I have two kids, and if one or both gets MS I don't think they would ask why I decided to be there mom, and bring them into the world.... I guess for me my decision is have kids..... It is just my opinion though.
My kids are going to grow up being loved and I do not think they will be angry with me either way.
It is a tough decision. I gave my worries to God and had my baby!

Not a day goes by that I don't pray that my 20 year old doesn't have the disease BUT that being said, would I have had him had I known I had MS (which they say I did at the time of his birth ) YES. He is a joy (and a handful) and no one can predict the future, however they have the genetic marker for MS and if you do CVS or amnio you will be able to find out if your baby carries the gene for this horrid disease and then decide what to do. I adore my kid and wonder each time he has a problem with balance or is clutzy or feels weird or complains but whose to say he won't get something totally unrelated? I am with you, have a baby, bring joy to your world. Remember there is always genetic testing (if you are not opposed to that sort of thing). Having lost triplets at 20 weeks and no one knew why, I had CVS at 9 weeks to find out if my son was healthy, but of course they did not test for MS at that time, but they do now. It would have been up to us what we planned to do had any of the testing come back positive. Fortunately we didn't have a decision to make but I will tell you, life is not without its challenges. My son had severe strabismus and had 3 eye surgeries as an infant and small child and was left farsighted and with no depth perception but other than that he is a healthy 20 year old physics and math major in college!

I did not know I had MS at the time that I had my son, but even if I had the same MS that I have now, I would not give it a second thought.

I do not want my son to develope MS.

But really, I have done alot, lived alot, and still have things to do, and my son is living a good life.

I do not see MS as something that would be so horrific that it would be a reason to not have a child. I also see great hope that while we may not see a "cure," we are certainly seeing a field of knowledge about drug therapy earlier and earlier.

Good luck whatever you decide...

After my mother passed away I found out that she had MS. She did not tell me about it (I found out via her estate being in probate and some unpaid bills that were left behind). She found out she had MS when she was 75 years old! She had plenty of problems throughout her life (like numerous surgeries to the feet, legs and knees that never seemed to work and also constant bladder infections).

She didn't tell me because she felt guilty is what I think.

Frankly, I am very glad I did not ever have any children as I found out that my mother's grandmother also apparently had MS and died when she was 46 years old.

Why don't you consider adoption? That is about all I can say really because they know that there is a genetic link to this disease and I wouldn't care to pass it on to an innocent child.

Also are issues such as: Will you be able to care for a child for at least the next 18 years? You must ask yourself this question and come to a rational decision about it.

You should totally go for it! There is no science to prove MS is genetic.

Is it possible you could get hit by a bus or get shot in a driveby? Stuff happens to people every day. People have difficulties, diseases, financial issues...That doesn't mean you should stop living your life.

Best of luck with your decision!

I did not have children because I was not ready yet and then in 2009 I found out that I had MS. I am kind of happy that I did not have children for many reasons and one is MS. I would be afraid of them having MS, but then they would have to deal with a Mother with MS.
I could not put a child through that.
Sorry not trying to be negitive, just expressing my thoughts.

My husband and I will be trying for a kid this winter. At first, like you, I was worried. But I spoke to several MS specialists and Neurologists as well my OBGYN. While there is a slight chance your child could contract MS, it is more likely that they will get cancer. Also, I was told women (with MS) that have children do far better throughout their lives than women who do not.

There have been some studies that show that children born in Spring, specifically April, are more prone to MS. So, if you can, you might want to plan your conception time. Another thing that my OBGYN is obsessed with is vitamin D levels. Before you get pregnant they need to be within normal range and you should be monitored through the pregnancy.

I have to disagree with hope4acure. Everything I have read says that MS is not hereditary. I'm not an expert in genetics, but even if you could pass MS along to a child, you only make up half of your child anyway so right there you are down to a 50/50 chance, right? And what are the chances that of all your great qualities, which I am assuming you have plenty, that MS is one of the ones that gets through (if it actually can).

The problem I have with saying MS is genetic is how the hell did I get it. No one in my family has ever had it or anything like it.

I say have babies. I don't think it is selfish for you to have children. In fact, I think it is selfish if you don't have children. You could be depriving the world of the next Einstein or the next Jonas Salk or the next Monet.

My wife and I are trying to have children and I'm not concerned about the MS factor. There are other concerns that are more pressing in my opinion when deciding to have children. Those are more global economy, political and environmental in nature, but like I told you, maybe my child will grow up to be the one to solve those problems.

No matter what your decision, I wish you health and happiness.

