Obstetric Medicine > Volume 1, Number 2 > Pp. 99-101

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Case reports

Weakness in pregnancy – expect the unexpected

S Furara MRCOG   ^*, M Maw MBChB MRCP    , F Khan MRCOG   ^* and K Powell MRCOG   

^* SPR Obstetrics and Gynaecology; SHO Medicine; Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals, Western Road, Stafford ST16 3SA, UK

Correspondence to: Dr M Maw, 7 Charlotte Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2NQ, UK Email: montague_maw{at}hotmail.com

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is rare in pregnancy with an incidence estimated to be between 1.2 and 1.9 cases per 100,000 people annually, and it is generally accepted that it carries a high maternal risk. Delayed diagnosis is common because the initial non-specific symptoms may mimic changes in pregnancy. GBS should be considered in any pregnant patient complaining of muscle weakness, general malaise, tingling of the fingers and respiratory discomfort. This case aims to highlight the importance of early diagnosis, allowing prompt initiation of the immunomodulatory treatments which have been shown to improve outcome alongside multidisciplinary care.

Key Words: Guillain-Barré syndrome • acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy • pregnancy

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