Abdominal pain in pregnancy is a concomitant symptom that can vary in severity in most expectant mothers. Usually it is a slight pulling, comparable to menstrual cramps. In some cases, the pain can also become crampy. As a rule, they do not have a negative effect on the child, they are usually a response to the additional stress on the body. However, if the pain intensifies and occurs frequently, medical evaluation is advisable.
How abdominal pain can manifest itself during pregnancy
Abdominal pain in pregnancy can have many faces. A pulling in the abdomen can already be the first harbinger of pregnancy, when the expectant mother does not even know it yet. The pulling pain in the maternal ligaments is one of the most typical complaints during pregnancy. This form of pain can also become cramps on occasion. The uterine ligaments hold the uterus in an upright and stable position. When pregnancy occurs, over time the size of the uterus changes and the ligaments have to stretch. During this process, the pain may occur. They can be compared to menstrual cramps or sore muscles. Another cause of the discomfort can be digestive problems. This is a regular problem during pregnancy and causes mild cramps. Among other things, this is due to the changed hormonal balance in the body and the intestines become sluggish. As pregnancy progresses, the baby grows and requires more space in the womb. As a result, organs are displaced. Thus, abdominal pain during pregnancy and cramping pain are not uncommon.
At what point is the abdominal pain dangerous
When abdominal pain accumulates and reaches a high level of pain early, it can also be dangerous. In the first few weeks, abdominal pain and bleeding may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. In these cases, medical attention is essential. A late miscarriage in the second trimester of pregnancy may also be heralded by cramping abdominal pain. Nevertheless, miscarriages are always associated with bleeding. If abdominal pain occurs in the second half of pregnancy, it may be a sign of HELLP syndrome. This is a serious complication in pregnancy and is recognizable by severe pain in the right upper abdomen. In this case, the life of mother and child is in danger and an immediate cesarean section is necessary. The abbreviation translates to blood drop, elevated liver enzymes and decreased blood clotting.
Do not confuse with labor!
When abdominal pain occurs in advanced pregnancy, many women think it is the beginning of labor and fear premature birth. However, this is actually the case only in rare cases. Nevertheless, from the beginning of the second half of pregnancy, the first practice contractions occur now and then. This is when the first contractions occur in the uterus and the abdomen becomes hard. These then expand from the 36th week of pregnancy to the entire uterus and are the first training for the upcoming birth. However, this is usually not yet imminent. The training contractions come at irregular intervals and are not very painful in most cases. They disappear again after a minute. Contractions usually move additionally to the back, increase to a peak, and then subside again. The whole thing repeats itself at regular intervals. As long as this is not the case, then the abdominal pain and cramps are not contractions.
What helps with abdominal pain during pregnancy?
Most women want to avoid medication as much as possible during pregnancy. Abdominal pain can usually be managed well with home remedies that also do not harm the baby. A good help is above all warmth. On the one hand, it works well from the inside. That means drinking lots of tea. Teas like peppermint, ginger and fennel help very well and have an analgesic effect. For stomach cramps and abdominal pain, fennel tea is especially good. Ginger tea relaxes the muscles in the abdominal area and soothes the irritated stomach lining. At the same time, a hot water bottle is recommended, but it should not be too hot, otherwise the pain could get worse. It helps to additionally wrap the hot water bottle in a towel.Often the excess stomach acid is also a reason for the discomfort. Here it is helpful to eat a few slices of dry white bread. The effect of the bread is like a sponge and the stomach is less overacidified. In addition to this or as a single measure, natural honey is suitable. The ingredients have a soothing effect on the stomach lining and regenerating. Take a teaspoon before going to bed and the mucous membrane can relax overnight. Caraway oil should be used for relaxing massages against stomach pain. The active ingredients of the oil have a very digestive and antispasmodic effect, just like lemon balm oil.
Better one time more often to the doctor than one time too little
Basically, it can be said that abdominal pain and cramps are one of quite a few accompanying symptoms of any pregnancy. It starts with morning sickness, which many pregnant women report. Nevertheless, the discomfort should not always be taken lightly, especially if it is frequent and intense. Going to the doctor once more does not hurt, and doctors also have absolute understanding for double caution during pregnancy. If abdominal pain is joined by other symptoms, such as discharges and bleeding, then a doctor should be consulted in any case to be on the safe side.
