Harmless Reasons For Abdominal Discomfort While Pregnant
From constipation to round ligament discomfort, here are a few common culprits that create harmless abdominal discomfort while pregnant. Bear in mind when the discomfort you are experiencing continues-or you have worrisome signs and symptoms for example bleeding or strong cramping-you can examine along with your Primary health care provider-GYN immediately.
If Your Baby Stops Moving Or You’re Having Contractions Get Help
Meredith Shur, MD, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as a certified medical examiner.
All pregnant women have wondered if they should call their doctor at one time or another. Its natural to be concerned about the many different sensations and experiences that come with pregnancy, especially if youve had a pregnancy end in miscarriage or stillbirth. Most women have also hesitated to call because they dont want to seem foolish or bothersome.
If you have a concern, its always best to err on the side of caution and call. Most of the time, your provider will be able to answer your question or ease your mind with just a phone call. Other times, you may be instructed to go to the hospital.
Below, youll find a list of some of the times you should definitely call your doctor. These are all cases when ignoring your concerns because you dont want to be a bother could result in serious consequences for you or your baby.
Pregnancy Heartburn Or Indigestion
Heartburn is a burning feeling that starts in the stomach and seems to rise up to the throat. During pregnancy, changing hormone levels slow down your digestive system, weaken the stomach sphincter, and your uterus can crowd your stomach, pushing stomach acids upward.
Recommendations:
- Try to avoid constipation. Constipation can cause hemorrhoids and will make them more painful.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time change your position frequently.
- Don’t strain during a bowel movement.
- Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the area or take a warm bath a few times a day to provide relief.
- Avoid tight-fitting underwear, pants, or pantyhose.
- If you still need more help, consult your health care provider.
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What Are Real Labor Contractions
A real contraction, on its own, happens when a uterus cramps from its top, creating a pressure on the cervix.
This causes the cervix to shorten and then, and eventually start to dilate. When it comes to a timely, full-term labor, most women prefer for the process to go as fast as possible.
However, if there’s a risk from premature labor, you should learn more about real contraction to be able to recognize them. Here are some of the real contraction characteristics:
You Lose Your Mucus Plug
During pregnancy, the cervix becomes blocked with mucus to help protect the developing baby. Once labor is underway and the cervix begins to dilate , this mucus plug may be released.
It may come away all in one piece or in small pieces that you don’t even notice. It may appear as what is called bloody showpink, brown, or red-tinged discharge that you notice on your underwear or toilet paper after you urinate.
If you happen to be aware of when your mucus plug comes out or you notice bloody show, it could mean that labor is just a few hours awayor it could mean you still have weeks to go.
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Things Every Expecting Mom Needs To Know About Braxton Hicks Contractions
Pregnancy varies from one expecting mom to another. But if theres one thing we can all agree on, #LifeIsMeshy thanks to complications that we have to endure as our little angel grows inside our womb.
While the first months couldve had you dealing with morning sickness or headaches on a daily basis, prepare for a new set of challenges as your not-so-warm welcome for reaching the third trimester. Constipation, swollen feet, and pesky hemorrhoids can be pretty self-explanatory, but theres one thing that could cause confusion or even panic to unsure mommas – Braxton Hicks contractions.
Is the baby okay? Does it mean youre about to give birth? Can you get rid of the discomfort completely?
In this guide, allow us to help cast your fears away by dropping all 8 things that every expecting mom must know about Braxton Hicks contractions.
What’s Happening In My Body
If this is your first baby, then you’ll have an antenatal appointment this week. Your blood pressure will be checked, your bump will be measured and you’ll hand over a urine sample. You know the drill! Your midwife or doctor will be checking for signs of pre-eclampsia, a dangerous condition that’s characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
You’re probably getting a lot of practice contractions now, which shouldn’t be painful. These are Braxton Hicks contractions. When you start getting labour pains, you’ll know all about it! Real contractions hurt when your bump goes tight, and then the pain goes away when the muscles relax.
Labour is divided into 3 stages. The first stage is when you have contractions and your cervix opens up until it’s 10cm across . The first stage lasts 6-12 hours, or less if you’ve had other children. The second stage is where the baby is delivered â and the third stage is when the placenta comes out.
You can read more about what happens during labour here.
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Abdominal Pain Or Discomfort
Sharp, shooting pains on either side of your stomach may result from the stretching tissue supporting your growing uterus. These pains may also travel down your thigh and into your leg.
Recommendations:
- Change your position or activity until you are comfortable avoid sharp turns or movements.
- If you have a sudden pain in your abdomen, bend forward to the point of pain to relieve tension and relax the tissue.
- Apply a hot water bottle or heating pad to your back, or take a warm bath or shower.
