Pregnancy and family planning can be complex for individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS). That’s why we’re sharing key takeaways from our best practice meeting held on Friday July 4th, 2025, featuring a lecture by Laetitia della Faille.
Pregnancy planning
Good planning is essential for a healthy pregnancy. During the preconception phase, it's important for individuals to communicate their desire to become pregnant with their healthcare provider.
When planning a pregnancy, extra attention should be paid to any symptoms or signs of illness. If symptoms occur, it's recommended to postpone conception for at least two weeks to ensure optimal health.
It's also wise to review vaccination status before becoming pregnant. Patients should consult their healthcare provider about any necessary immunizations, including the HPV vaccine.
For men, sexual health issues can sometimes be a barrier to conception. It's important to talk openly about these concerns, as many of them are treatable with the right support.
During pregnancy
First Trimester
In the first trimester, it is sometimes necessary to discontinue medical treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). Fortunately, pregnancy provides a natural form of immunosuppression, and studies have shown that relapse rates often decrease during this time. Corticosteroids should only be used when absolutely necessary, and MRI scans are not recommended during the first trimester.
Second Trimester
In the second trimester, it can be challenging to distinguish between typical pregnancy symptoms and those related to MS. Careful monitoring and open communication with healthcare providers are important to ensure accurate assessment and support.
Third Trimester
To protect both mother and baby, vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) is recommended during the third trimester. An MRI scan can be considered at this stage to establish a new baseline for MS status. Additionally, the third trimester is a critical period for psychosocial preparation for parenthood.
Postpartum
Postpartum coaching is really important to avoid post-partum depression. The restart of the MS medication can happen after two weeks, if necessary, or after a month, preferably. There is a reasonable risk of more flares of MS right after giving birth. Lastly females can use pelvic floor rehabilitation to return to their pre-pregnancy health.
Overall, it's important to remember that pregnancy and family planning are absolutely possible for individuals with MS—especially with the right care, guidance, and precautions. With proper support, patients can confidently take steps toward building the family they envision.
Want to know more? Acces to the full Powerpoint follows soon!