Systematic Review on Pregnancy Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis
This review found that multiple sclerosis (MS) does not generally increase adverse pregnancy outcomes, but there is a noted risk of small-for-gestational-age births. Treatment guidelines suggest careful planning around conception and the management of therapies, detailing which medications should be stopped or adjusted during pregnancy.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Moderate
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
Understanding the implications of MS for pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal health. The findings can guide healthcare decisions regarding treatment options and planning for women with MS who are considering pregnancy.
What this does not prove
The consensus does not support specific primary outcomes or provide detailed statistical results, limiting the strength of the conclusions.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Systematic review
- Participants / samples
- Not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-10-20
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- Not reported
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceFamily planning in multiple sclerosis: An Australian perspective. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2026.108000
Supporting passages (11)
study designPublication types: Journal Article; Review
subjectsOBJECTIVE: To develop evidence-based, Australia-specific recommendations for managing multiple sclerosis (MS) before conception, during pregnancy and after birth, balancing maternal health, disease control, and fetal safety.
findingsRESULTS: Evidence indicates that MS does not increase adverse pregnancy outcomes, although a higher risk of small-for-gestational-age birth may occur.
findingsTreatment selection should account for teratogenicity and rebound risk.
findingsTeriflunomide, fingolimod, siponimod and cladribine require cessation well before conception and are contraindicated during breastfeeding.
findingsNatalizumab can be continued until conception and through the first and second trimesters using extended-interval dosing; postpartum resumption is advised to minimise rebound relapses.
findingsOfatumumab and ocrelizumab should be stopped if pregnancy is confirmed.
findingsContraceptive use remains low despite requirements for many therapies.
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-20
limitationsTitle: Family planning in multiple sclerosis: An Australian perspective.
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article; Review
AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 1 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.