Pregnancy also affects MS remissions and relapses. During pregnancy, some women with MS notice a lessening of symptoms. This can be followed by a flare-up after the baby is born. Postpartum relapse is a recognized phenomenon among MS researchers and patients.

Calabresi says newly diagnosed women should consider participating in clinical trials that are homing in on new treatments and better symptom management during childbearing.

“Women with MS can give birth to healthy babies but should discuss concerns and risks carefully with their doctor,” Mowry says. “After children are born, we stress to new moms the importance of keeping kids active and at a healthy weight to lower their risk of getting MS.”