Exploring patients’ knowledge and misconceptions about multiple sclerosis and pregnancy

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a high incidence in women of childbearing age. Accurate understanding of family planning matters is crucial for best outcomes. Methods: Thirty-seven women with MS aged 18 to 50 completed an anonymous questionnaire at an MS Center in New York City. There were 22 questions pertaining to four main categories: effect of pregnancy on MS, effect of MS on pregnancy, MS medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and effect of MS on offspring. Results: Mean age of patients was 36 years (standard deviation [SD] ±5.6), 86% had relapsing-remitting (RRMS). Mean time since diagnosis was 6.7 years (SD±5.2), 30.6% had been pregnant since diagnosis. Average correct score was 32.8% (SD±20.3), and while higher in patients who had been pregnant since diagnosis, 40.5% (SD±24.7) versus 31.3% (SD±17.9), there was no statistically significant difference, p=0.21. Largest knowledge deficit pertained to effect of MS on reproduction: average score 27.7% (SD±10.1). Only 21.0% knew that relapses can be treated with steroids during pregnancy, 50.0% of those with prior pregnancy knew this fact. Thirtyfour percent of patients on disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) reported not consistently using birth control. Conclusions: Our data identified misconceptions on important reproductive topics. It is important that providers educate effectively their patients on matters of reproduction.