The purpose of this study is to understand how pregnancy leads to improved MS disability outcomes.
Researchers hope to find out how immune system changes in pregnancy might protect against long-term disease progression in women with MS and NMOSD. The results may help reveal the biological process behind the start and progression of MS and NMOSD. It may also help in the development of new MS treatments.
Why is this research being done?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a devastating autoimmune, neurodegenerative disease that disproportionately affects women of childbearing age. Disease outcomes are highly variable, making family planning decisions difficult for women with MS. Many women decide not to have children in fear of future MS disability.
A growing body of evidence suggests that pregnancy may have beneficial health outcomes in women with MS, in the form of less long-term disability. But, the biological mechanisms underlying pregnancy benefit on health outcomes are unknown. This study aims to identify novel molecular biomarkers and mechanisms by which pregnancy impacts women’s health and MS disability outcomes. Researchers will do this by tracking the changes that occur to the immune system of women with and without MS or NMOSD during pregnancy, and comparing these against normal immune activity in women of the same age who do not have children.
Who can participate in this study?
Researchers are seeking women to participate in this project as a healthy volunteer.
- Have never been pregnant (including miscarriages and terminations)
- Are in their first trimester (before 10 weeks) OR plan to start trying to fall pregnant in the next year.
- Are 18 years or older
- Do not have any neuroimmunological conditions (like MS or NMOSD)
- Are eligible for Medicare.
What will study participants be asked to do?
Participants will be asked to:
- Complete surveys about demographic, lifestyle, and medical information at different timepoints (pre-conception, 1st & 3rd trimester, 3 months, 1 year and 3 years postpartum)
- Donate a blood sample at different timepoints (a base line, 1 year after baseline and 3 years after baseline)
How to participate in this study
To find out more about this study and whether it is right for you please download our Participant Information Statement.
If you would like to participate in this study please contact:
Dr Vicki Maltby
P: 02 40420286
E: [email protected]
