Dealing With Pregnancy CrampingPregnancy cramping during the first trimester can be common in most pregnant women and there is no cause to worry. But severe cramping can be worrying and you may need to consult a gynecologist.
What is pregnancy cramping? Pregnancy cramps are similar to the cramps that some women have during their regular periods, although these cramps may not be as painful. They occur when the ligaments stretch as the uterus grows in size. The uterus is essentially a muscle that will stretch and expand to give room for the baby. The pain is more like a mild tugging sensation and not like the stabbing pain during menstrual periods. The stomach pain may be accompanied with mild spotting or bleeding. There is generally no reason to worry in these cases.
When is it a reason for concern?If the pregnancy cramping becomes severe and lasts for more than 24 hours, you may have to contact your care provider. The reasons that may require medical can include miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. However, do keep in mind that there are instances when pain and bleeding during pregnancy do not signal miscarriage. But if the symptoms are persistent, you may need to call the GP or care provider. Here are some symptoms that can be a cause for concern:
• If there is tenderness in the lower part of the belly along with the cramps.
• If there heavy bleeding like during your regular period.
• If there is spotting on and off, or continuously with the cramps, or before the cramps began.
• If the pain is present for more than 24 hours and it is severe with every movement you make.
• If the pain is on one side it could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy and needs immediate medical attention as there is a danger of the fallopian tube rupturing and causing internal bleeding.
• If you feel very dizzy and pink clots or grey tissue is discharged.
In case you are unsure about the symptoms, contact your doctor or midwife immediately and carry their emergency numbers so that you can seek their help even if a doctor is not readily available.
How to Obtain Relief
In case of
general pregnancy cramping you can have a hot bath to relax the muscles. Be careful not to make the water too hot. You may try a hot compress with a washcloth dipped in hot water and the water squeezed out. You can use an electric heating pad or a disposable heating pad. Eat more of potassium rich foods like bananas and also calcium rich foods like fish, salmon, or sardines, almonds, dairy products, and green leafy vegetables. Try to avoid carbonated drinks and processed foods.
Submitted by P T on July 21, 2010 at 06:14
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