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How can I Deal with Fibromyalgia During Pregnancy?

Amanda Piontek
Amanda Piontek

Fibromyalgia during pregnancy is not well documented or studied. Some medical professionals suggest that the symptoms of fibromyalgia increase in severity during pregnancy, while others report a decrease or reduction in pain and discomfort. You might experience a change in the treatment of your fibromyalgia during pregnancy, since traditional pain relievers and anti-depressants are often not recommended by care providers. Non-medical therapies such as yoga, massage, rest, and exercise are a few ways for you to manage symptoms like chronic pain and fatigue without the use of medications contraindicated during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is often a stressful time in a woman's life. Changes in your body, hormone fluctuations, and the general worry and anxiety that accompany the act of bringing a new life into the world can be a heavy burden. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia symptoms are frequently triggered by stress. In order to effectively decrease the amount and severity of your fibromyalgia episodes, it is imperative to focus on reducing stress as much as possible.

Fibromyalgia acupuncture can help patients cope with symptoms, but it is not a cure.
Fibromyalgia acupuncture can help patients cope with symptoms, but it is not a cure.

There are different techniques you can utilize in an attempt to cut back on the amount of stress in your life and better manage your fibromyalgia during pregnancy. Deep breathing techniques in conjunction with the practice of meditation and yoga can maintain a sense of health, well-being, and stability that works to fight stress, and control fibromyalgia pain and discomfort. Other relaxing pursuits such as warm baths and massages combined with adequate rest can help you cope with the pain, fatigue, and depression caused by fibromyalgia.

Yoga might ease the fatigue and chronic pain of fibromyalgia.
Yoga might ease the fatigue and chronic pain of fibromyalgia.

Medical professionals and health care providers often recommend exercise for fibromyalgia during pregnancy. Exercise releases natural endorphins in your body that help relieve pain, lessen symptoms of anxiety, and make you feel good. You can engage in moderate and gentle exercises to best manage your fibromyalgia. Walking, stretching, light bicycling, warm-water aerobics, and Pilates can all be good, therapeutic choices. Your physician can help you decide whether any of these exercises are a good choice for you to treat your fibromyalgia during pregnancy.

Water aerobics is an exercise performed in a pool.
Water aerobics is an exercise performed in a pool.

Alternative medicine could be another option for you when looking for a way to deal with the discomforts of fibromyalgia. Some health care providers note a positive link between fibromyalgia and acupuncture, a procedure that serves to release endorphins and change the body's brain chemistry. Managing your symptoms through diet modification is another holistic technique, and a whole body approach to optimal health often begins with the food you ingest. Avoiding items like aspartame, gluten, food additives, dairy, and caffeine could be a good place to begin. Maintaining a healthy weight, focusing on fresh, healthy foods, and providing your pregnancy with the building blocks for success are all important parts of the ideal diet for fibromyalgia.

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    • Fibromyalgia acupuncture can help patients cope with symptoms, but it is not a cure.
      By: photok21
      Fibromyalgia acupuncture can help patients cope with symptoms, but it is not a cure.
    • Yoga might ease the fatigue and chronic pain of fibromyalgia.
      By: furmananna
      Yoga might ease the fatigue and chronic pain of fibromyalgia.
    • Water aerobics is an exercise performed in a pool.
      By: american911
      Water aerobics is an exercise performed in a pool.
    • Massage therapy and warm baths can help an expectant mother cope with the pain and fatigue caused by fibromyalgia.
      By: Alfred Wekelo
      Massage therapy and warm baths can help an expectant mother cope with the pain and fatigue caused by fibromyalgia.
    • When treating pregnant women with fibromyalgia, the physician should first rule out any underlying physical ailments.
      By: Alliance
      When treating pregnant women with fibromyalgia, the physician should first rule out any underlying physical ailments.
    • Pregnant women with fibromyalgia may be able to help manage their symptoms through a well-balanced diet and exercise regimen.
      By: Milissenta
      Pregnant women with fibromyalgia may be able to help manage their symptoms through a well-balanced diet and exercise regimen.