Fibromyalgia And Pregnancy
The combination of fibromyalgia and pregnancy makes the expectant mother doubt her ability to face everything that the pregnancy period entails, along with this suffering.
In general, women feel infinite joy when they discover they are expecting a baby, but health complications become difficult at some stages of pregnancy.
Symptoms that come with pregnancy, such as insomnia, repulsion for certain smells and foods, tiredness, and morning vomiting can cause a little irritation in the expectant mother.
These symptoms can be added to those implied by fibromyalgia, thus transforming the nine months of pregnancy into a real challenge.
What is Fibromyalgia?
This disease is not as well known, although it is estimated that there are between 4 and 6 million new ones affected each year in North America alone.
This syndrome is the cause of chronic pain throughout the body. In addition, there are other symptoms that are linked to this characteristic, causing the patient several changes in his/her lifestyle.
Fibromyalgia syndrome usually manifests in early adulthood, and its symptoms may decrease or increase at certain times.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Fibromyalgia causes a lot of pain and weakness. It attacks muscles, causing involuntary spasms and producing pain and a burning sensation.
The shoulders, waist, neck area and arms suffer most. In these areas the person feels intense pain. In addition, the feet and hands feel a tingling sensation.
In addition to everything that has been mentioned, there are also terrible migraines, insomnia and intense tiredness. Depression and anxiety are also likely to be part of this syndrome.
As if that were not enough, there is still no cure for fibromyalgia. There are only palliative treatments for pain and anxiety.
Fibromyalgia and pregnancy
When a woman presents with a combination of fibromyalgia and pregnancy, concern arises about a possible increase in symptom intensity.
However, there are no studies that confirm that the symptoms change during pregnancy. Thus, it may be that for some of the mothers-to-be they increase, while for others they decrease notably.
In fact, during pregnancy, thanks to the presence of the placenta, relaxin is released, a hormone that contributes to the relaxation of the body’s ligaments. In addition to it, growth hormones also appear.
These types of hormones are often lacking in people with fibromyalgia, so during pregnancy they help repair tissue and muscle damage. What was mentioned above is that the possible improvement of the syndrome during pregnancy can be attributed.
Advice for coping with fibromyalgia during pregnancy
It won’t be an easy task, but here we leave some advice for dealing with fibromyalgia during pregnancy.
See an occupational therapist
This professional is the most suitable to offer correct solutions in these cases.
Your guidelines on the proper use of force when lifting the baby will help you to avoid straining your muscles more than necessary.
Carefully select baby accessories
Replace the buttons with Velcro and choose the best furniture options (cradles that can be adjusted to different heights and light carts, among others ), that make it easier for you to deal with situations.
be one step ahead
Prepare yourself in advance for the possibility that your fibromyalgia symptoms will get worse.
Plan additional help to take care of the baby, resorting to family support, and even request support for the home service.
stay informed
Find out about this disease, share and learn about the experiences of other mothers who have also experienced fibromyalgia during pregnancy.
Ask, research and tell about your experience. Maybe you can help other people too.
Choose a good obstetrician
This health care professional will accompany you throughout your pregnancy, which is his great support. In addition, it is important that the obstetrician is available to work together with the rheumatologist who is following your case.
Do exercise
Exercising helps reduce stress and improve quality of life. In the case of fibromyalgia in pregnancy, exercise will help you strengthen your muscles, increase your flexibility and improve your mood.
In addition, exercising increases serotonin levels, which is of great help for a pregnant woman, especially if she suffers from fibromyalgia.
