Do pregnant women often feel pain in the lower abdomen that spreads around the fold of the thighs, pelvis, or groin? Look at the possible causes.
Pregnant women do not need to panic too much because lower abdominal pain is a normal condition that is often experienced, especially in the second trimester of pregnancy. This pain can be felt on both sides of the stomach or only on one side, especially on the right side. In some pregnant women, this pain can be felt until the third trimester.
To maintain and maintain its position, the uterus is supported by connective tissue called ligaments. In pregnant women, an increase in the size of the uterus can make this ligament tighten, resulting in pain in the lower abdomen. This lower abdominal pain is more common in the first pregnancy.
Here are some causes that can trigger abdominal pain during pregnancy:
1. Implantation
During the first 2 to 6 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus implements itself in the womb. When this implantation occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, women will experience a little cramping or pain. You may feel as if you are cramping before menstruation, even though it is caused by fetal growth activity in the womb.
2. Hormonal changes
Pregnancy is also associated with hormonal changes. Some hormonal changes can trigger stomach cramps. This also occurs in the early stages of pregnancy.
3. Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy or also known as pregnancy outside the womb is an abnormal pregnancy that occurs outside the uterine cavity, where the fetus cannot survive and often does not develop at all.
4. Baby movement
After 5 to 6 months of pregnancy, the baby will begin to move. Babies can also move or even kick suddenly so that it can cause shock or cramps in the mother's stomach.
The pain that usually lasts for a few seconds will be felt even more if pregnant women make sudden movements, such as suddenly standing up, laughing, coughing, sneezing or rolling on the bed. Although it only lasts for a few seconds or minutes, lower abdominal pain will usually appear repeatedly.
Generally, lower abdominal pain can be hand-held alone at home. Try applying the steps below to reduce it:
In addition to doing yoga for pregnant women, pregnant women can also do light exercise, such as relaxing around the house. Also do stretches, for example, kneeling and bending for a few seconds or a few minutes.
But keep in mind, some sports movements can worsen lower abdominal pain. Therefore, consult with your doctor first to find out which movements are safe to do.
To relieve pain, pregnant women can put warm compresses on the lower part of the stomach. The trick is to attach a towel that has been dipped in warm water, to the part that feels painful.
Pregnant women can also compress the lower part of the stomach with plastic bottles filled with warm water and wrapped in cloth or towels. However, don't let the temperature get too hot, pregnant women, because they risk harming the fetus.
If necessary, consult your doctor to find out if pregnant women may take painkillers. Do not carelessly take drugs without a prescription, because drugs that are consumed by pregnant women can cause side effects on the fetus in the womb.
If the pain arises when the pregnant woman rolls to the side of the bed to wake up, try to move more slowly. Also, when you sneeze or cough, bend slightly to reduce the pull on the ligaments around the uterus.
But if the lower abdominal pain is felt very disturbing, does not improve within a few hours, or can not be handled alone, pregnant women are advised to immediately see a doctor. Especially if this pain is accompanied by:
Although pain can subside with self-management, pregnant women still need to see a doctor. It could be that doctors find that natural lower abdominal pain is a symptom of a more serious condition, such as ectopic pregnancy, hernia, placental disorders, appendicitis, or urinary tract infection.