by Alaina M. Coyle

Created on: July 20, 2010

If you are a woman suffering from fibromyalgia who dreams of having a baby, don’t let the fear of worsening symptoms stop you from conceiving. Although some pregnant women with fibromyalgia may experience an increase of pain and fatigue, it is still possible to endure - even enjoy - pregnancy. Learning as much as you can about your illness and how to control flare-ups will help you cope. If you are already pregnant; congratulations! Take a deep breath and clear your mind of any doubts that you can’t manage your fibromyalgia while pregnant. You have already dealt with your illness successfully (you haven’t lain down and given up the fight, so yes you are successful) and pregnancy just presents one more challenge you can overcome.

Steer Clear of Stress

One of the most important things you can do to combat the symptoms of fibromyalgia while carrying your baby is to keep your stress levels low. Pregnancy itself is a significant stressor due to the increase of hormones in your body, and studies have shown that both physical and emotional stress trigger fibromyalgia flare-ups. Too much stress may also lead to permanently low levels of serotonin which results in depression.

Recognize that your body is more susceptible to stress during pregnancy and do everything you can to reduce pressure, anxiety and worry. Let others lend a hand with housecleaning, start shopping online, reduce your hours at work, and let go of the feeling that you have to be doing something every minute of the day. Don’t forget you are growing a human being!

Take up meditation or practice different breathing techniques to calm yourself down if you feel stress starting to build. Let your body adjust to being pregnant and don’t expect to accomplish as much as you may have before. Take advantage of quiet time and allow yourself plenty of opportunities to engage in stress-free activities you enjoy like scrapbooking, quilting, or watching old movies.

Exercise is Essential

As mentioned, low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin can negatively affect women who are pregnant. The easiest way to boost your serotonin is with exercise. Not only will a regular routine of exercise keep your muscles healthy and your joints flexible, but it will also elevate your mood by increasing the serotonin levels in your body. Positive endorphins are a natural high that make you feel good about yourself, which is especially important during the emotional roller coaster of pregnancy.

For women

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>