Recommendations about Multiple Sclerosis Management during Pregnancy, Partum and Post-Partum: Consensus Position of the Portuguese Multiple Sclerosis Study Group

• Main Authors: Sónia Batista, Ana Martins da Silva, Maria José Sá, Lívia Sousa, João de Sá, Rui Pedrosa, João Cerqueira, Joaquim Pinheiro, Pedro Abreu, Rita Moiron Simões, José Vale
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ordem dos Médicos 2020-09-01
• Series: Acta Médica Portuguesa
• Subjects: amamentação; esclerose múltipla; gravidez; período pós-parto
• Online Access: https://www.actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/12777

Multiple sclerosis typically affects young women of reproductive age. Therefore, all healthcare professionals involved in the follow-up of multiple sclerosis patients must be prepared to discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding issues and provide the best possible counselling. However, there are still many doubts and heterogeneous clinical approaches partly due to the lack of consensus and guidelines. Concerning the handling of disease modifying therapies during pregnancy and postpartum, existing uncertainties have been complicated by the increase in the number of treatments available in recent years. This article aims to present the state-of-the-art and provide guidance based on the best level of available evidence and expert opinion regarding the management of multiple sclerosis patients at different stages: pregnancy planning, pregnancy, partum, and the postpartum period.