Dealing with Stomach Pain in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

 A woman’s body goes under several changes to make the baby accommodate into the uterus. It may lead to common symptoms such as stomach pain. Don’t panic if you face such symptoms; it is totally normal in this phase. You may seek many common reasons such as 3 weeks pregnant stomach cramps. But these symptoms for prolonged time prove to have some serious cause. It might indicate complications in pregnancy which need immediate medical attention. Read out further to check more details with stomach pain in pregnancy and when to consult a doctor.

Understanding Stomach Cramps During Pregnancy

Journey to motherhood is accompanied with lots of changes in the body. It comes with various symptoms including abdominal pain. 

• Uterine growth 

Uterus grows naturally with a trimester to accommodate growing fetus inside it. Therefore, uterine wall contracts which might lead to stomach cramps.

• Round ligament pain 

After the first trimester you might usually feel sharp pain on both sides of your stomach. The body part which hurts is called a round ligament. Round ligaments are actually the connective tissue present on both sides of the uterus. It is responsible for attaching the womb to the pelvis region. The round ligament spasm due to increase in weight of the baby inside the uterus which leads to pain in the stomach. The pain gets sharper or stabbed with moving. Also, it gets worse with the following situations.

• Sudden movements in body like standing or rolling on bed 
• Increase in abdominal pain due to pressure of coughing, sneezing or laughing on uterus 

But don’t worry it is not proven hazardous for baby and mother’s health. But seek immediate medical attention if pain persists for longer time.

• Braxton hicks contractions 

Braxton hicks contractions occur when the pregnancy hormones released in the body tighten up muscles of the womb. You should understand the difference between Braxton hicks and true contractions. True contractions last much longer and are proven painful as compared to Braxton hicks. The main cause for Braxton hicks comes from dehydration in the body. Therefore, you should drink enough water throughout the day to eliminate such issues. 

• Gas and constipation 

Progesterone increases in the body at time of pregnancy which leads to formation of gas in the body. This hormone makes your gastrointestinal tract work slowly which makes food travel slower. If you face such issues then prefer to drink more water, exercise a bit, consume fibre rich foods etc. Further you can use stool softeners which helps to combat gas and constipation issues. 

Stomach Cramps by Trimester

Lower stomach cramps could I be pregnant? In the journey of motherhood, you might face a different type of stomach cramp as the new trimester begins. Let’s discuss some common reasons for stomach cramp with each trimester. Explore the answer to what causes stomach cramps when pregnant? 

 First Trimester: Common causes of cramps, focusing on early pregnancy changes.

With onset of the first trimester you might feel stomach cramps in abdominal parts. This is the sign for the development of a baby in size inside the womb. Cramps occur as part of the expansion of the uterus. This leads to stretching of muscles and supporting ligaments of the uterine wall. Cramps during this phase are usually considered normal due to various causes. It mainly includes constipation, gas and bloating or sexual intercourse etc. 

 In special cases, the pregnancy due to IVF treatment leads to abdominal pain. It is due to the condition of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHS). The fertility drugs used in this treatment lead to over stimulation of ovaries which ultimately causes abdominal pain. This pain might persist for about a few weeks in the early pregnancy period. 

 Second Trimester: Shifts in the causes of cramps, including the growth of the baby and stretching of ligaments.

Second trimester means the baby has gained much of the weight and grown in size. Due to this, it needs expansion of the uterus according to the size of the baby. Cramps in stomach 5 weeks pregnant expectant mother might come due to round ligament pain. Uterus has the presence of two round ligaments that extend till the groin. These ligaments are responsible for giving support to the uterus for holding a baby. It might lead to sharp cramps in the abdomen. You might also experience the same in the groin or hip area due to the increase in weight of the baby. If you face the same pain it is considered totally normal during the second trimester. This pain will indeed not lead you to any kind of major complications. 

Third Trimester: Preparation for labor and other late-pregnancy concerns.

