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Freedom From FibromyalgiaYour Complete Guide To Pain Relief |
Fibromyalgia and Pregnancy
Freedom From Fibromyalgia isn’t easy, especially during a particularly bad flare-up. But, with the right combination of medication and treatment, those with fibromyalgia are able to again enjoy life, including starting or adding to their families. For women with fibromyalgia, pregnancy can be both an exhilarating and nerve-wracking prospect. But, with preparation and care, it can also be a beautiful experience.
According to a Temple University study undertaken by Karen M. Schaefer and released in 2006, for women with fibromyalgia, pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, can be more difficult than for women without fibromyalgia. The study found that pregnant women with fibromyalgia had more fatigue, were stiffer, and had more widespread pain than pregnant women without fibromyalgia.
Keep in mind, however, that every woman – regardless of whether she has fibromyalgia – is different. In fact, there is discord in the medical community with some doctors holding the belief that the fibromyalgia doesn’t get worse during pregnancy. For some women with fibromyalgia, pregnancy can actually alleviate some, if not all, of fibromyalgia’s symptoms, according to some doctors.
While there’s no definitive answer for why some doctors believe women with fibromyalgia, during pregnancy, see an alleviation of their symptoms, some theorize that the increase of the hormone relaxin helps lessen symptoms. Whatever the reason, some pregnant women actually find that their fibromyalgia goes into remission during pregnancy.
The key to a healthy pregnancy is planning for getting pregnant. For women with fibromyalgia, pregnancy can mean either an increase or a decrease in symptoms. Because there is no definitive way to determine how your body will react to pregnancy, you want to begin preparing as early as possible. In fact, you may want to start planning as early as a year before you plan to begin trying to conceive.
Start by talking with your doctor about possibly starting physical therapy. A
physical therapist can teach you the best stretches and light exercises for
building your abdominal muscles. You want to be as strong as physically
possible both during and after your pregnancy, so consider asking your doctor
for a prescription for physical therapy.
You should also talk with your doctor about the medications you’re taking. Are they safe for those with fibromyalgia during pregnancy? If not, what, if any drugs, are safe during pregnancy that you can start now? If depression has been a symptom of your fibromyalgia, talk with your doctor about any antidepressants you may be able to take, including preparation for possible post-partum depression.
Additionally, discuss your treatments with your doctor. With fibromyalgia, pregnancy may require you to continue your other forms of treatment – hypnosis, physical therapy, chiropractic care, or whatever form of treatment you seek – but can you do so safely? Talk with your doctor about what treatments are safe, and which are not, during pregnancy.
Because you have fibromyalgia, pregnancy may increase your fatigue, making everyday tasks even more difficult. Plan in advance for such difficulties, even if you don’t know they’ll arise. Cut back on your responsibilities, if at all possible, during pregnancy. And, plan to have a loved one stay with you after your baby’s birth to help you take care of yourself and your baby.
Consider also making an appointment with an occupational therapist. Because of the fibromyalgia, pregnancy and afterward might require you to make certain adjustments. For example, the occupational therapist may show you ways to make bending down to pick up the baby easier. The whole point behind occupational therapy is finding solutions for everyday problems like carrying a stroller to the car.
An occupational therapist may also be able to give you tips on how to breastfeed your baby without causing your fibromyalgia to flare-up. Simple tips might include using a sling to hold your baby while she’s feeding and lying down while nursing. Remember, with fibromyalgia, pregnancy and afterward don’t have to be stressful and can be a fulfilling, memorable time.
Finally, while it’s easier said than done, try to eliminate stress from your life during your pregnancy. With fibromyalgia, pregnancy should be made as stress free as possible. If at all possible, cut back on your work. Find time and new ways to relax, so you can enjoy your pregnancy.
© Health Research Today
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