There is no clear conclusion on whether optic neuromyelitis optica affects reproductive function. If optic neuromyelitis optica is poorly controlled, disease recurrence can still exist during pregnancy, and the frequency of recurrence may increase in the postpartum period compared to the pre-pregnancy period.
Patients are at increased risk of complications such as miscarriage, fetal arrest, and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. Antibodies to AQP4 in the mother’s serum may pass through the placenta to the fetus, but usually do not have cause fetal morbidity.
For patients with frequent disease episodes, immunosuppressive therapy that is relatively safe for pregnant women and reduces the risk of episodes may be used as appropriate under medical supervision.