Most treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) don’t increase the risk of major problems when used during pregnancy, an analysis showed.
“We found that most therapies were not associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth or major birth defects,” Kerstin Hellwig, MD, study co-author and MS specialist at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, said in a university press release.
However, some MS treatments may increase the likelihood of low birth weight or serious infections during pregnancy, the analysis found. Small size for gestational age is associated with a higher risk of infant death, as well as higher risk of later-in-life issues such as heart disease, the scientists noted.
“The results highlight the importance of an individual risk-benefit assessment and close medical supervision during pregnancy,” Hellwig said. Read full story HERE