Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsALS and FertilityGestationPostpartumFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
ALS and Fertility
Gestation
Postpartum
Frequently Asked Questions
While uncommon, it is possible to be diagnosed withALS(amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) when you arepregnant.
This article provides an overview of ALS and pregnancy.
Phynart Studio/ Getty Images
ALS is aprogressive disease, which means that it gets significantly worse over time. Early symptoms may include:Muscle weakness, stiffness, and crampingBalance problemsDifficulty chewing or swallowingChanges in speechLater symptoms often affect a person’s ability to eat, speak, and move independently.
ALS is aprogressive disease, which means that it gets significantly worse over time. Early symptoms may include:
Later symptoms often affect a person’s ability to eat, speak, and move independently.
ALS affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement, such as walking or chewing. It is extremely rare to develop ALS during the reproductive years.
The disease does not affect a person’s reproductive, bowel, or bladder functions. It does not appear to impact a person’sfertilityor ability to become pregnant.
Is ALS Hereditary?
Because ALS may be genetic, it’s important to understand your risk of passing the disease on to your child. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend meeting with a prenatal genetic counselor to discuss the risks and to considerprenatal testing.
How Genetic Disorders Are Inherited
ALS and Gestation
ALS affects themotor neuronsand does not appear to affect the health and development of a fetus. The birth outcomes for babies of parents with ALS are usually good.
The main concern for pregnant people with ALS is breathing difficulty.The type of treatment needed will depend on the pregnant person’s disease severity and overall health.
Risks
The most important risk to address is breathing problems. Pregnancy adds to the lungs’ workload. Because ALS causes muscle weakness and atrophy, the respiratory muscles will eventually be affected.
Treatment
It is important to continue to receive ALS treatment during pregnancy. Treatment options may include:
Rilutek (riluzole) has been approved for use during pregnancy but has been linked with an increased risk for low birth weight. It may also lead to liver problems.Talk with your healthcare provider about monitoring while taking this medication.
Concerning Symptoms
With ALS, your symptoms will change over time. Pregnancy can exacerbate breathing problems, so you and your loved ones must monitor any health changes closely.
ALS Diagnosis During PregnancyALS affects about 2 to 4 people per 100,000 in the general population.ALS incidence is highest among older individuals and is more common in men than women.It is very rare in pregnant individuals.
ALS Diagnosis During Pregnancy
ALS affects about 2 to 4 people per 100,000 in the general population.ALS incidence is highest among older individuals and is more common in men than women.It is very rare in pregnant individuals.
ALS and Postpartum
Impact on Recovery
Breastfeeding
If you have lost the ability to move, it’s important to have a way to communicate while you are breastfeeding. If you experience pain or need to stop, tell the person assisting you immediately.
How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last (And Can You Shorten It)?
Summary
While it is very rare, it is possible to become pregnant when you have ALS. It is also possible to be diagnosed with ALS during your pregnancy. About 5% to 10% of ALS cases are considered genetic.
People with ALS need to participate in genetic counseling before becoming pregnant. During pregnancy, people with ALS are at an increased risk of breathing problems. Regular follow-ups with your ALS medical team and obstetrician are vital.
