Fibromyalgia and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is such an interesting time for most women. The pregnant body goes through many changes, both emotionally and physically. It is often both exhausting and amazing to watch these changes unfold. Pregnancy is commonly characterized by swelling, fatigue, and disturbed sleep patterns. These difficulties are made even worse by the presence of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain, fatigue and unrestful sleep. It is more common in women than in men, and for some women, the symptoms of the condition first arise during pregnancy.
The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The symptoms of fibromyalgia vary in severity and frequency from person to person and sometimes from day to day. The following symptoms have all been associated with fibromyalgia
- Chronic pain the neck, shoulder, low back and hip
- Unproductive sleep (waking up without feeling rested)
- Severe exhaustion
- Frequently waking during the night
- Waking with stiffness and achiness. A topical pain relief product can be found at http://www.ghchealth.com/
- Hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat
- Abdominal pain
- Recurrent headaches and migraines
- Sensations of numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- Constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. The best way to treat these conditions is with a product called Oxy-Powder available at http://www.oxypowder.com/
- Anxiety and depression. Help is available at http://www.stress-anxiety-depression.org/
In some cases of fibromyalgia, unexpected weight gain can occur. If this is a problem, a good resource for losing weight is http://www.weightlossobesity.com/
The American College of Rheumatology defined the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia in 1990. They concluded that fibromyalgia could be diagnosed by a history of widespread pain throughout the body, accompanied by pain in at least eleven out of eighteen specified tender points in muscular tissue. Pain was described as widespread when felt in all of the following regions: left and right sides of the body, above and below the waist, and in the axial skeleton (cervical spine, anterior chest, thoracic spine or low back).
How Does Fibromyalgia Affect Pregnancy?
Researchers have not been able to uncover the exact cause of fibromyalgia and as such there is no documented evidence regarding the effects of fibromyalgia on pregnancy. For example, no reliable improvement or worsening of pain is expected when a woman with fibromyalgia becomes pregnant, and there are no known health effects of fibromyalgia on the baby. There was one small study performed in 1997 that evaluated women with fibromyalgia that became pregnant. The researchers did find that the women in the study experienced worsened symptoms during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester. However, even after delivery; there was no measurable effect on the babies’ health.
The relationship between fibromyalgia and pregnancy is one that requires more detailed research to determine the effects that the two conditions have on one another, and the effect the fibromyalgia can have on the pregnant mother and her baby.
Testing For Fibromyalgia
There is no one specific test that can determine whether a patient’s symptoms are caused by fibromyalgia. In most cases, doctors will perform a series of medical tests such as blood tests and x-rays to rule out other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Treating Fibromyalgia During Pregnancy
Many of the medications used to treat fibromyalgia may not be safe for a developing fetus or during breast-feeding. If you have fibromyalgia and you plan to become pregnant, talk with your health-care providers about whether you should continue taking your medications.
Other remedies for the symptoms of fibromyalgia include dietary changes, exercise, and stress management. These treatment methods can all be beneficial during pregnancy, although you should always discuss new lifestyle changes with your obstetrician before incorporating them into your routine. The most important thing you can do for both your own health, and for that of your baby is to try to maintain a positive attitude. Here are a few tips for maintaining your sanity when dealing with fibromyalgia during pregnancy:
Keep The Faith: There is a lot of information on the exercises, medications, stretches, and stress management techniques that can bring relief and a sense of control back to your life. Be patient and keep the faith while you are searching for a method that will work for you.
Stay Connected: Good friends and a strong support network are important during any pregnancy. These resources become vital for a pregnant woman with fibromyalgia. Stay connected to your friends, family, and lean on them in times of need.
It’s OK To Get Bummed: Pregnancy is a time of physical and emotional ups and downs. It is important to acknowledge that you may feel down, sometimes because of your hormones and sometimes because of your symptoms. Go easy on yourself during these times.
Keep Track of Your Symptoms: You may or may not be keeping a pregnancy journal to track the highlights of your pregnancy. However, you may wish to keep another journal that tracks the frequency and severity of your symptoms as well as the difficulties of your moods. This may help to keep things in perspective and it will help provide your health care provider with a valid and accurate account of your symptoms.
