Chronic Fatigue Syndrome During Pregnancy – Causes, Symptoms & Complications
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Chronic fatigue can leave you exhausted, pun not intended. It is a serious condition that can affect every little aspect of your life. And now that you are expecting, such a condition can only lead to nasty complications. Here, we look at Chronic Fatigue Syndrome during pregnancy and its effects.
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS is an extreme fatigue disorder syndrome. This kind of fatigue is not normal and thus does not go away even after you rest. It can happen at any time over the course of your pregnancy. The drawback is that the symptoms can last for as long as six months. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also hard to diagnose; there are no particular tests for it, and so the doctor has to rule out other possibilities to zero down on CFS.
Causes Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome During Pregnancy:
According to studies, the reason for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome remains shrouded in mystery. However, it might affect people due to many factors. Some of the factors that can lead to CFS typically include:
1. Viral Infection:
Studies show that some people develop chronic fatigue syndrome after a viral infection. Researchers also believe that certain viruses can trigger the disorder.
[ Read: Fatigue During Pregnancy ]
2. Immune System Problem:
People who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have weak immune systems. However, there is no clarity whether this impairment leads to the disorder.
3. Hormonal Imbalances:
Women go through many hormonal changes during pregnancy, and this may be one of the reasons of the disorder. However, there is no scientific evidence backing the fact.
Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome During Pregnancy:
While extended sickness and tiredness are clear symptoms of chronic fatigue during pregnancy, some other symptoms include:
- Muscle Pain
- Headache
- Memory Problem or loss of concentration.
- Sore throat.
- Pain that can move from one joint to another without causing any swelling or redness.
- Not getting enough sleep.
- Tender lymph nodes
- Pain in multiple joints (1).
Clinical experience states that the symptoms of CFS might improve or worsen during pregnancy, and there is no scientific data to back it. The chances of first-trimester miscarriage cannot be ruled out as well. CFS can drain every ounce of your emotional and physical strength during pregnancy.
[ Read: Clumsiness During Pregnancy ]
Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome During Pregnancy:
As there is no determinable reason for CFS, likewise there is a lack of tests to diagnose or confirm the existence of CFS, much like many other syndromes.
Before she diagnoses you with CFS, the doctor might want to rule out many other illnesses, which include:
1. Sleep Disorders:
Chronic fatigue can also occur due to sleep disorders. A sleep study might be carried out to see if you suffer from restless legs, sleep apnea or insomnia.
2. Medical Condition:
Fatigue is a symptom common to many other medical conditions like diabetes, anemia, and hypothyroidism. Lab tests can check for these suspects.
3. Mental Health Issues:
Sometimes, fatigue can also occur due to anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder (2).
[ Read: Restless Leg Syndrome During Pregnancy ]
Complications Of Having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome During Pregnancy:
CFS can lead to many complications in expectant women. Apart from tiring you out, it can lead to:
1. Depression:
Pregnancy is an emotional rollercoaster, and mood swings are like second nature. You may feel depressed, lonely and tired if you suffer from CFS during pregnancy.
2. Isolation:
Scientists conclude that pregnant women who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome tend to isolate themselves from social gatherings (3).
If you have any other information about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and pregnancy, please share it with us. Leave your comments in the section below. We would love to hear from you.
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