8 Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome During Pregnancy

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) during pregnancy is a complex disorder that’s characterised by extreme fatigue. Research suggests that it lasts for at least six months and worsens with physical or mental activity. Although it is more common for women to suffer from CFS during pregnancy, it can also affect men and causes severe exhaustion.

Pregnant mums with this complex chronic condition use both over-the-counter and prescribed medications to relieve the symptoms. Doctors might also recommend some vitamins, such as folic acid to ease the condition. Read on to know more.

Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome During Pregnancy

The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome during pregnancy vary. Some of the severity of symptoms can fluctuate from day to day including:

1. Extreme fatigue
2. Issues with memory or concentration
3. Sore throat and headaches
4. Enlarged lymph nodes in your armpits and neck 
5. Severe muscle or joint pain
6. Dizziness that might worsen with moving from lying down or sitting to standing
7. Problems in sleep patterns
8. Severe exhaustion.

Top 4 Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome During Pregnancy

Although the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, some women may be born with a predisposition for the disorder, which is then triggered by a combination of factors during pregnancy. Some of the potential triggers include:

1. Viral infections: As some pregnant mums develop chronic fatigue syndrome after having a viral infection, researchers have argued that some viruses like the Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6 trigger the condition.
2. Immune system problems. During pregnancy, the immune system becomes weak. You can blame the changing surge of hormones. Although no concluding link has been found, studies are ongoing regarding such a connection.
3. Hormonal imbalances: Expecting mums with chronic fatigue syndrome experience abnormal blood levels of hormones produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary glands or adrenal glands at times. These hormonal imbalances can also worsen the chronic condition.
4. Physical or emotional trauma: Researchers have reported that some expecting women have experienced an injury, surgery or significant emotional stress shortly before their symptoms of the chronic fatigue syndrome began.

Diagnosis Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome During Pregnancy

Medical studies are ongoing and experts have no clear idea about the mechanisms which are responsible for chronic fatigue syndrome. Therefore, the doctor may ask you about some of the symptoms and rule out other causes for your fatigue before determining a diagnosis and recommend medication accordingly. No test is available to confirm the diagnosis of this chronic condition.

Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

While each person has different symptoms, they may require different types of treatment to manage the chronic fatigue syndrome, it is advisable to reducing stress, eat well, and take adequate rest. Although it might have a genetic component to its cause, there is not much evidence that a child born to a mum will inherit it.

DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of the information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.