- Try a massage.
Gas Pain Or Braxton Hicks Or What
Hi ladies! Wednesday night I started getting intense lower abdominal pain. Similar to where period cramps would be. They would come on and off for a few hours. I finally got some sleep and tried not to panic because I wasnt bleeding, didnt have a fever and wasnt throwing up.
The next morning I wake up and I have diarrhea and the pains again. I call the doctor and he feels that I may have some type of stomach bug and trapped gas. He also explained that since Im 24 weeks pregnant it can be Braxton Hicks and to drink water. I was fine then Thursday night.
Now yesterday I was okay all day until nighttime. I took gas x like the doctor said but the pains came back. Like very tight under my belly button but slightly lower. Lasted for hours. Still not bleeding. Occasionally gas and burping.
Should I be worried or is this really
How bad gas pains can get? Im a FTM and super worried. If I dont feel better today Ill call the doctor again. Just so worried about going to ER during this time. Anyone else experienced this?
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Your Blood Sugar Is Off
If you are one of the many women diagnosed with gestational diabetes or who had diabetes prior to pregnancy, you know how important it is to monitor your blood sugars and use your insulin as prescribed.
There are serious risks during pregnancy for women with all types of diabetes. If your blood sugar falls outside the expected ranges, and your regular at-home instructions arent helping, call your doctor for instructions. If very low or very high blood sugars go untreated, there can be serious consequences, including seizure, coma or death.
You Have Sudden Intense Abdominal Pain
Although some abdominal pains in pregnancy are normaleverything from Braxton Hicks contractions to round ligament pain, and even constipation, can make your belly hurta sudden, severe pain can be a sign of a uterine rupture, which is a medical emergency endangering the life of both you and your baby.
There is an increased risk of rupture if youve had a c-section before. If you experience severe pain that comes on suddenly, call your doctor or midwife for instructions.
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Gi Issues Caused By Kidney Stones
Normally, kidney stones cause symptoms such as pressure and pain in your lower back, fever, frequent urination, discomfort urinating, and bloody or discoloured urine. However, sometimes kidney stones can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort.
If youre experiencing sudden low back pain and gastrointestinal discomfort, dont ignore the possibility that it might be kidney stones.
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Introducing The Causes And Remedies For Braxton Hicks Contraction And Pain During Pregnancy
When a woman becomes pregnant, she becomes more and more transformed into a pregnant womans body. As the placenta is made, the uterus grows, and the baby grows, the stomach will grow day by day. However, sometimes you may feel bloating or pain. If you are pregnant for the first time, may you have a miscarriage if you experience bloating or pain? You may soon become anxious. This time, I have summarized the causes and remedies for abdominal tension and pain during pregnancy.
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How’s The Blood Pressure
During pregnancy it is important to monitor your blood pressure closely. A drastic increase can signal signs of preeclampsia. Other common symptoms include swelling in your legs and feet, headaches, vision changes, and abdominal pain. Your doctor will want to test your urine for proteins as well as run blood tests to check for a decrease in platelets. Preeclampsia is nothing to play around with! Not a lot is known about the cause. However, complications can be severe. They range from lack of blood flow to the placenta, placental abruption, and moving into more serious conditions that prompt organ failure. Treatment varies based on the severity of your symptoms and the gestational age of the baby. It will range from bed rest, hospitalization, even early delivery of the baby. Delivery is the only cure. If it is too soon, you will have increased monitoring and tests to manage the condition as long as possible.
What To Do When You Think You’re In Labor
When all the signs seem to indicate that itâs showtime, youâll need to get yourself together. First, you should time your contractions, advises Dr. Nwegbo-Banks. âWhen it’s time to have a baby, the biggest signs are painful contractions with cervical dilation,â she says. âOther signs of labor include regular contractions about every five to 10 minutes in the abdomen and may radiate to the vaginal area and to the lower back.â If youâre unsure if birth is imminent, you can always call your OB/GYN or midwife and give her an update on your status. Just be sure to grab your hospital or birthing bag so that you have everything you need prior to Baby making its debut.
It can be hard to know what is a true sign of labor â and whatâs a typical pregnancy pain. But by being aware of all of the signs of labor, youâll be ready to bring your beautiful baby into the world with hopefully a quick and relatively painless labor and delivery. .
