Cramps, aches and discomfort around the tummy region are a normal part of pregnancy. There is lot of pressure on the muscles of pelvic area, the ligaments and veins inside the woman’s body when she is carrying a baby. Due to this strain, one often experiences tummy cramps, which is considered a normal pregnancy symptom. Much of the discomfort is reduced by the women by resting, relaxing or changing sleeping and sitting position. Unless these cramps are severe or unusual, there is no need to consult the doctor.
Tummy cramps: how far are they normal?
Occasional cramping due to stretching of muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus is normal. The pain can be dull or sharp. Whenever you get up after sitting for a long time, sneeze, cough or move quickly all of a sudden, the pain may become noticeable. Cramps can also be an indication of what you are eating. Overeating or consuming the wrong food can make the cramps more painful, and constipation further worsens the situation.
Exercising can also put stress on the muscles andcause cramping. When you feel cramped due to exercising, stop immediately and take some rest. It is a body’s indication to stop putting pressure on the already strained ligaments.
During early labour, stomach cramps only indicate stretching of uterus to accommodate the growing baby. They are no reason to worry.
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Complications:
If one is experiencing cramps with severe sharp pain, fever, chills, spotting or vaginal discharge, it can be a cause of concern. If the cramps do not go away even after resting for some time, the doctor must be consulted immediately as it may point to one of the following situations:
Early miscarriage:
A majority of miscarriage cases are during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Severe cramping, accompanied with bleeding is a sign of trouble. Cramps and pain in the centre of lower abdomen must not be ignored. Also, remember that miscarriage has nothing to do with the mother in most cases. There is no need to blame the mother for the same.
Mother’s injury or illness may trigger a late miscarriage. Around the 4th month of pregnancy, sudden pain and cramps due to some reasons may indicate a late miscarriage. Seek the doctor’s help urgently.
Ectopic pregnancy:
This is a situation when the fertilized egg locates itself somewhere not within the uterus but outside the uterus. This will show a positive on the pregnancy test but as the baby starts to grow, the foetus will not be able to survive outside the uterus. Abdominal cramps accompanied with spotting may possible point to an ectopic pregnancy. The egg is implanted in ovaries, fallopian tubes or in the cervix. One can experience cramping with tenderness during the first trimester in such case.
Preterm labour:
If baby decides to enter the world even before it is fully developed to survive, such a situation is called premature labour. This occurs during late pregnancy and normally the baby announces its arrival with a number of signs, cramping being one of them. The mother will experience dull backache, tummy cramps, water breaking and sometimes, more vaginal discharge than the normal amount.
If one experiences severe cramps, the doctor must be consulted immediately. It is often hard to differentiate between a normal pregnancy symptom and a sign of danger; hence it is advised to take guidance of the doctor in any such case.
Cramping may indicate normal stretching, Braxton Hicks contractions and just before labour too. It is normal to experience cramping even after delivery, when the uterus starts coming back to its normal sizeStomach cramps.
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