Third trimester is considered most important as well as painful due to labor pain, stomach pains and more. All of these are reasons for a baby's preparation for birth. During the third trimester you might experience pain in various body parts like stomach, back, hips etc. Stomach cramps at 16 weeks pregnant occurs as the mother’s body prepares for childbirth. As part of this, connective tissues in the uterus will start to loosen up resulting in a flexible path of the birth canal. You might experience lower back or hip pain due to stretching of connective tissue because of the weight of the fetus. But wait this is not only the reason for stomach pain, check out other possible causes also. 

• Gas and constipation 
•  Braxton hicks contractions 

When to Seek Medical Help

Clear guidelines on signs that indicate a need for medical consultation.

 Generally stomach cramps are considered normal in different trimesters. But if you experience following signs along with cramps then this indicates need for medical consultations. 

• Pain in lower abdomen with severe contractions 
•  Constant and severe pain that lasts for prolonged time
•  Vaginal cramping 
•  Bleeding
•  Discharge 
•  Gastrointestinal symptoms 
•  Dizziness 
•  Cramp accompanied with shoulder or neck pain 

Managing Stomach Cramps Safely During Pregnancy

Tips and safe practices for managing cramps, including diet, exercise, and relaxation techniques.

Overview of safe medications and other pain management options.

You need to follow the combination of strategies to alleviate the discomfort caused due to stomach cramp during pregnancy. Check out some tips and safe practices to manage stomach cramps while pregnant in the second trimester. 

• Take adequate rest 

Allow yourself to include relaxation activities which give relief mentally and physically. It is important for mothers-to-be to give rest to the body to alleviate issues of stomach cramps. 

• Stay hydrated 

Dehydration is considered one among the causes of worsening stomach cramps at 14 weeks pregnant. Hence, you need to fulfil daily requirements of water. 

• Gentle exercise 

Involve into gentle exercise like parental yoga or walking etc. These movements will help you to get relief from stomach cramps and also prove beneficial in circulation. 

• Proper nutritious diet 

Prefer to consume a nutritious diet rich in grains, vegetables, fruits etc. It will ensure the proper vitamins and minerals essential for the baby's growth. 

• Warm compress 

If you face a sudden stomach cramp then prefer to take a warm bath or warm compress. It will ease the stretching of muscle and give relief from cramps. 

• Supportive clothes 

Wear supportive, comfortable and loose clothes at stomach cramps 10 weeks pregnant. Especially wear loose clothes from your abdomen to reduce chances of stomach cramps. 

• Pelvic floor exercise 

Try out some tilts and Kegel exercises which help to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic area. It will help in reduction of stomach cramps due to loosening of the uterine wall. 

• Avoid standing for long period 

Standing for a longer time can strain your uterus muscles. Hence, avoid standing for prolonged periods. 

Conclusion

Each trimester journey comes with its own milestone and challenges in pregnancy. One such common symptom to expectant mothers is stomach cramps. But this is totally normal due to accommodating the baby into the uterus as it grows in size. In case of prolonged and sharp pain you can seek medical attention. Try out some tips and practices which can help to alleviate 15 weeks pregnant stomach cramps. 

FAQ Section

• What are safe pain relief options during pregnancy?

You need to exercise a bit, stay hydrated, follow a proper nutritious diet, prefer relaxation exercise and more. All of these are natural and safe pain relief options during pregnancy. 

• When should stomach cramps be a cause for concern?

When stomach pain persists for a longer time as well as  sharp pain with bleeding, vaginal cramping, dizziness etc are cause for concern. 

• Are stomach cramps normal at different stages of pregnancy?

Yes, stomach cramps are normal and different in severity with change in trimester. But you might need to seek medical attention if pain gets severe with other symptoms. 

• How can lifestyle changes alleviate stomach cramps?

Following a proper nutritious diet, staying hydrated, relaxation exercise, gentle exercise, warm compress etc changes in lifestyle can alleviate stomach cramps. 

• What are the signs that cramps are linked to something more serious?

Stomach cramp along with dizziness, bleeding, gastrointestinal pain, vaginal cramps, sharp and prolonged pain are linked to something serious.