A disease that is fortunately increasingly visible is fibromyalgia , a chronic condition that seems invisible to the eyes and traditional analytics, but which dramatically deteriorates the quality of life of those who suffer from it (most of which tend to be women). That is why it is important to investigate and disseminate about this type of pathology and the incidence that it can have at a time when the body experiences so many changes such as pregnancy.
What is fibromyalgia?
According to the definition of the Spanish Ministry of Health, “it is a chronic illness of unknown etiology, characterized by the presence of chronic generalized musculoskeletal pain, which usually coexists with other symptoms, mainly fatigue and sleep problems, but paresthesias may also be present , joint stiffness, headaches, feeling of swelling in the hands, anxiety and depression, concentration and memory problems. “. Generally, the state of the person can have fluctuations in intensity over time and it is always diagnosed clinically (that is, without analytical tests because they are not able to determine it).
Can I get pregnant if I have fibromyalgia?
Any woman with fibromyalgia can become pregnant , as the disease directly affects the nervous system but not the reproductive system in any way.
However, an important aspect to keep in mind that most of the medication for this disease is incompatible with pregnancy , so you should consult your doctor before (if possible), and throughout the gestation period about changes necessary in the therapies carried out by patients.
Can fibromyalgia cause complications different from those that any woman can suffer?
The studies that have been done in this regard indicate that fibromyalgia can only cause complications with respect to the disease itself , but not in terms of the gestation period or delivery, since pregnancies usually reach term.
One such investigation, conducted by Temple University, states that the symptoms of the disease can increase, especially pain, feelings of fatigue and numbness in the extremities, due to the changes that the body undergoes during pregnancy.
It is important to emphasize that fibromyalgia is a disease whose investigation is still incipient and which has a long way to go. That is why it is important to bear in mind that each body is different and these statements are not the general rule, since there have been cases in which pregnant mothers have experienced a decrease in their symptoms , probably caused by an increase in relaxin, a hormone whose production increases at specific times during pregnancy and childbirth thanks to the presence of the placenta.
What recommendations should be taken into account when pregnant with a woman with fibromyalgia?
Each person usually knows their body very well, and if we are talking about a person suffering from fibromyalgia, surely this is a rule. Taking into account that pregnancy can become a tough test for those who suffer from it , the most important thing to keep in mind is that we must anticipate any scenario that may arise:
- Have help at any time we need it.
- Go to an expert physiotherapist who can indicate the best positions to rest or the non-pharmacological therapies that we can implement to reduce pain.
- Keep stress at bay.
- Inform you about the experiences of other mothers who have the disease.
- Have a medical team that can communicate with each other and that is coordinated in the event of any eventuality.
In Babies and More | “Mingabe”, stories to understand fibromyalgia
