Fibromyalgia And Pregnancy

Even though Fibromyalgia primarily affects women, very little is definitively known about the affects of fibromyalgia during pregnancy. However, the limited number of studies that have been conducted suggest that the symptoms of fibromyalgia tend to worsen for most women during pregnancy especially during the third trimester.

Some medical experts have disagreed and stated that some women actually experience a relief from their symptoms during pregnancy due to the fact that the hormone relaxin is produced in large amounts during pregnancy. Relaxin has been known to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia even in women who are not pregnant when taken as a supplement. 

Increased Symptoms and Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia during Pregnancy 

Studies that have been conducted on Fibromyalgia in women have also found that it is more common for a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia to be made during pregnancy. Medical experts believe that this may be due to the fact that both physical and emotional stress can trigger fibromyalgia and this stress is increased during pregnancy triggering the fibromyalgia in those who are genetically predisposed to this condition.

The changes that occur in the body during the first three months of pregnancy causing nausea and fatigue are very similar in nature to the symptoms of fibromyalgia; therefore, it is not uncommon that women who have fibromyalgia are not diagnosed properly as the symptoms are mistaken for the body's normal response to pregnancy. 

Studies have also shown that the pain experienced by the majority of women during pregnancy is dramatically increased in general with those who have fibromyalgia as well as an increase in the pain of fibromyalgia symptoms particularly during the third trimester.

Due to the significant drop in hormone levels after giving birth, many women also experience a variety of difficult physiological and psychological symptoms after pregnancy as well and for those women who suffer from fibromyalgia these symptoms may also be intensified. 

Fibromyalgia Medications and Treatment during Pregnancy 

Unfortunately, for those who suffer from fibromyalgia the medications commonly given to treat this condition are unsafe to continue taking while pregnant, therefore, doctors often recommend that these medications including any pain relievers and antidepressants be stopped if possible before conceiving as well as during pregnancy.

There are other beneficial ways that can help to manage this condition while pregnant that include plenty of rest, exercise, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation. It is recommended that a rest period should be set aside for twenty to thirty minutes at a minimum of two or three times during the day and that moist heat can be used including warm showers or baths to help relieve any symptoms of pain. Seeking the help of a fibromyalgia specialist is also advised when a flare up of the symptoms occur during pregnancy. 

The mood swings experienced during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, have been associated in part with low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Serotonin has been strongly associated with changes in mood and studies have shown that women are especially affected by changes in the levels of serotonin in the brain.

Low levels of serotonin can cause increased symptoms of fibromyalgia including the symptoms of depression and irritability and these low levels can occur due to an increased level of stress as well as a lack of physical activity which is why it is recommended that women who are pregnant and have the condition of fibromyalgia ensure that they exercise regularly.