RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Motherhood and pregnancy concerns of Saudi females with multiple sclerosis in Riyadh city: A quantitative analysis
JF Neurosciences Journal
JO Neurosciences (Riyadh)
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 150
OP 156
DO 10.17712/nsj.2025.2.20230122
VO 30
IS 2
A1 Alshehri, Abdullah S.
A1 AlQahtani, May H.
A1 AlZuabi, Hana A.
A1 Alshahrani, Waad S.
A1 Alamawi, Halah O.
A1 Almandeel, Aseel A.
A1 Al-Suwaidan, Faisal A.
A1 Saleh, Ahmed
YR 2025
UL http://nsj.org.sa/content/30/2/150.abstract
AB Objectives: To explore the concerns among females in Riyadh city with multiple sclerosis (MS) regarding motherhood and pregnancy outcomes.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected using an online questionnaire. Women who were aged 18–50 years and diagnosed with MS by a neurologist and had a disease duration of at least one year were included. The questionnaire consisted of 7 sections designed to collect information on the respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics; past and current medical history; pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum concerns; physical and psychological concerns about parenthood; and psychological and social support.Results: A total of 176 women were included in the final analysis. Fatigue was the most common MS symptom, reported by 85.2% of the respondents, and 58% of the respondents had concerns about their disease and medication having adverse effects on their pregnancy and fetal outcomes. We found a statistically significant association between the level of perceived social support and patient care during pregnancy and concerns that they would not be able to prepare food for their children (p=0.037, respectively).Conclusion: We have identified several significant concerns of Saudi women with MS related to various aspects of pregnancy, delivery, and fetal outcomes. These concerns may be linked to a lack of adequate knowledge on the subject. Thus, receiving appropriate counseling, information, and support could greatly benefit these women and result in a more positive and comfortable pregnancy and delivery experience.