Muscle Atrophy

Atrophy is the partial or complete wasting away of a part of the body. Causes of atrophy include mutations (which can destroy the gene to build up the organ), poor nourishment, poor circulation, loss of hormonal support, loss of nerve supply to the target organ, disuse or lack of exercise or disease intrinsic to the tissue itself.

Disuse atrophy of muscles (muscle atrophy) and bones, with loss of mass and strength, can occur after prolonged immobility, such as extended bedrest, or having a body part in a cast (living in darkness for the eye, bedridden for the legs etc.). This type of atrophy can usually be reversed with exercise unless severe.

Yes, yes I have it and you may too! Don't worry, if the doc puts you on bedrest for the length of your pregnancy, she will also refer you to many many sessions of physical therapy once your pregnancy ends. And, it is completely reversible. Signs of it are unable to walk without exhaustion, severe pelvic pressure, weight loss, soreness of limbs and my personal favorite, loss of bladder control!