Cramps in the upper abdomen can be the contractions | Cramps in the upper abdomen

Cramps in the upper abdomen can be the contractions

In the case of abdominal pain and cramps in the upper abdomen, it is often difficult for expectant mothers to distinguish between pregnancy-related complaints and real contractions. From about the beginning of the second half of the pregnancy, pregnant women regularly experience exercise contractions. At irregular intervals, the uterine muscles contract and the abdomen becomes hard, as “training” for the birth.

Usually the exercise contractions are not painful and last only for a short time. Pre-abortion pains then occur from the 36th week of pregnancy onwards, which can also be perceived as cramping but painless upper abdominal contractions. Genuine contractions manifest themselves as cramps in the upper abdomen, which occur regularly and in shortening intervals.

In addition, the pain associated with them gradually increases. If real contractions occur before the 36th week of pregnancy, possibly combined with back pain or watery or bloody discharge, a doctor should be consulted immediately. In principle, if it is unclear whether cramps in the upper abdomen during pregnancy are contractions, the advice of a midwife or doctor should be sought.

Cramps in the upper abdomen during pregnancy

Pregnancy is associated with a growing burden on the body, which is why almost every pregnancy causes more or less severe abdominal pain. In some cases the complaints increase to real cramps, caused mainly by the growth of the baby. Exercise pre and real contractions can also cause discomfort in the upper abdomen.

Acute, lighter cramps in the upper abdomen, which are part of the normal side effects of pregnancy, can be treated with warmth, rest and relaxation. In early pregnancy, a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy can manifest itself through bleeding and cramp-like pain. Medical help is necessary in both cases.

A late miscarriage in the second trimester of pregnancy is also associated with bleeding and severe and painful cramps. In case of such symptoms, a doctor should be consulted immediately. From about the 24th week of pregnancy onwards, cramp-like complaints in the upper abdomen, possibly in conjunction with pelvic or back pain, can indicate a premature birth.

Rapid medical treatment can often delay or stop the start of birth, but only if the amniotic sac has not yet burst. However, other sometimes severe pregnancy complications can also be accompanied by cramps in the upper abdomen. For example, the so-called HELLP syndrome is characterized by severe pain in the right upper abdomen. If severe or worsening cramps in the upper abdomen occur during pregnancy, a doctor should be consulted in order to reliably rule out complications of the pregnancy or diseases.