Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that affects more women than men, and also most of them are over 40 years old. This syndrome causes widespread and chronic pain throughout the body, leading many women of childbearing age to consider pregnancy. It is not surprising that a woman with fibromyalgia has a great deal of doubts and fears about it.
We tell you some of the studies that have been carried out in women with fibromyalgia who decided to be mothers, although so far there have not been too many. What's more We will mention which are the symptoms that are most aggravated, in general, and the recommendations What a woman with fibromyalgia should follow when she becomes pregnant.
Can I get pregnant if I have fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia directly affects the nervous system, but not the reproductive system in any way, so a fertile woman can become pregnant. Many women with this syndrome They may have difficulties in becoming pregnant due to their mood and emotional state. So it would be advisable to plan the pregnancy at least a year in advance, reduce stress levels, and try to conceive when the symptoms are less intense.
You should talk to your doctor about medications you have prescribed, as not all are safe for the baby. It is very important that there is a medical and gynecological follow-up, as well as an exhaustive evaluation of the situation, since it is very likely that there will be adjustments in the usual treatment.
A woman with fibromyalgia well controlled and with a healthy lifestyle you don't have to refuse to be a mother. Now, you should be aware that it can be especially difficult. Symptoms of the disease may increase, especially pain, feeling tired, and numbness in the extremities. In addition to anxiety and depression, concentration and memory problems.
Positive or negative to get pregnant with fibromyalgia?
There are very few studies on fibromyalgia, pregnancy, and fertility, so expert opinion is divided. A 1997 study in Norway concluded that the majority of women with fibromyalgia suffered a drastic increase in the severity of your symptoms.
However, other experts maintain that pregnancy does not have to cause a flare-up. And they even defend that it can contribute to improve, and even, eliminate fibromyalgia symptoms. This would be thanks to relaxin, an ovarian hormone that increases up to ten times in pregnancy and relieves the symptoms of the syndrome.
It is clear is that more research is needed on this matter, to know in a precise way how pregnancy can affect fibromyalgia syndrome and vice versa. What does seem conclusive is that the babies of mothers with fibromyalgia are born perfectly healthy, healthy and on time.
Risks and recommendations during pregnancy
All the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy, or weight gain can make fibromyalgia symptoms worse, especially in the third trimester. But as we have discussed, other women say that morning sickness and vomiting stopped, and that they felt better than before they were pregnant. Yes, a large incidence of postpartum depression.
Risks in pregnancy for a woman with fibromyalgia include blood clots, diabetes, premature rupture of membranes, and a slightly increased risk of cesarean delivery. Also, additional medications may be needed to relieve pain. To this should be added the symptoms that coincide with any pregnant woman.
If for a pregnant woman maintaining a healthy diet and moderate exercise, without demanding too much, is essential, for one who has fibromyalgia it is even more so. It will be the doctor who should evaluate the medications used, if it is convenient to reduce them and accompany the treatment with other natural remedies, get enough sleep, massages, keep stress at bay, postures to rest, gentle exercises or yoga. Making some lifestyle changes for women with fibromyalgia can also help during pregnancy.