Abdominal pains in early pregnancy. Pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilize an egg. During this stage, many changes occurs in the body of a pregnant woman. Among this is abdominal pain also known as uterine cramps or pains. Uterine pains are the most common signs to noticed when you are pregnant. It normally happens within 12weeks of implantation.

Uterine cramp is any feeling of mild twinges or pains in the uterus and it’s surroundings. During the early stages of pregnancy, you may experience mild twinges or cramping in your uterus. You may also notice pain and aching in one part of your body such as vagina, pelvic region, lower abdomen or back. These pain are similar to that of menstrual period cramps.

ABDOMINAL PAINS/UTERINE PAINS OR CRAMPS

Abdominal pains during early pregnancy may be caused by constipation and bloating (usually caused by excessive gas accumulation in the stomach), implantation, womb expanding and the stretching of the ligaments to make room for he baby. These are however the normal factors causing pain and cramps of the uterine. Read on to know other serious causes of pregnancy cramps.

HOW LONG SHOULD THIS CRAMPS LAST

Although, abdominal pains during early pregnancy can be normal, yet there are some signs you should take serious notice of and to know when to see a doctor.

Pains that are mild and goes away on its own will not need any medical attention unless they are associated with spotting or bleeding. In such case speak to your doctor and seek immediate medical care.

early pregnancy symptoms: abdominal pains

Seek for medical attention if you experience anything like sharp pain in your abdomen, faintness, nausea, high fever or cold and fatigue. Read on to know the various causes as well as remedies of uterine cramps

Causes of uterine/ abdominal pains in early pregnancy

  1. Stretching of the uterus

During few weeks into the pregnancy, you are likely to feel your uterus growing and stretching.  This may result in abdominal pains. They are very common in early pregnancy. Normally your uterus will start growing to about the size of your fist. Women pregnant with twins or multiple will have theirs developing earlier and sooner. Uterus stretching includes twinges or mild lower abdominal pain. Nothing to fear! This is just a clear sign to tell that things are normal with you and your baby. In cases of spotting or heavy bleeding as well as painful cramps please speak to your doctor.

abdominal pains in early pregnancy symptoms

2. Gas or bloating and constipation

Gas and constipation will cause discomfort in the stomach with or without pregnancy. In the first trimester, bloating and constipation are very common. This is as a result of increases level of hormones in the body during pregnancy. Increased hormonal levels can slow down digestion and relax muscles in the bowels resulting in uterine pressure.Symptoms may include hard and dry stool. Bloating and constipation is also nothing much to worry for. These are normal during the first trimester

 

Remedies for abdominal pains in early pregnancy

For bloating or gas remedies drink enough water usually 8-10cups a day depending on your body types and weight. Consult your doctor for the amount and quantity of liquid to be consumed daily

For constipation, eat more fruits and vegetables. Also include fiber rich meals into your diet. Speak to your doctor before using any laxative drug or syrup.

 

  1. Miscarriage

Miscarriage is the lost of pregnancy before 20weeks into the pregnancy or after implantation. Miscarriage can be as a result of an infection or other related health issues

Signs and symptoms

  •  Vagina spotting or heavy bleeding
  •  Uterus or pelvic pain
  •  lower back pain
  •  abdominal pain
  •  plegm-like vaginal discharge

 

Seek immediate medical help if you are experiencing these symptoms. In this case medication or surgery is needed to treat the mother since the pregnancy cannot be saved after miscarriage.In rare cases pregnant women even after experiencing spotting and bleeding, will survive he baby. This can be as a result of underlying health issue or the shedding of the uterus on make room for the fetus. In each case, seek medical attention.

 

  1. Ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg develops outside the uterus. This type of pregnancy usually occurs in the Fallopian tube. Symptoms includes;

  • sharp or chronic pain on one or both side of the uterus.
  •  vagina bleeding normally heavier or lighter than normal menstrual period
  •  weakness or dizziness and fainting
  •  fatigue
  •  gastrointestinal discomfort

 

Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that need serious and immediate attention. Speak to your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

How to lower or manage abdominal pain during early pregnancy

Uterine pain treatment and management depends on your symptoms. For mild pains that goes on it own within short period is nothing to bother about.

  • eat healthy and avoid sugary foods. Consuming sugary foods during periods f uterine cramps will only worsen it. As it will cause your uterus to stretch and expand resulting in more pain and discomfort.
  • Drink and bath warm water. Drink and bathing arm water(not hot water) can help circulate blood into the abdominal region f your body. This can help reduce any pain or inflammation
  •  get enough rest and avoid stress
  •  eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that have noninflammatory  and can help lower pain within your abdomen
  • massage within the pelvic and back of your lower abdomen with your hand can help lower the pain.
  • seek medical help. Your doctor will be able to recommend other forms of treatment to keep you and your baby safe.

Always report to your doctor whenever you’re pregnant and discuss any possible symptoms and signs. Some symptoms might require for an ultrasound.

When to seek for help

Seek for medical help if you are experiencing symptoms like;

  • Sharp or chronic abdominal or uterine pain
  • vaginal bleeding
  • dizziness
  • high fever and chills

If the pain goes away on its own, it’s obviously nothing to worry much about, but you still need to communicate it to your doctor. In fact any mild abdominal and uterine pain during early pregnancy should be communicated to your doctor.

Also speak to your doctor or seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing uterine cramps along with bleeding and spotting since these symptoms an be a miscarriage.

Notice/Important

Severe and mild uterine cramps during early pregnancy does not necessarily means something s wrong with you or your pregnancy, however if these pains comes with spotting and bleeding then you need medical attention. Speak to your doctor.

DISCLAIMER

Information provided here is for educational purposes only and must not be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment. Monuji does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.