Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Releases New Publication – Pregnancy for Women with MS

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation has released a new publication "Pregnancy for Women With MS" to help seperate fact from fiction and to provide valuable information about pregnancy and MS.

March 11, 2003 Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Multiple sclerosis sets no boundaries. It cannot be recognized by just one face - anyone, man or woman, at any age, of any race, religion or social status may be diagnosed. As with most autoimmune diseases though, women are more commonly affected. Seventy percent of all diagnosed cases of MS are seen in women. A new publication, Pregnancy for Women with MS" has been released by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF). For many reasons, deciding whether to have children can be difficult for a woman with MS. This helpful guide separates fact from fiction and provides the information about pregnancy and MS.

Multiple sclerosis, known as MS, is a chronic, degenerative autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. People with MS may be affected in an obvious way, confined to a wheelchair or unable to care for themselves. Others with MS may not show a single visible symptom; in fact, you may know someone with MS and have no idea that person has been diagnosed. Though the MSF does support all people affected by MS, a program has been designed to address the special needs of women with the disease. The Womens Wellness Program is designed as an informative education and referral program that emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle for women with MS. This new publication provides solid information for women with MS, answering questions about becoming pregnant and raising children.

March 2003 is the first annual National MS Education and Awareness Month, sponsored by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF). Throughout the month, the MSF is providing volunteer awareness kits and is sponsoring educational activities for those with MS as well as for those interested in learning about MS. Doctors, MS specialists, counselors and volunteers provide information and inspiration, as the MSF works to increase public support, caring and understanding of those affected by this disease.
Information and a full schedule of events and activities for National MS Education and Awareness Month are posted on www.msfocus.org/nmseam.htm. Information on MS and the MSF is available on the website or by calling the toll free Helpline,
1-888-MSFOCUS (673-6287).

ABOUT THE MSF

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) is a national, non-profit service organization, assisting people diagnosed with MS since 1986. The mission of the MSF is to enhance the quality of life of those affected by this chronic disease through various programs and services. For additional information about National MS Education and Awareness Month, any other services of the MSF, or to receive the new Pregnancy for Women with MS booklet, call 1-888-MSFOCUS (673-6287) or visit www.msfocus.org.
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