Diagnosis of pain in early pregnancy | Pain during early pregnancy

Diagnosis of pain in early pregnancy

In order to be able to determine whether the pain felt by the expectant mother is harmless or serious during early pregnancy, comprehensive diagnostics must be initiated at an early stage. The diagnosis of pain in early pregnancy includes individual examinations that relate to both the expectant mother and the unborn child. In this context, the most important vital parameters of both patients must be checked.

Important steps in the recording of these vital parameters are the assessment of the mother’s blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation. In addition, the heart sounds of the child should be monitored for the time being. Furthermore, the diagnosis in case of pain during early pregnancy includes a laboratory chemical check of the blood count and urine.

An ultrasound examination should also be performed if pain is present during early pregnancy. X-ray examinations and CT are not necessary during pregnancy, as the radiation exposure could have an unfavorable effect on the fetus. In the case of a tumor of the unborn child, an ectopic pregnancy or similar, an MRI can be performed during pregnancy after strictly exceptional cases. However, there are clear restrictions for an MRI during pregnancy, so the MRI should always be carefully considered.

Therapy

The treatment of pain that occurs during early pregnancy depends largely on the underlying cause. However, since in most cases the pain is completely harmless, a wait-and-see attitude can often be taken after successful diagnosis. In the presence of pain during early pregnancy caused by hormonal changes, the symptoms usually disappear by the end of the first trimester.A medical intervention is not necessary.

Pain during early pregnancy, which is caused by stomach acid rising into the esophagus (so-called heartburn), can be treated in most cases by a targeted change in diet. In this context, expectant mothers who suffer from frequent heartburn should refrain from eating spicy or acidic foods. Persistent heartburn can under certain circumstances lead to damage to the mucous membranes of the esophagus.

Menstrual pain during early pregnancy can be relieved by taking painkillers (analgesics). However, pregnant women should be aware that even with painkillers approved for expectant mothers, damage to the fetus cannot be ruled out. For this reason, both the intake and the dosage of the analgesic used should be carefully considered.

For pain during early pregnancy, drugs containing the active ingredients ibuprofen or paracetamol are particularly suitable. Severe or recurrent complaints that occur during early pregnancy must be clarified by a doctor. In some cases (e.g. ectopic pregnancy), surgical treatment must be initiated immediately. Minor placental detachments are usually treated by strict bed rest.