Pregnancy is a journey full of excitement and anticipation for the mother. Still, it can also bring challenges to the mother’s health, especially if she has underlying health issues. One such rare and significant neurological disorder is Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). If your loved one is pregnant and diagnosed with this condition, it is crucial to understand its impact on pregnancy.
What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome? Know more
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves. It can lead to paralysis, numbness, or even weakness. Though the real cause of GBS is unknown, it is commonly triggered by infections, vaccinations, or surgeries. While most patients survive GBS, recovery may take months.
Its symptoms, including muscle weakness or persistent fatigue, can last months or years.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Pregnancy
Pregnancy does not directly trigger Guillain-Barre Syndrome but can be a contributing factor. The physiological effects of pregnancy can bring changes in the immune system, which may render it more susceptible to autoimmune illnesses.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare occurrence in pregnant women. However, it does manifest during the last trimester of pregnancy and immediately after the first two weeks of postpartum. It might mask pre-eclampsia, which is essential in diagnosis and treatment management when the patient’s symptoms of pre-eclampsia are atypical.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Impact on Pregnancy
Pregnant mothers diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome need special care in managing their pregnancy. There are some potential complications, including:
• Reduced Mobility and Fatigue: The muscle weakness and paralysis caused by GBS may make it hard for pregnant women to move around, exercise, or even do simple activities. Physiotherapy therapy and regular movement help maintain strength and prevent complications like blood clots.• Dyspnea and Dysphagia: Severe GBS may also weaken the respiratory muscles, causing dyspnea. Pregnant women with severe GBS may need ventilatory assistance, leading to a complicated delivery process.
• Preterm Labor and Intrapartum Complications: This is a possibility of preterm labor or intrapartum complications in women experiencing GBS. Thus, they guarantee careful monitoring by a medical team for both maternal and fetal health.
• Discomfort and Pain: Guillain-Barre Syndrome can cause neuropathic pain, which might be worsened by the changes in the body during pregnancy. Pain management techniques, including medication and physical therapy, should be discussed with doctors to ensure the safety of the mother and baby.
• Active Labor and Postpartum Rehabilitation: Women who are actively suffering from or recovering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome are physically drained during labor and delivery. Some may need support in childbirth, including epidurals or cesarean deliveries, depending on their condition. Similarly, the postpartum period may be longer since the muscles will continue to be tired and weak.
Managing Pregnancy with Guillain-Barre Syndrome
If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with GBS, she should maintain an active attitude towards her health. Some pivotal strategies to manage Guillain-Barre Syndrome include:
• Multidisciplinary Medical Care On-the-go: A team of specialists, including obstetricians, neurologists, and physical therapists. Routine visits will follow up on the development of your neurological disorder and the status of the fetus.• Prenatal vitamins and Adequate nutrition: A well-balanced diet is essential for the optimal health of the mother and baby. Prenatal vitamins are beneficial in ensuring proper intake of adequate nutrients like calcium, folic acid, iron, omega-3, etc. Such prenatal vitamins help your nerves, and hence overall health is maintained.
Prenatal vitamins help keep the nerves healthy and the general overall health that a woman needs while recovering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
• Gentle exercises and physical therapy- Mild exercises guided by a doctor can maintain muscle strength and mobility. Physical therapy helps reduce discomfort and improves circulation, minimizing the risk of complications such as DVT.• Pain management- Pain is the most frequent symptom of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Thus, it is essential to have a conversation with your healthcare provider about safe means to control it. You cannot consume certain medications during pregnancy; therefore, it is beneficial to try alternative treatments like massage, acupuncture, or using wet heat.
Role Of Prenatal Vitamins in Managing Guillain-Barre Syndrome During Pregnancy
Prenatal vitamins help promote overall maternal and fetal health but do not directly treat GBS condition. They help to maintain nerve functioning and contain some essential nutrients (such as folic acid, vitamin B, and antioxidants) to boost the immunity of the expectant mother. Prenatal vitamins provide additional nutrition to support recovery and minimize complications. However, managing Guillain-Barre Syndrome requires supportive medical care and immunology.
A vast range of prenatal vitamins are available on the market, but it is essential to choose the best one—Trimacare™.
Trimacare™—the best prenatal vitamin renowned as the best prenatal vitamin recommended by leading gynecologists and obstetricians in India. It is a one-stop solution for Indian pregnant women containing more than 20 essential nutrients, including folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, etc. It is formulated by experts following the guidance of WHO and ICMR.
The vitamin C and zinc in Trimacare™ prenatal vitamins help strengthen the mother’s immunity and prevent immune-related diseases such as anemia and other pregnancy complications. Thus, a strong immune system during pregnancy is crucial to combat immune-related diseases such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Conclusion:
While Guillain-Barre Syndrome poses challenges to a pregnant woman, with proper medical care, pregnant mothers can have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Effective communication with doctors, adequate nutrition through diet and prenatal vitamins, and a strong support system are necessary for managing pregnancy with GBS.
FAQs:
Can Guillain-Barre Syndrome affect the unborn child?
No, GBS will not affect the baby directly because it is not genetic or infectious. However, if there is an associated condition like respiratory issues in the mother, then it will require preterm delivery or intensive monitoring of the baby.
Can a woman with GBS have a normal/vaginal delivery?
In many women with GBS, vaginal delivery is feasible. However, if the weakness is severe or any breathing issue, then a C-section is needed. It depends on the mother’s decision.
Does GBS increase the risk of birth defects or miscarriages?
No, Guillain-Barre Syndrome does not cause the risk of miscarriage or congenital birth defects. Although, severe cases with prolonged immobility may increase the risk of preterm birth.
Is it safe to take prenatal vitamins when having GBS in pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe to take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy with GBS. They provide additional nutrition to pregnant women to help strengthen their immune systems and prevent conditions like GBS. However, it is better to take the advice of a doctor before taking any pregnancy supplement.
