Fibro and Pregnancy

Not very much is known about fibromyalgia and pregnancy. Doctors know a lot about pregnancy, but fibromyalgia is still a misunderstood illness even when you aren’t carrying a baby. From what I have read, the research that has been done often conflicts, so just as with fibro all by itself, more information is needed for both doctors and patients.

The good news is that research shows that babies born to women with fibromyalgia are typically healthy, full-term, and of a good birth weight. However, from conception to birth and even the first 90 days following birth can be a challenge for the fibromyalgia Mom, according to some research. Other research showed that the fibro symptoms in pregnant Mom’s tend to lessen or even go away altogether, possibly due to the ovarian hormone relaxin which increases to 10X the normal levels when women are pregnant.

Although pregnancy can eliminate fibro symptoms for some, most women will experience the return of their pre-pregnancy fibro symptoms after giving birth and will experience specific symptoms such as muscle pain when they breastfeed.

Simple precautions that should be recommended for any woman who is breast feeding, not just fibro sufferers, should be taken: find a supportive and comfortable chair, prop your arm on a pillow, make certain the baby is supported and that you don’t have to hold all of their weight, be careful about your own position and posture, find a place that is as tranquil as possible to nurse.

The issue of meds is also of concern, not all medications are safe to continue during pregnancy, but some are. Make certain you talk to your doctor prior to getting pregnant or immediately upon becoming pregnant about your meds.

And of course, eat smart and healthy, keep moving and work out moderately, don’t overdo anything, sleep enough, sit enough, walk enough, eat enough, take appropriate meds, and enjoy your pregnancy.

The best news is that you can stop worrying, because fibromyalgia should have no negative effect on your baby. The challenge is whether your fibro-body can manage a pregnancy. The question is, are YOU up to it?

There’s a baby at the end of these 9 months, what other time will you have such a reward at the end of what may include some very uncomfortable times?

So enjoy, be smart, plan ahead and congratulations!