Myasthenia Gravis and Pregnancy

Myasthenia Gravis and Pregnancy

It took us 8 years to get to the point where we could confidently decide to have a baby. Before this, MG had made my health a bit of a rollercoaster ride. From having a thymectomy, three admissions for IVIG and three admissions for Plasma exchange, three different immunosuppressive drugs and a host of other drugs my body had finally got the combination that it needed to stabilise. I was in what I called a drug assisted remission.

After consulting with the Gynecologist and Neurologist and getting the thumbs up we were warned not to get our hopes up for at least a year, given all the trauma my body had gone through.
And then five months later, almost unexpectedly I knew I was pregnant. Confirmed by tests we are now embarking on a new adventure! I will do a series of blogs focused on MG and pregnancy during this exciting and scary time so stay tuned!


Firstly I wanted to share some of the most important facts regarding MG and Pregnancy:

Things to think about as a Mom

- As unique snowflakes, pregnancy affects each pregnant woman differently every pregnancy. Symptoms are noted to worsen for 41% of women with MG, 30% will show no change, and 29% can have a remission of symptoms.

- A worsening of symptoms is most likely to happen in the first trimester or following delivery.

- It is advised that woman with MG delay pregnancy for at least two years following a diagnosis. With the least risk of maternal mortality occurring after 7 years of diagnosis. 

- Mestinon is considered a safe drug during pregnancy. All other medications need to be evaluated by your Gynecologist and Neurologist. 
The birth process:
- Reports do not suggest an increased risk of spontaneous abortions or premature births for women with MG. Preeclampsia is noted as a higher risk factor.
 - Vaginal delivery is recommended for women with MG as the smooth muscles are not affected, however, you may require help towards the end of delivery in terms of forceps or vacuum extraction, as then striated muscles (voluntary muscles) are needed. 
- Cesarian section should be performed only for obstetric indications, as surgery can be stressful for women with MG. However many women opt for C-sections as it is a more controlled environment.    
- Epidurals are still recommended with correct administration and supervision.
Considerations regarding the baby:
- It is possible for infants to develop transient neonatal MG. Statistics noted that this happens 10% to 20% of the time. The baby typically develops symptoms 2 to 4 days after birth, including respiratory problems, muscle weakness, a feeble cry, poor sucking, and ptosis (drooping eyes). This condition usually reverses itself after 3 weeks without complication, due to the mother's antibodies circulating in the babies system declining and the babies immune system taking over. 
- Make sure to choose a hospital with the necessary neonatal care facilities as to get the best immediate care for your bundle of joy.

To read about my 1st trimester adventures click HERE
I receiently was asked to do interview over YouTube about my pregnancy. Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/qlbZvloqMYs 



References: 


Comments

  1. I was one of the people who have a remission of symptoms while pregnant. My neuro kept a close eye on me the whole time.

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    Replies
    1. So glad to hear. Hope you and your baby are still doing well!

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    2. I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in 2014, 2 years after they removed a tumor on my thymus. It's been an okay road. Had one flare which put me in the hospital 4 years ago and this previous year I have been in and out of the hospital trying to see which treatment can get me back feeling 100% again. Pyridostigmine bromide just makes me nauseous all day and didn't help my droopy eye or swallowing so I need to try something else which was natural herbs recommendation from multivitamincare. org This herbal treatment has successfully cure my MG and am 100% free ,I completed the herbal treatment program last year December and am very delighted i came across their website.it starts in the eyes and face then bulgar muscles , without treatment or the proper dosages of treatment it goes on to my limbs and then neck and breathing muscles but I can happily say that am free from MG after taking my chances to try natural herbs ,my neurologist was surprise after my result of being totally cured with herbal cure from the org.











































































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  2. Here for every step of the journey my friend!! X

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    1. I am a retired navy veteran and was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in September 2020. After a bout of left ear infection and TMD (Temporomandibular disorder), symptoms persisting were eyelid drooping, slurred speech, drooling and overall muscle weakness in the left hand grip, increased fatigue and unsteady walking. I'm now taking www. madibaherbalcenter . com herbal cure (3 months) and I have been receiving a great improvement since I started the remedy, I find joy in being able to go out by myself and catch a movie. “It’s been wonderful, and it’s been life-changing.

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  3. Always good to read pregnancy tips as a woman with chronic illnesses..even though I have different ones and don't have a kid myself yet! Congrats and wishing you well!

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    1. Thanks, its an interesting new road to be navigating.

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  4. Hi, great to find you on CIB thread. I've shared your link on PainPalsBLog regular feature "Monday Magic Inspiring Blogs for You!". Will pin, stumble etc and follow your social media, Claire x

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    1. Thanks Claire! Yes CIB is a great network. Thanks for the shares!

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  5. Pilates, yoga, swimming, and strolling are for the most part incredible exercises for most pregnant ladies, yet make sure to check with your specialist first before beginning any activity program. Go for 30 minutes of activity most days of the week.learn more

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  6. I had myasthenia gravis since 2015. I got medically discharged out of the Army, a job I loved well. My heart had 5 myasthenic crises, 3 being severe enough to be ventilated or require CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) helmet. I have had countless plasma exchanges as my veins are bad. I also needed Hickman lines inserted. I have been on azathioprine, mycophenolate (CellCept), methotrexate and none have worked. I'm currently done with my herbal remedy I purchase from totalcureherbsfoundation .com which has totally cured my condition with a surprise after almost four months of their usage, I was discouraged and never thought I would be myasthenia gravis (MG) free ,to me the best to get rid of this condition is totalcureherbsfoundation com treatment because all medications I used never worked include mycophenolate (CellCept)

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