Neurol. praxi. 2019;20(1):33-36 | DOI: 10.36290/neu.2019.088

Multiple sclerosis – maternity and breastfeeding

MUDr. Olga Zapletalová

Neurologická klinika FN Ostrava, Lékařská fakulta OU, Ostrava

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is disease induced by immunopathogenetic autoimmune inflammation and neurodegenerative process, which demage central nervous system. The young women of childbearing age are mostly affected by MS. Biological role of women is fullfiled by maternity and their wish to have a child is also common for women with MS. Conception, pregnancy and delivery is immunological action and maternal immune system undergoes great changes. Brestfeeding is greatly important for optimal development of the newborn in the first months after delivery. The hormonal changes during brestfeeding are positively modulating the autoimmune reactivity of MS females and there are strong clinical data that exclusively brestfeeding in the early period is beneficial for babies and mothers. The question is how to manage the immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive treatment during brestfeeding. The treatment potential risks and benefit for babies and mothers benefit is considered. For mothers with high active MS we have to realise their earlier return to DMD treatment to consider neurologic condition and clinical activity. Individual attitude with careful monitoring is for all mothers absolutely necessary.

Keywords: sclerosis multiplex, lactation, brestfeeding, prolactin, immunoreactivity, immunomodulation treatment

Published: March 1, 2019  Show citation