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Pregnancy and Newborns - The middle months

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Category: Information Booklets

Published on Tuesday, 13 May 2008 23:22

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The middle months
In general, women with fibromyalgia report feeling better than ever during this time, with reduced pain and increased energy. The powerful hormone effects taking place in your body can mask your fibromyalgia symptoms making these months of pregnancy more comfortable.

The hormone relaxin, for example, allows your pelvic girdle to expand by modifying the
connective tissue and the fibres in your muscles and ligaments. This means that your ligaments relax offering welcomed pain relief.

This stage of pregnancy is an ideal time to start planning for your baby's arrival. It is a good idea to ask your GP for a referral to an occupational therapist who will be able to advise you on suitable equipment to purchase, methods of lifting your baby and comfortable positions for breast-feeding. This is also the time to decide what help you will need and to ask friends and family members to be prepared to take on certain roles.

Here is a list of practical tips from mothers with fibromyalgia:

• Treat the coming of your baby as a new project and prepare for it accordingly.
• Choose a cot with a height adjustable base to avoid bending over when lifting your baby in and out of the cot.
• Choose a buggy that is lightweight, easy to fold with one hand and has a handle that adjusts to the proper height for you.
• Buy a grab stick for picking things up off the floor without bending.
• Use a bath unit that allows you to bathe your baby at standing height to avoid bending. These units often come with a changing mat facility.
• Buy baby clothes with zips rather than poppers or consider substituting poppers with Velcro.
• Baby proof your house while you have more time and energy.