Anyone recovered from ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia in pregnancy?

[HopefulBump]

I’ve had ME/CFS for 3 years now after glandular fever, thyroid issue and a traumatic event all happening at once. I’m 13 weeks pregnant and I’ve read that sometimes pregnancy can re-set the body and cure ME/CFS. I was just wondering has anyone been cured by pregnancy and if so, at which point did you start feeling better?

[blankee]

Yes, I did. I recovered almost immediately upon conception and more than 3yrs on I’m still well. I breastfed up to 27 months, so my hormones haven’t settled back to pre-pregnancy normal yet, but I’m hoping it’ll stay like this! Happy to chat about experiences

[HopefulBump]

@blankee Thanks so much for replying. I’m 14 weeks and I’m having quite bad crashes so I think perhaps it won’t happen for me which is a shame. I was doing ok after conception but I’ve picked up about 4 viruses during the first trimester and that’s what sends me downhill. I did feel better last week but I was so fed up of being housebound I got too excited and did too much. And there’s so many social plans going on with it being summer. I’m worried it won’t happen for me now.

[Starrr123]

@HopefulBump how are u getting on? X

[Stephanie226]

I was literally just talking about this today. My fibromyalgia has been amazing my whole pregnancy... like a miracle. Until recently!! I'm 33 weeks and I think its back with a vengeance. Was nice while it lasted 🤷🏼‍♀️ x

[Starrr123]

@Stephanie226 how was it before you was pregnant? Xx

[Stephanie226]

@Starrr123

@Stephanie226 how was it before you was pregnant? Xx

Wasn't great. I would have flare ups quite often. Was such a relief when it eased off in pregnancy x

[georgarina]

I did. I was diagnosed with moderate CFS and had had it for two and a half years. Went into complete remission in the second trimester of my first pregnancy and it never came back.

It must be a consequence of pregnancy's immunosuppressive effect - if CFS etc can be caused by the body's immune system going into overdrive, pregnancy might reset that. That's my theory, anyway.

I still don't think my family believes it was ever 'real.' 🙄

I wish doctors would study it.

[Starrr123]

@georgarina ive been like it since 2020! Hoping i will get better :( i also was pregnant near the time. First trimester was awful. I wqs sooo weak! I would like another child because it could be different… i would stop after the second. Just hoping thats it doesnt make me worse :( its such a gamble xx im glad you got better :)
what was u able to do and not to do before you were pregnant xx

[Cfs]

Yes pregnancy helped. I put it down to having more blood during pregnancy.

I felt really good after the birth for a few weeks before the CFS returned.

I'm now experiencing perimenopausal symptoms and it appears to have helped the cfs. It's all a bit wierd and I don't know what way is up with this condition, but hope it works out for you.

[georgarina]

@Starrr123

@georgarina ive been like it since 2020! Hoping i will get better :( i also was pregnant near the time. First trimester was awful. I wqs sooo weak! I would like another child because it could be different… i would stop after the second. Just hoping thats it doesnt make me worse :( its such a gamble xx im glad you got better :)
what was u able to do and not to do before you were pregnant xx

Aw I hope you feel better <3

I also felt weak in the first trimester but it was in the second that I started to feel better.

Before pregnancy I had really bad fatigue, pain, brain fog, weakness etc. I couldn't work. I normally had one good day where I could go out for a couple hours or wash my hair or go food shopping, followed by two days of being in bed and in PEM/pain.

As soon as I hit around 3 months I suddenly had so much energy and no PEM...I applied for a new job for after the baby was born, got a temporary job in retail, went to spin class...it was literally like the slate was wiped clean and I was back to normal.

Thankfully it didn't return either.

Now I'm pregnant with my third and exhausted but in the normal way!

[Starrr123]

@georgarina thats amazing! Its so positive!!!
i hope if i have another it will change! Did the drs say its due yo pregnancy? X

[georgarina]

@Starrr123

@georgarina thats amazing! Its so positive!!!
i hope if i have another it will change! Did the drs say its due yo pregnancy? X

The person I saw at the ME clinic said usually 1/3 of people get better, 1/3 get worse, and 1/3 stay the same.

BTW just reread your OP and I also got it after glandular fever, PTSD and low thyroid at the same time. So maybe that's a good sign!