Article of interest (7): Pregnancy is associated with a better prognosis

This study found a reduced risk of developing MS in woman who have had children compared to woman without children. 

The risk associated between not having children and MS increased with age. 

There was a significantly decreased risk of a progressive course in women who became pregnant after MS onset.
Runmarker  and Andersen. Pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of onset and a better prognosis in multiple sclerosis. Brain. 1995 Feb;118 ( Pt 1):253-61.

"Because of this study, and the fact that pregnancy itself reduces the attack rate, researcher's have been trying to find out what it is about pregnancy that is so beneficial for MS'ers."

"We assume that the profound changes that occur in the woman's immune system in pregnancy are responsible for its beneficial effects." 

"If we can mimic the pregnancy state, without a woman having to fall pregnant, i.e. induce a pseudo-pregnancy, we may discover a very effective treatment for MS."

"So if you are a woman with MS, or are at high risk of developing MS, deciding to have or not have children may be more complex than you realise." 

"This is why I prefer to sit on the fence when it comes to counselling MS'ers about having children, or not. At the end of the day there are too many personal factors that are more important than society's or my perspective. However, if directly asked by one of my patients to give specific advice I will always give my opinion (that's my job); the advice will obviously vary depending on the circumstances of the individual patient."

"Please remember, the practice of medicine, or neurology, is an art not a science."