Managing Myasthenia Gravis During Pregnancy

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Source: MedPage Today

Original: https://www.medpagetoday.com/spotlight/gmg/120217...

Published: Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:08:33 -0400

Management of generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) during pregnancy involves addressing obstetric factors such as choice of place of delivery and planning for postpartum care for both mother and baby.[1] Women with MG should become pregnant in a remission or stable state where the disease is well controlled.[1][2] First-line treatment consists of cholinesterase inhibitors such as oral pyridostigmine, while intravenous forms are not recommended due to the risk of uterine contractions.[1][2] In case of insufficient control, prednisone and/or azathioprine are used, but drugs such as cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine or methotrexate are not recommended due to their adverse effects on the fetus.[1] Exacerbations of MG during pregnancy are rare and mild, most common in the first trimester.[1] Patients in remission can give birth naturally, while those with symptoms of the disease are recommended to give birth by caesarean section under epidural anesthesia.[1] Pregnancy is usually safe but requires a multidisciplinary team including a neurologist and obstetrician and fatigue monitoring.[2] After delivery, special care is needed for both mother and child, as transient neonatal myasthenia may occur.[1][2]