Experiences and Perceptions of Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy Among American Hispanics

Background: Little is known of the experience and perceptions of pregnancy in Hispanics with multiple sclerosis. We sought to explore women's experiences of pregnancy with MS to help make recommendations for care.

Objectives: N/A

Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in a total of 37 Hispanic women with MS living in the greater Los Angeles area. Of those, 30 had successful pregnancy experience. Marital status, education, experiences and perceptions of MS during and after pregnancy were recorded using semi-structured telephone interviews. The participants also rated their perceived severity of MS on a scale of zero to five with higher number indicating greater severity.

Results: Of the 30 women, 53% were married and 70% completed more than two years of college. The median number of pregnancies was 2 (range, 1-10). Almost 30 percent (n=7) reported pregnancy to negatively affect their MS symptoms. The mean level of perceived severity of MS was 3.2. The most commonly reported perceptions of pregnancy were “fear of passing MS to their kids” (16.7%, n=5), “fear of relapsing or worsening of MS” (10%, n=3), and “being scared in general” (10%, n=3). Breastfeeding was common (67%) and conducted for a mean duration of 16 weeks. In 10%, the preconception of MS transmission through breast milk discouraged breastfeeding. 

Conclusions: Understanding Hispanic women’s experiences and perceptions of pregnancy with MS can help practitioners address patients’ fears and misconceptions to better develop tools to support them.