Asymmetrical weakness may occur, with one side of the body more affected than the other. Difficulty may be encountered with simple tasks such as combing one's hair, shaving, and putting on makeup. Climbing stairs or walking distances may cause the legs to easily tire. Hospitalization and mechanical breathing assistance may be necessary in such cases. The disease is painless but may become painful if the patient goes into spasm as a result of early fatigue.
Skin sensation is preserved.
The effect of pregnancy on MG varies from patient to patient. Symptoms of the disease may disappear, worsen, or remain the same during the course of pregnancy. Obstetrical problems are usually not present because the smooth muscle of the uterus is unaffected by the disease. During second-stage labor, when voluntary striated abdominal muscles are used, weakness becomes noticeable. Pregnant women with MG may pass affected antibodies through the placenta to their unborn child.