Intestinal cramps during pregnancy | Bowel cramps

Intestinal cramps during pregnancy

Intestinal cramps occur significantly more frequently in pregnant women than in the general population. In most cases they are harmless and do not require any therapy. They are caused, among other things, by the pregnancy-related hormonal changes which can lead to a relaxation of the intestinal muscles, thus to an expansion of the intestine and consequently to intestinal cramps.

The stretching of muscles and ligaments in the abdominal cavity and the increased pressure due to the constantly growing child can also manifest themselves as intestinal cramps. These pains can usually be prevented well by drinking large quantities of water, eating high-fibre food and doing sport. During pain attacks, relaxation, rest and the application of heat to the abdomen, for example with a warming pad, can be beneficial.

If other symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea or vomiting occur in addition to intestinal cramps, this is a sign that a disease of the gastrointestinal tract is present. As with non-pregnant women, a whole range of diseases can be the cause of the symptoms. In rare cases, abdominal cramps together with vaginal bleeding occur before the end of pregnancy. This can indicate premature birth.

Intestinal cramps after hysterectomy

Removal of the uterus is necessary in women, for example, in connection with problems during childbirth, tumours or chronic lower abdominal pain. The operation causes wounds in the abdomen, which in some women cause cramp-like pain. Short-term, weak intestinal cramps are usually harmless as long as no other symptoms occur.

In addition to the female reproductive organs, the bladder and intestines are also irritated by the operation. This can also lead to temporary intestinal cramps. The frequency with which bowel cramps and other complications occur after a hysterectomy depends, among other things, on the surgical method.

If the uterus was removed vaginally, abdominal discomfort is less frequent. If radiation therapy was performed before or after uterus removal due to a tumour condition, radiation may be the cause of the cramps. In this case the symptoms are short-lived and should disappear completely after a few days.

If the symptoms occur repeatedly weeks or months after the operation, they require a quick clarification. They can be caused by various diseases of the remaining sexual organs and the gastrointestinal tract. In some patients, for example, adhesions within the abdominal cavity develop due to the irritation during the operation. Such adhesions usually cause no symptoms, but can also cause pain and intestinal cramps.

Bowel cramps and diarrhoea

Bowel cramps, diarrhoea and fever can occur together in various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the digestive organs. One of the most frequently occurring clinical pictures is gastrointestinal infection. Depending on the pathogen and previous illnesses of the person affected, such an infection can be harmless or cause severe symptoms.

For the majority of those affected, it is caused by viruses, is accompanied by diarrhoea and vomiting for 2-5 days and then heals without consequences. In more severe cases, prolonged diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, fever, mucous stool or blood in the stool may be added. Due to the combination of diarrhoea, vomiting and fever, the body loses a lot of fluid and can dry out.

This can lead to circulatory problems and may be life-threatening. In the case of severe intestinal cramps in combination with diarrhoea, high fever and vomiting, medical help should therefore be sought early on. In severe cases, hospitalization is often unavoidable.

In practice, affected patients – especially if there are accompanying symptoms such as mucus in the stool or fever – are usually asked to give a stool sample. This is examined for various pathogens. If bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella or Campylobacter are responsible for the gastrointestinal infection, the disease can be treated with antibiotics.

One indication that bacteria are causing the symptoms is the accumulation of mucus in the stool. If viruses are the cause, antibiotics will not work. Regardless of the pathogen, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a light diet if the symptoms persist.

These include boiled carrots, potatoes, lye pastries and tea. Very sweet, sour, salty and spicy foods should be avoided. In addition to the gastrointestinal infection, intestinal cramps can occur together with diarrhoea, fever, nausea and mucus in the stool in the case of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

These are diseases in which, due to various factors, the immune system in the gastrointestinal tract overreacts and repeatedly triggers inflammation. They occur in relapses in the majority of those affected: Complaints occur in phases over a period of years, in between patients are free of symptoms. Which symptoms occur and how severe they are depends largely on the severity of the episodes.

The most important diseases from this group are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They mostly occur in young people and can cause lasting damage to health without appropriate therapy. For this reason, people who repeatedly experience phases of intestinal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, fever or mucous stools over a period of several months are strongly recommended to consult a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. and chronic inflammatory intestinal diseases