My wife is 37 and has multiple sclerosis. she wants to get pregnant but i'm afraid that stopping her medication will do her harm. is it safe?

Yes: On the contrary ms will reduce the exacerbations , complications rate is same as non ms patients including postpartum issues, how ever need a team of collaborating physicians during pregnancy to carry through , when to take or to stop medications , speak to her doctor. Good luck.

Multiple sclerosis: It is a concern. Removing certain medications can increase the relapse rate immediately after stopping the medication (immune reconstitution syndrome). This is not seen with the older "platform" therapies. Copaxone (glatiramer) is category b for pregnancy. Nevertheless, all my patients have opted to stay off medication during their pregnancies. Good thing is relapse rate is reduced during 2-3rd trimester.

Preconception appt: It sounds like your wife should make appointments with her neurologist, and her ob, to discuss the risks, and outline a plan for how they would manage her during pregnancy. Ms patients typically do well if their disease is well controlled prior to pregnancy.

Pregnancy protects: MS stabiilzes in most cases during pregnancy with decreased disease activity until about 6 weeks after labor and delivery. Depending upon your medication, need to stop prior to conception, but no reason why she cannot have a child.