
Latest Research on MS and Pregnancy
Research
Tecfidera pregnancy registry
Demonstrates that where Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) is taken to the time of conception there is no increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
You can read the research here
Ocrelizumab and Natalizumab pregnancy study
Large study with >2000 births included, showing that where ocrelizumab is used as a treatment before pregnancy, relapses during pregnancy are vanishingly rare. Where natalizumab is used and continued through pregnancy there is a similarly very low rate of relapses in pregnancy. However, where natalizumab is stopped in pregnancy, relapses are seen. This supports the advice that natalizumab should be continued during pregnancy, whereas ocrelizumab can be paused.
You can read the research here
Ocrelizumab pregnancy information
Ocrelizumab pregnancy registry showing no increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes where women are treated with ocrelizumab up to the time of conception, and durable effects with very low relapses during pregnancy.
You can read the research here
German study on exposure to drugs prior to conception
Results from the German pregnancy registry, which show an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes following exposure to drugs such as fingolimod close to conception. This supports that women taking these medications should switch to an alternative effective DMT prior to trying to conceive.
You can read the research here
Assisted conception advice
UK consensus advice on assisted conception in MS. Recent large studies have not shown a significant increase in relapse risk with assisted conception, and so women should be supported to use the technique with the best chance of successful pregnancy.
You can read the research here
Epidural and spinal anaesthesia use
A combination of many studies looking at the effect of epidural and spinal anaesthesia on the risk of MS relapse. This shows that there is no increased risk, and women can be reassured about seeking pain relief.
You can read the research here