Influencia de la Esclerosis Múltiple en la maternidad, la visión de las pacientes

Abstract

Introduction. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system for which the cause and cure are currently unknown. In addition, it is one of the autoimmune diseases with the highest incidence in the young population. Given the age range it affects, it is very common to raise concerns in patients about whether it is compatible with pregnancy, postpartum and family life. Objectives. To know the experience of women with Multiple Sclerosis in relation to motherhood. Methodology. Qualitative study with a descriptive phenomenological approach, carried out by snowball sampling, complemented by purposive sampling. For data collection, 10 women with Multiple Sclerosis aged between 25 and 50 years, diagnosed at least 5 years ago, were interviewed. The data analysis was carried out according to Amadeus Giorgi's proposal. Results. The uncertainty generated by this disease, the fact that in some cases they have to stop taking medication during pregnancy, the fear of suffering an outbreak in the postpartum period and the possibility of being unable to take care of a baby are part of the reasons that lead the patients not to want to have children, or if they already have one, they do not want to have more children. Discussion. The offer of treatment for Multiple Sclerosis is increasing, and there are currently drugs compatible with pregnancy that reduce the possibility of suffering outbreaks in the postpartum period