This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

[MSUK]

Pregnancy in women with two types of MS may mitigate MS progression



Women with either relapsing (R-MS) or primary progressive disease (PPMS) who do not bear children are more likely to have higher disability scores than women who had a least one child, results of their research show.

The research was presented at the meeting of the American Academy of Neurology held in April in Honolulu. Barbara Teter, PhD, assistant professor of neurology and director of research and development for the New York State MS Consortium (NYSMSC), is first author. ... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/1936

[Leonard]

Quote from the link in the above posting: It is generally assumed that pregnancy modifies MS disease during and after giving birth, due to its hormonal changes that interfere strongly with the immune system. unquote

It may interfere with the immune system but I think it is something else. I think the hormonal (im)balances interfere with the nutrition condition of the body cells. A better nutrition condition will improve the functioning of the cells, and the immune system will calm down.
see http://www.thisisms.com/ftopic-15188-150.html

[Wonderfulworld]

I wonder is it also something to do with the intense learning curve of dealing with a newborn, that might promote new and increased maternal brain connections?

[Cece]

It could be the vascular changes during pregnancy, with a 50% increase in blood volume.

[sou]

It could work vice-versa: More disabled females of reproductive age could be less likely to want to have children, thus the results do not represent a cause and effect situation.

[lyndacarol]

OR it could be that the excess insulin in the mother's system is taken up and used by the growing baby.