Myasthenia Gravis in Pregnancy

Nurs Womens Health. 2015 Jun-Jul;19(3):248-52. doi: 10.1111/1751-486X.12206.

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease and is the most common disorder of neuromuscular transmission. MG is caused by a defect in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles in which communication from nerves to muscles is interrupted at the neuromuscular junction. This interruption can cause significant impact to muscle functions, which can have serious consequences for a pregnant woman, especially during labor. This brief article, which is meant to be used as an easy-reference tool in the clinical setting, examines the disease process and its effect on the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum periods.

Keywords: autoimmune disorder; myasthenia gravis; neuromuscular; pregnancy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Myasthenia Gravis / complications*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / pathology*
  • Postnatal Care / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Care / methods*