How could the hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy and the postpartum period impact my condition?
Though there are no published reports addressing this issue for women with TM, NMO, and ADEM, in studies conducted on women with another demyelinating disease, Multiple Sclerosis, it seems that the second and third trimester of pregnancy actually causes a natural decrease in autoimmune activity. This pregnancy-induced state should actually help reduce the risk of an inflammatory attack. During the immediate postpartum period, however, the risk could increase, especially for women who have had NMO, recurrent TM, or ADEM. Medication management is critical in the immediate postpartum period.
