Lived Experiences of People With Multiple Sclerosis During Pregnancy
In a qualitative study of 10 individuals with MS aged 26 to 40, participants reported uncertainties related to future health, symptoms during pregnancy, and a lack of information on managing MS in that context. Mental health challenges were prevalent, with 70% of participants experiencing issues and 80% seeking mental health support.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Not graded
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
Understanding these uncertainties and mental health challenges can help in developing better support systems for individuals with MS during pregnancy, highlighting the need for adequate healthcare resources and counseling.
What this does not prove
The study's small sample size limits wider applicability, and self-reported mental health data may introduce bias.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Not reported
- Participants / samples
- 10 · N = 10
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2025-10-06
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- Aged 26 to 40 years, range of 1 to 12 years since MS diagnosis, average of 2 pregnancies and 1.3 children per participant
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceNavigating the Unknown: A Qualitative Exploration of the Lived Experiences of People With Multiple Sclerosis During Pregnancy. ↗DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2024-071
Supporting passages (9)
sample size10
sample size basisN = 10
populationRESULTS: Participants, aged 26 to 40 years, had a range of 1 to 12 years since MS diagnosis and an average of 2 pregnancies and 1.3 children per participant.
findingsThree main types of uncertainty were identified: (1) anticipation of the future (relapses, impact of MS on motherhood, health care factors); (2) experienced symptoms (differentiating MS from pregnancy, role of MS in peripartum challenges); and (3) availability of information (insufficient research, provider counseling, external support).
findingsThese uncertainties negatively impacted mental health, with most participants reporting mental health challenges (n = 7, 70%) and utilizing mental health resources (n = 8, 80%), including talk therapy, psychiatric medications, and support groups.
publication datePublication date: 2025-10-06
limitationsTitle: Navigating the Unknown: A Qualitative Exploration of the Lived Experiences of People With Multiple Sclerosis During Pregnancy.
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article
subjectsTitle: Navigating the Unknown: A Qualitative Exploration of the Lived Experiences of People With Multiple Sclerosis During Pregnancy.
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