A Word From Verywell
Yes, a person with ALS can become pregnant. However, becoming pregnant with ALS is very rare.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hancevic M, Bilic H, Sitas B, et al.Attenuation of ALS progression during pregnancy-lessons to be learned or just a coincidence?.Neurol Sci. 2019;40(6):1275-1278. doi:10.1007/s10072-019-03748-zPregnancy 5 years after onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptoms: a case report and review of the literature.Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada. 2019;41(7):974-980.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.John Hopkins Medicine.ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease.Yang B, Huang S, Zheng Y, et al.Fertility does not alter disease progression in ALS patients of childbearing age: A three centers retrospective analysis in Southern China.Front Neurol. 2022;13:895321. doi:10.3389/fneur.2022.895321ALS Association.Is ALS genetic?.American Academy of Pediatrics.Prenatal genetic counseling.Pathiraja PDM, Ranaraja SK.Successful pregnancy with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Case Rep Obstet Gynecol. 2020;2020:1247178. doi:10.1155/2020/1247178Ali A, Mowat A, Jones N, Mustfa N.A case of successful pregnancy managed in a patient living with motor neurone disease for more than three years.BMJ Case Rep. 2022;15(5):e248872. doi:10.1136/bcr-2022-248872
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hancevic M, Bilic H, Sitas B, et al.Attenuation of ALS progression during pregnancy-lessons to be learned or just a coincidence?.Neurol Sci. 2019;40(6):1275-1278. doi:10.1007/s10072-019-03748-zPregnancy 5 years after onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptoms: a case report and review of the literature.Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada. 2019;41(7):974-980.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.John Hopkins Medicine.ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease.Yang B, Huang S, Zheng Y, et al.Fertility does not alter disease progression in ALS patients of childbearing age: A three centers retrospective analysis in Southern China.Front Neurol. 2022;13:895321. doi:10.3389/fneur.2022.895321ALS Association.Is ALS genetic?.American Academy of Pediatrics.Prenatal genetic counseling.Pathiraja PDM, Ranaraja SK.Successful pregnancy with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Case Rep Obstet Gynecol. 2020;2020:1247178. doi:10.1155/2020/1247178Ali A, Mowat A, Jones N, Mustfa N.A case of successful pregnancy managed in a patient living with motor neurone disease for more than three years.BMJ Case Rep. 2022;15(5):e248872. doi:10.1136/bcr-2022-248872
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Hancevic M, Bilic H, Sitas B, et al.Attenuation of ALS progression during pregnancy-lessons to be learned or just a coincidence?.Neurol Sci. 2019;40(6):1275-1278. doi:10.1007/s10072-019-03748-zPregnancy 5 years after onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptoms: a case report and review of the literature.Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada. 2019;41(7):974-980.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.John Hopkins Medicine.ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease.Yang B, Huang S, Zheng Y, et al.Fertility does not alter disease progression in ALS patients of childbearing age: A three centers retrospective analysis in Southern China.Front Neurol. 2022;13:895321. doi:10.3389/fneur.2022.895321ALS Association.Is ALS genetic?.American Academy of Pediatrics.Prenatal genetic counseling.Pathiraja PDM, Ranaraja SK.Successful pregnancy with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Case Rep Obstet Gynecol. 2020;2020:1247178. doi:10.1155/2020/1247178Ali A, Mowat A, Jones N, Mustfa N.A case of successful pregnancy managed in a patient living with motor neurone disease for more than three years.BMJ Case Rep. 2022;15(5):e248872. doi:10.1136/bcr-2022-248872
Hancevic M, Bilic H, Sitas B, et al.Attenuation of ALS progression during pregnancy-lessons to be learned or just a coincidence?.Neurol Sci. 2019;40(6):1275-1278. doi:10.1007/s10072-019-03748-z
Pregnancy 5 years after onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptoms: a case report and review of the literature.Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada. 2019;41(7):974-980.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.
John Hopkins Medicine.ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Yang B, Huang S, Zheng Y, et al.Fertility does not alter disease progression in ALS patients of childbearing age: A three centers retrospective analysis in Southern China.Front Neurol. 2022;13:895321. doi:10.3389/fneur.2022.895321
ALS Association.Is ALS genetic?.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Prenatal genetic counseling.
Pathiraja PDM, Ranaraja SK.Successful pregnancy with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Case Rep Obstet Gynecol. 2020;2020:1247178. doi:10.1155/2020/1247178
Ali A, Mowat A, Jones N, Mustfa N.A case of successful pregnancy managed in a patient living with motor neurone disease for more than three years.BMJ Case Rep. 2022;15(5):e248872. doi:10.1136/bcr-2022-248872
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
