Diagnostics
Since these are mostly harmless pregnancy disorders, occasional, mild abdominal and leg cramps, which are not accompanied by any other symptoms and become stronger with time, cannot be clarified with any major diagnostics. However, if the strength and frequency of the cramps raise doubts on the part of the doctor or patient, there are various examination methods available. In the case of frequently occurring cramps in the legs, the attending physician will, in addition to a detailed conversation, also carry out a physical examination in which the blood circulation and nerve reaction are specifically tested.
In addition, the electrolyte status can be assessed by means of a blood test (it is also possible to determine the muscle enzymes and thyroid hormones). In some cases, electromyography (EMG) and electroneurography (ENG) can also be used to measure muscle and nerve activity in the extremities. In the same way, ultrasound diagnostics of the blood vessels in the legs can also provide better information about the blood circulation situation.
In the case of cramps in the upper or lower abdomen, which are different from harmless pregnancy complaints, different examinations can also be performed – depending on the stage of pregnancy: in order to rule out a possible miscarriage or extrauterine pregnancy in the first third of the pregnancy, ultrasound of the abdomen is usually performed. This can confirm that the pregnancy is intact and correctly positioned and can exclude other causes, such as appendicitis, ureteral colic or gallbladder disease. In addition, a blood test based on the determination of inflammation parameters makes it possible to clarify inflammatory processes as the cause of abdominal cramps.
As a rule, the ultrasound and blood tests are always accompanied by a detailed gynecological and physical examination. If the abdominal cramps occur more frequently in the last third of the pregnancy, the possibility of a premature birth is always taken into account during the diagnostic process. Usually, this includes vaginal examination, ultrasound examination of the child in the womb and the vascular situation of uterus, child and placenta as well as cardiotocography. The latter is a procedure to record the child’s heartbeat and the activity of the contractions so that it can be determined whether the cramping discomfort in the abdomen is caused by premature labor.
