A Comparison of Pregnancies That Occur Before and After the Onset of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract

Pregnancy did not consistently worsen the symptoms of CFS. Most maternal and infant outcomes were not systematically worse in pregnancies occurring after the onset of CFS. The higher rates of spontaneous abortions and of developmental delays in offspring that we observed could be explained by maternal age or parity differences, and should be investigated by larger, prospective studies with control populations.

A Role for Homeostatic Drive in the Perpetuation of Complex Chronic Illness: Gulf War Illness and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

“…Additionally, the prevalence of CFS in the 40–49-year-old age range [79], and the higher prevalence of gynecological conditions and gynecological surgeries in women with CFS [80] supports the evidence that HPA suppression by estradiol appears more likely in perimenopausal, menopausal or ovariectomized women [63], [64]. Interestingly, as many as 1 in 3 CFS subjects have reported symptom relief during pregnancy [81]. The normal trend in pregnancy towards increased cortisol levels, especially in the third trimester, might be a contributing factor that would support the key involvement of sex hormone regulation proposed by our analysis [82].…”

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Implications for Women and their Health Care Providers During the Childbearing Years

“…Minimal research addresses reproductive issues in women with CFS 47 . Whether or not the course of CFS changes during or as a result of pregnancy, or whether or not the experience of pregnancy and childbirth is different for women with CFS, remains mostly unexplored 1,47 . Current pregnancy‐related recommendations are mostly based on the opinions and observations of CFS experts 47 and will likely remain anecdotal until more interest in reproductive issues in women with CFS is generated among women's health researchers and clinicians.…”

“…Current pregnancy‐related recommendations are mostly based on the opinions and observations of CFS experts 47 and will likely remain anecdotal until more interest in reproductive issues in women with CFS is generated among women's health researchers and clinicians. Nevertheless, women of childbearing age with CFS are commonly concerned about the potential consequences of pregnancy on their health and the health of their children 1 . These issues are very relevant to women's health care providers.…”

“…The most comprehensive study to date investigating the reciprocal relationship between CFS and pregnancy was published by Schacterle and Komaroff in 2004 1 . Through a retrospective self‐reported questionnaire, the investigators compared outcomes for 86 women with a cumulative total of 252 pregnancies that occurred before or after the onset of CFS.…”

“…Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a serious, complex, often debilitating medical disorder that predominantly affects women. Women of childbearing age with CFS are commonly concerned about the potential consequences of pregnancy on their health and the health of their children 1 . Misperceptions about CFS as being “all in your head,” limited resources, and the lack of education among health care providers have not only been barriers to effective diagnosis and treatment of CFS but also have created a social context of illness that adds a significant burden for affected individuals and their families 2–4 .…”