 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pregnancy Pain, Pain during Pregnancy, Back Pain Pregnancy Written by: Nancy Wurtzel |
||
|
||
|
Experiencing pain during pregnancy can be alarming, but it does not necessary mean that something is wrong. Pain in the abdominal area is common, especially during early pregnancy as your body changes and adapts in preparation for the baby. Some pain will need medical attention though, so it is important you understand what is happening to your body, to identify when pain indicates that there may be a problem.
* Early pregnancy pains - when you first conceive, you may experience some pain as the fertilised eggs embeds into the uterus wall. It is also common to have some period type pains, when your next period would have been due.
* First trimester pains - a few months into the first trimester it is common for women to experience sharp, stabbing type pains in the groin are and also across to one side. It may come suddenly for no apparent reason, or occur when you get up or move around. This can be quite scary, but in most cases it is simply because the ligaments and muscles in the pelvic area are starting to loosen and thicken in preparation for the baby's growing weight and the actual birth. If this pain is predominately in one side, is constant and grows in intensity and is accompanied by heavy or dark vaginal bleeding then you will need to contact your doctor immediately as this could indicate an ectopic pregnancy or potential miscarriage.
* Digestive Pains - indigestion, constipation, trapped wind and bloating are common symptoms of pregnancy and can be quite painful. This is because as the baby grows it bears down on the rectum and digestive tract, and this combined with the additional pregnancy hormones slows down the movement of food through the body.
* Braxton-Hicks contractions - as pregnancy progresses the uterus can contract and tighten periodically, which is known as Braxton-Hicks contractions. These can be painful, but should only last for a few moments and can be triggered by either you or the baby moving around. If these mild contractions seem to be occurring very frequently and you are concerned you should seek further advise from your doctor.
* Severe abdominal pain - severe pain or cramps in the abdomen when you are pregnant is a cause for concern, especially if it is unrelenting, increases over time and is accompanied by any vaginal bleeding. As mention above pain located in one side plus dark coloured bleeding from the vagina can indicate ectopic pregnancy, which must be treated immediately to prevent any internal bleeding or shock.
* Infections - pain whilst urinating combined with fever/chills, pain in your lower back and blood in your urine can indicate urinary tract or kidney infection, which pregnant women are very vulnerable to.
* Pre-eclampsia - this condition occurs in later pregnancy and symptoms include pain in the upper abdomen, bad headaches, nausea, vomiting, and flashing lights or other vision problems. Women with high blood pressure are at risk from pre-eclampsia, and this should be treated immediately as it can be life threatening to both mother and baby.
* Pelvic joint pain - pains in this area are common in pregnancy but some women do get symphysis publis dysfunction (SPD), which occurs when too much of the hormone relaxin is released. This normally softens the joints and ligaments in preparation for birth, but in cases of (SPD) it causes ligaments to soften and stretch too much, resulting in a lot of pain and discomfort in the pelvic area and can also make giving birth more difficult. If you have SPD you will be referred to an obstetric physiotherapist who will help you manage the condition and prepare you for the birth. |
|
Thank you for visiting our site - we hope that you enjoy your stay and please tell your friends about us! |
|
|
