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Pregnancy is a time full of hope and positivity, but can become exhausting and painful when a woman experiences nausea, body weakness, muscle pain, and mood swings. For women, during pregnancy, it is common to suffer from the above-mentioned health changes, but the major concern lies when these symptoms become indicators of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, sleep problems, memory problems, nausea, and other similar pregnancy-related symptoms. The rare condition affects the nervous system, immune system, and hormones in around 5% of the adult population in the United States.
As per the reports, the situation is said to occur around the reproductive age of women. In conversation with Dr. Elsa, the Best Gynae Doctor in Dubai, if you are diagnosed with the condition, it is important for you to understand the causes, symptoms, and complications linked to the condition. The rare chronic condition of fibromyalgia comes with most of its symptoms the same as those of pregnancy.
Not every experience of fibromyalgia during pregnancy comes with the same symptoms. To some, it comes with normal pain and discomfort, whereas to others it includes more fatigue, depression, brain fog, etc. Apart from these, the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
Widespread pain
Low energy
Anxiety
Depression
Memory problem
Breathing problems
Irritated bowel syndrome
With those symptoms similar to pregnancy, fibromyalgia aggravates pregnancy-related symptoms in the first and third trimesters. It has some direct and indirect effects on expectant women and babies.
The impact of fibromyalgia on pregnant women changes throughout the pregnancy period. It causes:
In the first trimester: For pregnant women, the days of the first trimester are considered the toughest. As the body tries its best to cope with fluctuating hormones, nausea and fatigue are the other challenges faced during the first three months or so.
In the second trimester: As per the reports, the symptoms of fibromyalgia are set to be less effective in the second trimester. Women feel a sense of well-being during the middle month, have more energy, and feel less pain.
In the third trimester: Before some weeks of delivery, the impact of fibromyalgia results in discomfort, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and other similar problems.
Due to all those direct and indirect effects on an expecting woman, it is said that a baby also catches a few problems like:
Intrauterine growth restriction
Frequent miscarriage
Premature delivery
Gestational diabetes
Excess of amniotic fluid
For the condition to be diagnosed, there is no such definite test available. A regular checkup with a doctor along with a detailed medical history, changes in symptoms, physical assessment, and others can confirm the condition. Apart from this, you can keep a check on other symptoms like:
Symptoms last for more than 3 to 6 months.
Pain in different tender points
Look for symptoms related to fear, anxiety, mood swings, etc.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
Due to the concern of pregnancy, treatment and management of fibromyalgia are limited. It includes both medical and lifestyle therapies that can act as the best measures.
OTC (Over-the-counter) like acetaminophen
Antidepressants
Anti-seizure medications
Pain relievers
Exercise
Behavioral therapy
Getting enough sleep
Taking support from the family
Healthy diet
For women who are pregnant or have a partner who is willing to be one, it is advised to consult their doctor and get all the support needed. Having fibromyalgia does not mean that one can not ever get pregnant. Instead, there are additional considerations that need to be made. People residing in Dubai can contact New Concept Clinic, one of the best Gynaecology Clinics in Dubai, offering all the services related to women's health concerns, gynaecology, and obstetrics.
Also Read : When pregnant, do you notice any changes in your breasts? Here's what you need to know
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