Perinatal perspectives on chronic fatigue syndrome

Christley, Yvonne; Hollins Martin, Caroline J; Martin, Colin R

Abstract

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a severe, systemic, acquired illness which presents with overpowering tiredness that cannot be relieved by rest and is deteriorated through physical and mental activity. Due to the window of prevalence (20-40 years), some women diagnosed with CFS become pregnant. Given that CFS targets women in their reproductive years, responsibility is placed upon midwives to educate, support and provide families with advice. To equip midwives with knowledge about CFS, the objectives of this paper are to provide an overview of: how CFS impacts on reproductive health; the effects of pregnancy on CFS symptoms; CFS-related pregnancy complications; intrapartum management of women with CFS, and postpartum recovery of women with CFS. To date, only a handful of studies have explored the relationships between CFS and childbearing, and associated complications. A greater understandings of CSF interactions with physical, psychological and social reproductive processes are required.

Citation

Christley, Y., Hollins Martin, C. J., & Martin, C. R. (2012). Perinatal perspectives on chronic fatigue syndrome. British Journal of Midwifery, 20, 389-393

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2012
• Deposit Date: Aug 13, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 13, 2015
• Print ISSN: 0969-4900
• Electronic ISSN: 2052-4307
• Publisher: Mark Allen Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Pages: 389-393
• Keywords: Fatigue syndrome, chronic in pregnancy; perinatal care; midwifery; professional role; female
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/8973