There is no definitive conclusion as to whether optic neuromyelitis optica affects reproductive function, but with poorly controlled optic neuromyelitis optica, recurrences can still occur during pregnancy and may be more frequent after delivery than before pregnancy.
The risk of complications such as miscarriage, fetal arrest and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy is higher than in the general population. Antibodies to AQP4 in the mother’s serum may pass through the placenta to the fetus, but usually do not cause fetal morbidity.
For patients with frequent attacks, immunosuppressive therapy, which is relatively safe for pregnant women and reduces the risk of attacks, may be used as appropriate under medical supervision.