Studies referenced:
Raines, D., Cooper, D. . Braxton Hicks Contractions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470546/
Vazquez, J. . Heartburn in pregnancy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26348641/
Experts Sourced:
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Everything You Need To Know About Braxton Hicks Contractions
Pregnancy is chock-full of new bodily experiences, some more pleasant than others. Of course, feeling your little one kick for the first time and hearing the heartbeat during an ultrasound are magical for soon-to-be parents, but dealing with something like Braxton Hicks pains can be incredibly nerve-racking. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information , Braxton Hicks pains are due to the “sporadic contractions and relaxation of the uterine muscle.” And while these specific sharp pains don’t mean the labor process has officially begun, they can still be uncomfortable.
If you’re a soon-to-be parent, read ahead to get all the answers to your questions about Braxton Hicks contractions. However, be sure to consult a medical professional if you are currently in pain or have further questions personal to your pregnancy.
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Digestive Disorders : : Upper Abdominal Pain Metallic Taste Bone Pain
Im a 27 year old female and Ive been having abdominal pain for 2 months now. Ive had a CT scan and blood tests done and everything came back normal other than an elevated WBC in the urinalysis. I cant get in to see my doctor for a few days and just want some peace of mind. Im having bad sharp upper abdominal pain. It started on the left side originally but is now happening all over my stomach and Im ridiculously bloated. I started having weird bone pain a few weeks afterwardthere is no pattern. My hands will hurt, then my left leg will hurt, then my right hip, etc. Today I started noticing a metallic taste in my mouth as well. Anyone know what this could be? Ive researched everything from hemochromatosis to H Pylori but nothing fits perfectly.
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Definitive Reasons You Should Go To The Er For Stomach Pain
Before we get into cases that require some interrogation of whether or not you should go to the ER, its important to cover those cases of stomach pain that, without question, require emergency medical assessment and treatment. If you meet any of the following conditions and youre experiencing severe stomach pain, seek medical attention immediately.
Braxton Hicks Contractions Can Cause Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy
These are contractions that occur in the last trimester of pregnancy, although it doesnt usually mean that youre in labor.
Braxton Hicks contractions produce the same pain as labor contractions but dont have the same frequency. They are completely normal and are not at all dangerous. They are also known as practice contractions, as they help to prepare the body for labor by toning the uterine muscles.
To relieve pain from Braxton Hicks contractions, the American Pregnancy Association recommends taking hot baths, drinking water, and changing your body position to find a more comfortable one that will decrease pain.
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Is Having Too Much Amniotic Fluid Bad
Having too much amniotic fluid can make for a very uncomfortable pregnancy, and higher than normal levels are directly related to increased risks of delivery complications. In very severe cases it may also affect maternal breathing to the point that intervention is required. An amnioreduction can provide temporary relief in these cases.
When You Should Call The Physician
Please call your physician if you think somethings wrong. For those who have something that you are worried about, you need to speak to your Primary health care provider-GYN or perhaps be seen, states Rebecca Shiffman, M.D., director of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Lincoln subsequently Hospital in Bronx, New You are able to. That is what we are for-to supply solutions to women that are pregnant and also to provide whatever care they require. Always call your physician immediately for those who have these signs and symptoms:
- Abdominal discomfort without or with bleeding before 12 days
- Bleeding or strong cramping
- Greater than four contractions within an hour for 2 hrs
- Severe abdominal discomfort
- Severe swelling from the hands, legs, or face
- Discomfort during peeing, difficulty urinating, or bloodstream inside your urine
- Chills or fever
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Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy: Common Causes And When To Call The Doctor
Learn what causes abdominal discomfort during pregnancy, and discover whether your signs and symptoms are common or require immediate attention out of your doctor.
Some abdominal discomfort while pregnant is common. In the end, your organs are continually shifting, your uterus is expanding, as well as your ligaments are stretching-which may cause benign pains and aches. On rare occasions, though, abdominal discomfort can signal something serious. Consult our guide to understand more about what causes lower and upper abdominal discomfort while pregnant, and discover when you should call the physician.
Early Signs Of Labour
Am I in labour? The first stage of labour can last for hours, so remember not to panic when you begin to spot pre-labour signs. Women are expected to have irregular contractions in the early stage, but when these become more regular and there is a pattern, this is usually when the mum-to-be is asked to attend triage. Of course, this really depends on the woman, but you could be contracting for a little while before you are admitted to your triaging unit. Early labour symptoms may include any combination of the following:
- A show – the plug of mucus that has been sealing your cervix comes away
- Your waters breaking
- A cramping feeling – a bit like period pains
- Feeling bloated, constipated or a bit of pain in your tummy
- Diarrhoea or nausea
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Does Raspberry Leaf Tea Induce Labor
This tea is a uterotonic, meaning it helps to maintain uterine tone and general health. Raspberry leaf has no labor induction effect.
It hasnt been proved that drinking large amounts of raspberry leaf tea is beneficial or harmful, so its best not to have more than one daily cup until youve reached full term.