effects of pregnancy is to suppress the immune system, and this can make MS less active too. However, the physical stress of birth and of coping with a new baby means that the risk of a relapse is 203 times greater than normal in the first six months after the baby is born. Sometimes the relapse is more severe than usual, but research shows that motherhood has no adverse effect on the long-term progress of the disease.
Living with MS does, or course, impose extra stresses and uncertainties on family life. Young children are exhausting at the best of times, and mothers with MS may well need extra help to avoid excessive fatigue. Plan in advance and get sources of help – family, friends, childminders, etc. – lined up before the baby is born. If you have a disability, find out about special baby care equipment.