According to the Spanish Society of Rheumatology, it is estimated that a 2.4% of the Spanish adult population suffers from fibromyalgiaAbout 900,000 people.
It is a disease that is more common in middle-aged women. WhatHow does a woman with fibromyalgia live? your pregnancy? you can guess a problem for the mother or the baby, we have talk to gynecologist how to analyze Fibromyalgia can affect pregnant women.
fibromyalgia and pregnancy
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease musculoskeletal which hurts a lot and affects above all women,
but despite to disable Be that as it may, these women can reach a position pregnancy no big deal for him fetus,
In fact, these patients are not at risk of suffering pregnancy related diseases Such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia (high blood pressure) which can affect the baby.
- However, some drugs used to control disease anti-inflammatories They are especially discouraged during pregnancy.
in addition symptoms usually characteristic of fibromyalgia Quick Due to hormonal fluctuations and changes from pregnancy. It is important that pregnant women with fibromyalgia are well controlled multidisciplinary team Which includes a gynecologist and traumatologist apart from other specialists.
Dr. Laura Cortes, The gynecologist and obstetrician at Women Carmona Decius, explains how these women experience pregnancy and the precautions they should take.
Decreased pain threshold in fibromyalgia
Women with fibromyalgia experience what is called central sensitization syndrome,
It is a pathological process that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and causes Pain threshold decreased. brain thinks painful stimuli which are not meant for other people. that’s why it’s such a disease to disable,
still, “pregnancy does not contradict in a woman suffering from fibromyalgia as she can recover completely without any kind of problem for the fetus”Dr. Cortes says.
Fibromyalgia symptoms get worse
Does not increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia fetusBut mom could be worse.
This is due to the central sensitization syndrome we talked about earlier, and because of this the woman experiences more of the typical discomforts of pregnancy intensityIn addition to the pain they are already suffering from the disease gets worse.
- feel too much tired,
- more pain clear, knotty And beefy,
- they also have more trouble Sleep,
Some pregnant women with fibromyalgia improve
Dr. Cortes points out that there is a small percentage of women who notice fibromyalgia symptoms. improvement during pregnancy,
- The reason for this improvement may be an increase in Take rest,
This is a hormone that is released during pregnancy relaxes musclesDue to which pain can be relieved in these patients.
But although in some cases the disease improves, “In general, fibromyalgia symptoms increase during pregnancy”
Recognizes the gynecologist.
Caution with Medications for Fibromyalgia
A fibromyalgia patient may take a cocktail of antidepressants, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, and pain relievers.
“They are highly polymedicated patients. The norm is withdraw these drugs during pregnancy or giving birth minimum indicated doseHowever we have to consider the pros and cons”Gynecologist says.
If the symptoms are very severe, it may be advised to continue with some antidepressants which are safe during pregnancy.
- antidepressant They are the most widely used drugs to treat fibromyalgia. They work well in these patients, whether they have depression or not, because they increase chemicals in the brain like serotonin and norepinephrine that are involved. pain modulation.
What is not recommended in any case is take anti-inflammatory drugs To get relief from joint pain.
- stop anti-inflammatory drugs ductus arteriosus, a small vessel that connects the aorta to the pulmonary artery of the fetus. This channel must be open for the communication of the fetus to flow properly. It closes after birth.
“That’s why anti-inflammatories one of the drugs most unfavorable during pregnancy. It’s better to give an anxiolytic or an anti-depressant than an anti-inflammatory.” clarifies.
How to Relieve Fibromyalgia Symptoms in Pregnancy
Given the taboo around giving medications during pregnancy to ease fibromyalgia symptoms, Dr. Cortes suggests turning to other options. reduce sensitivity to pain it is so Active in these patients.
- neurotherapy This is a type of acupuncture that is applied throughout the body for the purpose of neutralizing pain, and according to Cortes, it works very well in these cases.
- massage Exercise done by a physiotherapist also helps in relaxing the joints.
Fibromyalgia, childbirth and breastfeeding
Fibromyalgia itself is not a risk factor at the time of treatment. Birth,
“It is not necessary to change the protocol of action in child birth nor caesarean section in these patients as in other malformations”clarifies.
“Fibromyalgia is a disability For the pregnant woman because the symptoms get worse, but not for the delivery or the baby. nor is it a hindrance lactation,I assure
Gynecologists point out that what’s important is that women with fibromyalgia perform a fantasy travel To prepare for pregnancy.
“If you have a good lifestyle, are not overweight, eat a healthy diet or take supplements Omega 3 This reduces the inflammation and more or less controls the flare-up, you will approach pregnancy in better shape and will be much more tolerable,He concluded.