Ask a neurologist: Pregnancy and MS with Associate Professor Anneke Van Der Walt

In this series of ‘Ask a neurologist’ videos, MS neurologist Associate Professor Anneke Van Der Walt answers some commonly asked questions for women who are thinking about family planning or are already pregnant and wanting information and support.

Associate Professor Anneke Van Der Walt is an MS neurologist, and Director of the Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Unit & Neuro-ophthalmology Service at Alfred Health, Melbourne. Her research interests include women’s health.

In this video from the ‘Ask a neurologist’ series, Associate Professor Anneke Van Der Walt discusses the potential for a healthy pregnancy and baby for women living with MS. She explains how pregnancy can positively impact disease activity, particularly in reducing relapses and MRI lesions by the second trimester. Anneke talks about the lack of evidence between a diagnosis of MS and fertility issues.

In this series of ‘Ask a neurologist’ videos, Associate Professor Anneke Van Der Walt discusses medication adjustments required during family planning with MS, risks associated with continuing or stopping MS drugs when trying to conceive, and how to manage medication throughout pregnancy. She specifically details which MS drugs to avoid, the safe ones to continue, and how to adjust dosages during pregnancy.

In this series of ‘Ask a neurologist’ videos, Associate Professor Anneke Van Der Walt discusses the important considerations for managing medication after the delivery of a baby for a mum with MS. The discussion focuses on the impact of medications on breastfeeding and how different types of drugs may interact with breast milk. Anneke provides guidance on when it is safe to restart medications after delivery, helping new mothers make informed decisions about their treatment and breastfeeding.

In this series of ‘Ask a neurologist’ videos, Associate Professor Anneke Van Der Walt discusses the critical first three months postpartum, a period statistically known for potential relapses or new MRI lesions due to the immune system's physiological changes. She highlights the importance of entering pregnancy in a stable condition, having no recent relapses, and being on effective treatment to reduce the chances of postpartum relapses. Anneke outlines how even if a relapse occurs during pregnancy, that it is treatable and often manageable even with a newborn.

In this series of ‘Ask a neurologist’ videos, Associate Professor Anneke Van Der Walt discusses the complexities and considerations involved in labour and delivery for women with multiple sclerosis. Anneke details why women with MS may have a higher occurrence of interventional deliveries such as forceps or vacuum assistance, and the importance of pain management, fatigue assessment, and having a flexible birth plan.

In this series of ‘Ask a neurologist’ videos, Associate Professor Anneke Van Der Walt discusses the impacts of pregnancy on multiple sclerosis. She highlights a study showing that pregnancy may have a beneficial effect on the progression of MS, and the need for more research to understand the complexities surrounding pregnancy for those with advanced or progressive MS.

In this series of ‘Ask a neurologist’ videos, Associate Professor Anneke Van Der Walt shares her essential advice for women with MS who are planning to have a baby. She highlights the importance of early communication with your healthcare team to discuss treatment options, aiming for stable MS disease before pregnancy as well as providing reassurance for women who may fall pregnant accidentally.

With thanks to Associate Professor Anneke Van Der Walt

Women's Health Resource

This video series is part of a comprehensive Women’s Health Resource designed for women living with MS, addressing key topics such as family planning & pregnancy, and menopause. This project was developed in collaboration with women living with MS.

To explore the full resource, visit: https://www.msplus.org.au/wome...

The information presented in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content is provided by a neurologist and is based on general knowledge and expertise. However, individual health conditions and needs vary, and you should always seek the advice from your own neurologist and healthcare team.