Which statement about multiple sclerosis in pregnancy is true?

Which statement about multiple sclerosis in pregnancy is true?

• A. Relapses generally decrease during pregnancy and return to pre-pregnancy rates by about 3 months postpartum
• B. Pregnancy cures MS
• C. MS only affects the optic nerve
• D. MS relapses increase during pregnancy and stay high postpartum

Answer: (A)

MS activity generally decreases during pregnancy due to immune-system changes that favor tolerance to the fetus, so relapses are less frequent during pregnancy. After delivery, the immune system rebalances, and relapse risk increases in the first few months postpartum. However, this elevated risk typically falls back toward the pre-pregnancy level within about 3 months after delivery. This pattern makes the statement true. Pregnancy does not cure MS, nor is MS limited to the optic nerve. Relapses do not remain high throughout pregnancy; they are usually reduced during pregnancy and may spike postpartum before returning to baseline.

MS activity generally decreases during pregnancy due to immune-system changes that favor tolerance to the fetus, so relapses are less frequent during pregnancy. After delivery, the immune system rebalances, and relapse risk increases in the first few months postpartum. However, this elevated risk typically falls back toward the pre-pregnancy level within about 3 months after delivery. This pattern makes the statement true.

Pregnancy does not cure MS, nor is MS limited to the optic nerve. Relapses do not remain high throughout pregnancy; they are usually reduced during pregnancy and may spike postpartum before returning to baseline.