Pregnancy and MG
 

What sort of effect does pregnancy have on MG? I would like to think that children are in my near future but I worry about what pregnancy would be like, particularly with the respiratory muscle weakness, with pressure of baby on diaphragm etc? Any ideas or experiences? x

Pregnancy is a time of 1/3's: One third of people get better while pregnant, one third will get an increase in symptoms and one third do not change during pregnancy. Personally I've read of a couple of women who have gone through a pregnancy with MG and both did OK.

Unfortunately, it is possible for the antibodies in your body to affect the baby, and at birth or shortly thereafter the baby will exhibit MG symptoms, sometimes severe ones. In that case, the baby is medically supported until the antibodies decrease, usually within a few weeks. I've read of one woman who had that happen and her baby had to be intubated, but went on to have a full recovery.

Any pregnancy would likely be considered "high risk" and you would need for your OB to work closely with your neuro. Of course you would probably want to be absolutely as stable as you can be before becoming pregnant, and some of the drugs can not be used during pregnancy.

Good luck with your decision.

That is interesting about the antibodies crossing the placental barrier. The good thing is that passive transfer of antibodies is always temporary. The baby could not be permanently sick from them if he were kept stable through the first few weeks.

I think that if your neurologist gives the ok, I would go for it. My children have brought me so much joy (and sorrow and tears and laughter) over the years. I am so thankful for my two children.

I hope I can help you. I have had MG since I was 12 and I am going to be 40 next month. I have had 2 very healthy children. All you need is a good knowledgable Doctor and you will be fine. I was considered a high risk pregnancy both time but didn't have hardly any problems. My first pregnancy I had to increase my meds after the birth and have a little help at home but for the most part no problems and it was all worth it. I say talk to your neurologist and primary doctor when you are thinking about it and are ready.

Dena