The motherhood choice: themes arising in the decision-making process for women with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the main themes and concerns for women with Multiple Sclerosis when considering motherhood.


METHODS
Twenty women with multiple sclerosis from various stages in the decision-making process participated in focus-groups where information was gathered regarding their experiences of making this decision.


RESULTS
The themes emerging most frequently during the decision-making process were: a) concerns about the mother's own health and well-being; b) well-being of the child; c) coping with parenting; d) societal attitudes; e) experiencing parenting and f) timing and pressure of the decision.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that information regarding the effect of MS on pregnancy and child-rearing and the effect of pregnancy on MS and its progression need to be made more accessible to women. Information would be a valuable resource for women going through this decision-making process.
School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. martines@psych.usyd.edu.au
M
M
Prunty
L
L
Sharpe
P
P
Butow
G
G
Fulcher
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology*; D012945:Social Values