Pregnant with chronic fatigue syndrome

[AuntyWytch]

I suffer with CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) and am just reaching the end of my first trimester; I was just wondering if there was anyone on this forum who had been though a pregnancy with this condition who would be willing to share there experiences with me?

Sorry can't help here directly, but if you can manage to listen to a CD, I highly recommend the pregnancy relaxation CD from Maggie Howell's Natal Hypnotherapy programme. I know some people with CFS find deep relaxation/guided imagery very beneficial and I personally love Maggie's CDs for relaxing in pregnancy & preparing for birth & think they would be just as good for a mummy with CFS.

Hi AuntyWytch,

I have suffered with CFS for 10 years and had good and bad periods. I am currently 37 weeks and can honestly say that during this pregnancy (my first) I have felt the best I have felt for ages. Apparently it is because of all the hormones, whereas other people feel more tired during pregnancy, it has given me more energy! I was obviously very nervous about getting pregnant and whether I'd cope but touch wood I've been fine. I'm not sure what will happen once I've had the baby as I will no longer have those pregnancy hormones racing around my body and there is obviously the fatigue everyone suffers with caring for a newborn. I'm happy to chat more with you about my experiences if you feel it would help you.

Hey Aunty Wytch
I have had CFS for 25 years ! Since I was 4. I'm 14 weeks pregnant today. I have been exhausted from day one really but trying so hard to stay positive. DH has been excellent and really been helping round the house.
I'm absolutely terrified of baby arriving and how I will cope but trying not to think about it till it happens.

Hope your keeping ok
X

Hiya, I had CFS for 5 years and over-came it around 6 years ago, which I NEVER thought I would do. I remember how it felt. The hormones in the first trimester mostly make ANY-ONE exhausted so please don't panic. People without CFS take to bed for a good few weeks if they can so it's normal.

You'll find differences as you come to 16 weeks onwards, this could be your best hormonal time. Try to do as much as you can rather than give in- you'll feel better for it as long as you don't completely over-do it. Third trimester has been my best (2nd pregnancy) in both pregnancies. Again, you'll have to just go with the hormones and what your body is telling you but when you have the baby as long as you pace yourself you may even be able to improve your condition having the new-born.

A baby just needs to eat, sleep and basic care to be happy so don't put pressure on to do any more and once you have a good routine and have found your pace then visitors and other parts of life may be able to be introduced.

Don't forget that people without CFS hibernate when they have a baby to focus on them so you would be no different. Plus people with many different mental and physical disabilities are perfectly able to parent. DOn't panic.xxx

Thank you for all you replies (used to be on here under nickname AuntyWytch) I know it sounds silly but it is really reassuring just to know your not fretting on your own. Was really struggling until I was about 18/19 weeks, and though I would not say I was by any means feeling great things are at least manageable. Bizarre as it sounds I do actually enjoy being pregnant even though it has resulted in a dip in my health; I haven't become as ill as I had feared and I am still am completely in love with the idea that I am growing a little person, I can't think of anything much more magical! Every time I become frustrated with the limitations of my health I just have to focus on the little boy growing inside and I feel better. Though I do have to admit I am slightly concerned that once little man is here and my hormones begin to settle my pain levels might rocket up again forcing me back on to the painkillers and meaning I would have to stop breast feeding, which would be very disappointing. Still there is no point worrying about things that haven't happened yet, we will just have to cross that bridge if and when we come to it.