Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and Pregnancy

Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathies (CMT) represent the most common hereditary neuropathies and can affect men and women from infancy to adulthood. There are no effective or FDA approved pharmacologic treatments aimed at disease modification for any form of CMT, so the primary focus of clinical care is on symptomatic treatment, maintaining functionality, and limiting secondary injury. CMT does not in general appear to affect a woman’s ability to carry a pregnancy. However, having CMT does increase the risk of delivery related complications (operative delivery, fetal presentation anomalies and postpartum bleeding) and exacerbation of neurologic symptoms during pregnancy is possible. Therefore, understanding the risks and planning appropriately are crucial for all women with CMT considering pregnancy and their health care providers. Overall, with the appropriate medical care, most women with CMT who choose to become pregnant will have an uncomplicated pregnancy and deliver a healthy infant.