Stomach Pain During Pregnancy And How To Ease It
- aliasger45
- Aug 9, 2018
- 3 min read
Stomach cramps, pains or aches. Any difficulty or irritation in the abdomen during pregnancy makes you worry about the safety of your baby. But do not worry. Abdominal pain is usually a result of mild to moderate discomforts that routinely develop during pregnancy.
Bunzuu helps you decode the various causes of those aches and pains, when to seek medical advice and how you can ease the discomfort.
Is It Normal To Have Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy?
Yes, occasional abdominal pain and cramping are often harmless. It may be due to first trimester conditions such as constipation and increased blood flow to the uterus, pain after eating or due to second and third-trimester conditions including Braxton-Hicks contractions and round ligament pain.
Abdominal pain in early pregnancy:
Stomach pain or slight discomfort in the first trimester is common, especially during early pregnancy. It is a by product of the changes that your body undergoes to carry your baby for the next forty weeks. Occasionally, abdominal pains are a reminder to watch what you eat as indigestion also causes cramps. Even an orgasm could trigger abdominal pains.
Abdominal pain in the 2nd trimester:
Abdominal cramps in the second trimester aren’t usually a cause for worry unless followed by bleeding. There’s only a slight possibility of a miscarriage, less than one in 100 women miscarry in their second trimester. If the cramps are followed by heavy bleeding, visit the doctor immediately.
Abdominal pain in the 3rd trimester:
Apart from false contractions, severe pain around the abdomen area is not common in the third trimester. The contractions are usually a sign of early labor. Other symptoms of early labor include water breaking, pain around the pelvic area, a decrease in fetal activity, lower backache, and contractions. Call your doctor immediately if you experience one or all of these signs.
Cramps after thirty seven weeks are an early indication of labor. If you experience abdominal pains after 37 weeks, look for other signs of labor such as vaginal discharge, water breaking, contractions, etc. If none of these symptoms follow, there’s nothing to worry; a backache is probably because of the baby (after assuming the head-down position) causing pressure around the pelvic area.
How To Ease Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy?
If there is mild to moderate pain, you can follow these simple tips to relieve it:
Use a hot water bottle on the pain area, or take a warm shower.
Exercise regularly or move around to relieve gas pain.
Rest as often as you can to get relief.
Drink plenty of water or fluids.
Choose fiber-rich foods such as bran, fruits, and vegetables.
Have small and frequent meals.
When To Consult A Doctor?
Do not hesitate to check with your Gynaecologist if you are suffering from severe abdominal pain or cramping. Call the doctor right away under the following circumstances:
Sharp pain accompanied by bleeding or spotting during the first trimester.
Severe headache, vomiting, nausea and dizziness.
Severe Edema or swelling of the hands and feet.
Burning sensation during urination and pain while urinating.
Persistent Fever or chills.
Changes in vision such as sensitivity to light, blurred vision or temporary blindness.
More than three contractions in an hour as it can be a sign of preterm labor.
You don’t need to panic if you get abdominal pain during pregnancy. It could be for as simple a reason as the formation of gas. But at the same time, you cannot ignore persistent pain or the one that occurs regularly. See a doctor if necessary.
Did you experience lower abdominal pains when pregnant? What did you do to get relief? Comment on this post to share your valuable experience with fellow Bunzuu Moms around the world.
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