It is necessary to be able to detect between sharp pains during pregnancy that occur due to possible complication and normal pregnancy discomforts pains. During pregnancy, your body would undergo changes as it adapts to the growing life inside of you. You will also add weight and your body will grow to accommodate your new baby. While this is necessary and natural, it could cause some pains and discomfort. More information of what sharp pains indicate during pregnancy include the following:
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF SHARP PAINS DURING PREGNANCY:
One of the most common sharp pains that women report is a penetrating pain in and around the uterus, stomach, or groin area. While this can be uncomfortable, it can be explained by normal changes that occur during pregnancy in many cases.
SOME COMMON CAUSES INCLUDE:
- Cramping: You could experience sharp pain due to the cramping that occurs from the uterus. Cramping often results from normal changes which occur during your baby’s development during the first trimester. In most cases, cramping is a normal part of pregnancy, but there are some instances it could be a cause for concern.
- GAS AND BLOATING: One of the major reasons you could fart more while you are pregnant is due to the increased levels of progesterone hormone. This hormone causes the muscles throughout your body to relax. Your intestinal muscle subsequently relaxes more, which causes digestion to slow down. This allows for gas to build up easier and creates belching, bloating and flatulence. Gas during pregnancy could also increase later in pregnancy when the expanding uterus places pressure on the cavity of the abdomen.
- CONSTIPATION: Constipation occurs when there is infrequent bowel movements, abdominal pain/discomfort and the passage of hard stools. In pregnant women, constipation is believed to occur due to hormones that relax the intestinal muscle and by the pressure of the expanding uterus on the intestines. Relaxation of the intestinal muscles causes waste and food to move slower through your body system.
- ROUND LIGAMENT PAIN: This pain can occur during the second trimester and it can cause a sharp pain in the abdomen on either or both sides. Round ligament pain is caused by the stretching of the ligament which supports the uterus as the uterus grows.
If the sharp pain you are experiencing is localized on one side, it could indicate an ectopic pregnancy. This kind of pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself in a place other than the uterus. Most cases of ectopic pregnancy occur in the Fallopian tube and are therefore sometimes referred to as tubal pregnancies. The Fallopian tubes are not designed to hold a growing embryo and so, the fertilized egg in a tubal pregnancy cannot develop properly and must be treated. This is a serious condition and it requires urgent medical attention.
A pending miscarriage could also result in a sharp pain from cramping. This could be a cause for concern for expecting mothers who want to know the difference between normal cramping associated with the expanding uterus and the cramping resulting from the miscarriage. You should discuss with your Doctor to discuss the symptoms you are experiencing.
SYMPTOMS OF SHARP PAIN DURING PREGNANCY
Even if sharp pains during pregnancy occur as a result of normal pregnancy, there are still there are still some warning signs you should watch out for incase the sharp pain is due to a complication. You should watch out for the following:
- If the pain is accompanied with fever, chills, heavy bleeding/blood flow or change in vaginal discharge.
- If the sharp pain continues after adjusting or resting (round ligament pain should not last more than few minutes).
- If the pain makes it difficult to walk, breathe and speak.
HOW CAN SHARP PAINS DURNG PREGNANCY BE MANAGED?
The right treatment depends on the underlying cause of the problem. These are some possible solutions that can help you alleviate the pains:
- Changes positions frequently
- Get plenty of rest to reduce muscle fatigue
- Gently massage the affected area or surrounding gently
- Using over the counter pain relievers under the supervision of your Doctor
- Remaining hydrated and eating more fiber to prevent constipation
- Safe pregnancy stretches.
In conclusion, for most women, sharp pain during pregnancy are temporary discomfort which come and go. The pain may change as the pregnancy progresses. It could get better in some women while some women may notice an improvement in the second trimester and then increased pain as the uterus expands in the third trimester.
When sharp pains during pregnancy become more intense or occur alongside other symptoms, it is very important you see your Doctor to make sure everything is fine.
You should also make sure you take your daily dose of Evergreen natal care. It contains the essential nutrients in the right formulation to maintain a safe and healthy pregnancy
