Pregnancy and MS – why your experience matters

Pregnancy is often described as a time of excitement, hope, and change.

But for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), it can also bring uncertainty: about health, care, and what the journey ahead might look like.

Questions like:

Will my symptoms change?

Will I get the right support?

Will healthcare services meet my needs?

These are real concerns. And yet, we still know very little about what pregnancy is truly like for people living with MS.

Why this research matters

Despite improvements in maternity care, the experiences of people with MS during pregnancy are often underrepresented in research and healthcare planning.

This means there may be:

• Gaps in care
• Inconsistencies in support
• Missed opportunities to improve services

To make meaningful change, we need to start with something simple but powerful: listening to people’s real experiences.

About the research

A student at the University of Birmingham is currently undertaking a PhD exploring:

• Experiences of pregnancy for people living with MS
• How maternity care is currently delivered
• What works well and what could be improved
• How care pathways can better support individuals and families

Her study has received ethical approval, and is designed to ensure participants feel safe, respected, and heard. Now, she needs your help and support.

What taking part involves

Participants are invited to take part in a one-to-one conversation about their experiences.

What you can expect…

• ️A relaxed interview
• Around 45–60 minutes
• Online, by phone, or in person
• Includes a £20 voucher as a thank you

There are no right or wrong answers, just your story, in your own words.

Who she’s looking to hear from

People living with MS who are:

• Currently 28+ weeks pregnant, or
• Have given birth in the past 2 years

Healthcare professionals:

• Anyone involved in maternity care for people with MS
  (e.g., midwives, nurses, obstetricians, neurologists, GPs, allied health professionals)

Why your participation matters

By taking part, you can help:

• Improve understanding of pregnancy experiences with MS
• Highlight what good care looks like
• Identify areas where support could be better
• Shape future maternity care services

Even one conversation can contribute to meaningful change for others in the future.

Your comfort and choice come first

Taking part is entirely:

• Voluntary
• Confidential
• Flexible

You can stop or withdraw at any time – no explanation needed. This research is grounded in respect, care, and the value of lived experience.

How you can help

If this resonates with you – or with someone in your network – your support would mean a lot.

To find out more or express interest simply email ahr-msproject@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Read more about MS and pregnancy in our helpful Choices booklet, too.