Fibromyalgia & Pregnancy

19/03/2006 

What Nurses Need to Know and Do 

Karen Moore Schaefer, DNSc, RN, Kathleen Black, DNSc, RN. Karen Moore Schaefer, DNSc, RN, is the director for Undergraduate Studies, Department of Nursing, College of Health Professions, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. Kathleen Black, DNSc, RN, is an assistant professor, Department of Nursing, College of Health Professions, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. 

Abstract:
Fibromyalgia may represent an alteration in central nervous system function that influences pain sensitivity and processing. Along with pain, fatigue is one of the most common complaints of individuals with FM and can vary in severity. Since both pregnancy and FM commonly elicit backache, fatigue, sleep disturbance and nausea, the interaction of these two conditions may result in more exaggerated symptoms. 

Introduction:
Most women look forward to pregnancy with anticipation and joy, yet for women with fibromyalgia (FM), pregnancy can bring about an unexpected sense of mystery. 
Women are now being diagnosed with FM at a young age (Burckhardt, Clark, & Bennett, 2001 ), raising questions about pregnancy complicated by FM. Because little is known about the relationship between pregnancy and FM, women with FM may have difficulty making reproductive decisions and planning for appropriate assistance during pregnancy. Nurses need to understand how to counsel and care for women with FM, especially when pregnancy is involved. 

Available at: http://awhonnlifelines.awhonn.org/

AWHONN Lifelines Volume 9, Issue 3 :228-235
June/July 2005
© 2005 by AWHONN, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
DOI: 10.1177/1091592305279123