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Pregnancy
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Most women are diagnosed with MS in their 20s and 30s, about the time many women are planning to start a family.
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Even with MS, pregnancy is safe for both mother and unborn child.
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MS has no effect on pregnancy.
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There is no increased risk of birth defect, miscarriage, or other pregnancy problems.
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MS is not directly inherited, so children of parents with MS will only have a minimal increase in risk of getting MS.
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Symptoms of MS usually stabilize or even improve during pregnancy.
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Due to muscle weakness, some women cannot push sufficiently during delivery and will require the aid of medical instruments.
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You should not take interferons or steroids while pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Talk to your doctor about when to stop medications before trying to get pregnant.
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Although pregnancy does not affect your long-term chance of relapse, 20-40% of women experience a relapse after childbirth, so you should plan for extra rest and assistance.
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Parenting
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Having MS does not mean you can't enjoy spending time with your children.
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Find activities to do with your children that are not too physically demanding, such as arts and crafts, reading, playing board games, and baking/cooking.
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Start a hobby that you can share with your children.
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When you need to plan ahead for family outings, get children involved in the planning.
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Do not be afraid to accept help from family members or friends; they can help your kids with the more physically demanding activities such as sports.
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You might need older children to help you take care of the house and family.
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Try not to overburden the older children.
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Give older children a chance to voice their stress or frustration that they might have. Due to an increased responsibility, communication is very important.
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