subject: Cramping During Pregnancy - How to Deal With This Discomfort? [print this page] Cramping During Pregnancy - How to Deal With This Discomfort?
Most pregnant women have some degree of cramping during pregnancy that is usually the result of digestion problems, stretched muscles and ligatures, or Braxton Hicks contractions. However, cramping of any kind during pregnancy should be reported to a physician as, in some cases, they could be the first sign of a more serious problem.
First Trimester
Cramping can occur within a few days of becoming pregnant and usually precedes a positive pregnancy test. When the fertilized egg exits the fallopian tube it enters the uterus where it sinks into the thick lining of the uterus. When implantation occurs, some women will have mild cramping much like the first day or two of a regular menstrual cycle.
Each pregnancy is different and some women experience mild cramping with a light discharge during the first trimester. Implantation bleeding is also possible without risk of miscarriage. Cramping after a woman knows for sure she is pregnant should be reported immediately to her doctor. Cramping, when accompanied by vaginal discharge or bleeding, together symptoms of miscarriage are more a cause for alarm, than if both miscarriage-symptoms are not present.
Ectopic Pregnancy
You should always immediately report severe pain or cramping on one side of the abdomen. Some women will be sensitive to certain foods and experience pain during digestion, but severe pain is one of the ectopic pregnancy symptoms and can occur without bleeding.
Ectopic pregnancies result when the fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus including the fallopian tube, ovary, or abdomen. Most ectopic pregnancies present themselves before ultrasounds can detect a normal pregnancy.
Urinalysis, blood work and laparoscopy are usually done when severe cramping occurs during pregnancy, to confirm an ectopic pregnancy. IVF and fertility drugs can increase a woman's chances of an ectopic pregnancy, so proper monitoring by the physician during the first weeks of pregnancy is important.
Second Trimester
As the baby gains weight, additional pressure is placed on the muscles and ligatures of the abdomen causing regular second trimester cramping. Consistent cramping, especially if the cramps are regular in duration and time between them is regular, should be reported to the doctor.
This type of cramping may be the signal of the onset of pre-term labor, which in many cases can be stopped if caught soon enough. Braxton Hicks contractions are another common second trimester cause of cramping. Unlike true labor pains, Braxton contractions are irregular, disappear in a few minutes or hours and are more uncomfortable than painful.
Regardless of what trimester you are in, any cramping during pregnancy should be reported to your physician. Erring on the side of caution is always best for you and your baby.
Helpful Hints
There are a few things that a woman can do to help reduce or eliminate cramping during pregnancy and some may provide long lasting relief.
Eat a well balanced diet and avoid foods that cause gas and bloating. Cramping can be caused by the pressure on the digestive tract during pregnancy and the changes in hormones may cause certain foods to be difficult or uncomfortable to digest.
Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, will ensure proper hydration and may reduce both digestive cramps and Braxton Hicks contractions.
Walking, applying a hot water bottle and gentle abdominal massage will help move gas through the digestive track.
Warm baths may also help but check with your doctor first especially if you are nearing the end of your pregnancy.
Bending into a cramp can help relieve the discomfort as will a change of position, sit down if you have been standing and walk if you have been sitting.
Cramping during pregnancy in most cases is benign and should not be cause for concern. Always report any cramping especially cramping with bleeding to you physician regardless of what stage of pregnancy you are in.
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