It is not proven to be heredity and honestly from the studies I've read MSer's can have very happy and healthy children. I say go for it.

In fact most studies say that women with MS and children tend to have an overall more mild case. And that children with disabled parents tend to be more empathetic, better problem solvers and over-all great. Yes, it's no fun for anyone to deal with, but who's to say that a normal person won't become disabled in a worse way at anytime.

Go for what's in your heart. Try and talk to some doctors about it.

Wow, this is a real tough one. I really don't know what I would do now if I had this decision to make. I have 2 teenage kids that have had mono and that worries me now that they will develop MS later in life. Just this alone has me worried sick almost, that I think I would have the tendancy to really stop and think hard about bringing a baby into this world with knowing that they would have MS. But, there is no saying that a child will develop MS either. I can't image not ever having my children, as they have brought me great joy in life. I can't imagine never smelling their smell, or holding them to my breast when I nurish them daily. I just can't imagine life without having experiencing the joys of motherhood. There are no guarantees in life, either way. Good Luck, and think hard. I'm not a particularly religous person, but I hope you will pray to your higher power for the answer to this one, and that you will find great peace in your decision. Adoption, although hard to do, is an option to think about if you decide not to have children. I just wouldn't want to have this decision to make now...

This is a good topic. I don't have children and I just was diagnosed with MS.

Personally, I don't think my body (at this time) can handle carrying a child for 9 months. But this is just me and you are younger than myself.

In a year, I am thinking of adopting. Maybe think about that? There are so many needy children that would love to have a loving mommy.

This is my 2 cents. ;)

Get some genetic counseling through your OB. Although there may be some sort of genetic predisposition to MS, it's my understanding that your siblings are more likely to share your diagnosis than your children (due to growing up in the same environment, etc.)

I had MS when I had both of my children, didn't know it then, but with hindsight I realize that I had it for at least 10 years before I knew I did. I thank God that I had them and don't honestly know if I would have had I known about my MS. I think my fear would have been more about my own ability to care for them than about passing it on...

In any case, get some good info from a Dr rather than making a fear based decision. Good luck.

I knew I had MS before i had my four children. My husband and I never even considered MS being a factor. I was 13 when I was diagnosed and it was hard. I know it was really hard on my mom and neither of us dreamed that 19 yrs later I would be where I am today. Sure we both worried a lot- probably her more than me. Her sister had MS and died at 27. She never considered not having children because of it and I am glad. So is my husband. And my children. Sadly, there has been more drama, heartache, and even untimely death due to my other siblings. I liked the above quote that you are more likely to get cancer than MS.

I have had the same "heart to heart" with my Hubby over baby #2. We worry about it, however your not a good parent if ya don't worry.

I wouldn't be as strong or confident that I can kick MS in the ass every day if it wasn't for my 3 yr old. I wouldn't call it selfish to have a baby. I would say you need to do what your heart tells you too. Nevermind the MS....

What runs in his family? I'm sure there is another disease out there he can attribute to the gene pool to worry about. Diabetes, heart disease? I don't see MS on the top 10 list of what people every year.
Fact is, if everyone was worried about giving the "family disease" to the next gen nobody would reproduce. I know my Husbands gene pool could "use a little bleach" ;-)

On the flip side of things, on top of MS I have a genetic iron overload disease called Hemochromatosis. My Mom had it and I have it. My Son was tested and is positive for it. I don't blame my Mother and I know my Son will not blame me for it...

My Husband and I have put it in Gods hands. If we are to have more children then so be it.
Best of Luck to you, whatever you decide!

I have 3 beautiful daughters and I wouldn't trade them for the world regardless of what my genetic disposition is. I'm not diagnosed, but it wouldn't make a difference in my mind in having children. They are my angels and my saving grace.

I don't think just because they have a "chance" of getting MS is a reason not to have children. I also agree, that from what I've read, and I've been doing a TON of research lately, that it doesn't seem to have a genetic connection. I'm sure there "could' be since there really isn't a lot of answers about it.

But, I think that... I'm not sure who said it, but it's just like the person who's married and the mom has blue eyes, dad has brown eyes.... baby might even have green eyes. It's all in God's hands. If you're not of faith, then you can always know that it's truly a 50/50 shot that the baby will favor the father genetically.

I would NEVER wish MS on anybody. But I would think it more painful for somebody to never experience the JOY of being a parent!! A child is a wonderful thing. All kids have the chance of some illness from all our bloodlines. We can't think like that or none of us would ever have children. Don't miss out on the joy of your life out of fear.