MS and Pregnancy: What to Know About Pausing Treatment

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Key Takeaway

In this study, MS flare-ups were uncommon during pregnancy and the first year after birth among women who had stopped ocrelizumab or rituximab before pregnancy.

What They Found

Researchers followed 294 pregnancies among 275 women with relapsing-remitting MS, a form of MS with periods of new or worsening symptoms. Before pregnancy, the women had received ocrelizumab or rituximab, two treatments that calm parts of the immune system. About 2% had a flare-up during pregnancy, and 8.5% had one in the first year after birth. Four women had lasting trouble with walking or other abilities after a flare-up in that first year. Flare-up rates did not clearly differ based on when treatment stopped before pregnancy or how many rounds of treatment women had received.

Who Should Care and Why

These findings may help people with MS who are planning a pregnancy talk with their care team about treatment timing. They may also reassure caregivers that flare-ups were uncommon in this group, though they were not impossible. A flare-up means new or worsening MS symptoms, so it helps to know whom to call if symptoms change during pregnancy or after birth. The first year after birth remains an important time to check in with an MS care team. Ask your MS specialist and pregnancy care provider to make a plan for treatment and follow-up that fits your situation.

Important Considerations

This study followed women who had received ocrelizumab or rituximab before pregnancy; it did not prove that stopping either treatment is safe for everyone. Because few women had flare-ups, the study may have been too small to spot meaningful differences between treatment schedules. The findings may not apply to ofatumumab, an MS treatment given on a different schedule.

AI-generated summary — for informational purposes only, not medical advice

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Treatment Updates MS Progression Living with MS

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like Neurology(R) neuroimmunology & neuroinflammation often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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