Stomach cramps during pregnancy

introduction

There can be a multitude of causes for the occurrence of stomach cramps even during pregnancy.
Although most causes of stomach cramps are completely harmless, such complaints should always be taken seriously during pregnancy.

Even a normally uncomplicated gastrointestinal flu, which in addition to stomach cramps also leads to diarrhea and vomiting, can become problematic during pregnancy.

The reason for this is the fact that long-lasting diarrhea can dry out the body of the expectant mother much faster. As a result, the pregnant woman can experience a life-threatening circulatory collapse.

But even during pregnancy it can be assumed that stomach cramps are in most cases just a harmless side effect. Especially during early pregnancy, the change in hormonal balance can lead to the gastrointestinal tract being overly sensitive to various stimuli. Because of this, many women suffer during the first 12 to 13 weeks pregnancy with severe nausea and vomiting. In addition, constipation can occur in early pregnancy, Flatulence during pregnancy and a pronounced Bloating come. The occurrence of stomach cramps is not uncommon in this phase of pregnancy. In general it can be assumed that about every third woman in the Early pregnancy has had mild to moderate stomach cramps at least once. At the end of pregnancy, stomach cramps can also be caused by the adolescent child be evoked by themselves. Especially when the Organs of the upper abdomen are displaced by the adolescent, stomach cramps are often the result. In addition, it must be noted that the first contractions are sometimes noticeable as cramps in the stomach area. However, the origin and expression of the underlying circumstances can only be through one Specialist can be reliably clarified. For this reason, a woman who develops stomach cramps during pregnancy should urgently consult a doctor in a timely manner.

causes

Stomach cramps that occur during pregnancy can have different causes. Among the possible reasons for the development of stomach cramps during pregnancy, there must be between pregnancy-related and pregnancy independent Causes can be distinguished. However, only one can provide an exact diagnosis of the possibly underlying disease Specialist guarantee. For this reason, any woman who develops stomach cramps during pregnancy should see a doctor promptly.

Harmless stomach cramps

Most of the harmless stomach cramps that occur during pregnancy are directly related to changes in the female body. This form of stomach cramps during pregnancy can usually already be caused by a change in diet or a Change of position effectively alleviated. In most cases, the stomach cramps are due to extensive changes in the Hormonal balance. In particular, the hormone progesterone, which is increasingly released during pregnancy, has a decisive influence on the gastrointestinal tract. Progesterone, for example, causes the muscles of the digestive tract to relax. In the course of this, it can happen in the first few weeks of pregnancy (approx 12th or 13th week of pregnancy) get stomach cramps. However, these are completely harmless and can often be eliminated by taking small meals alleviate. In addition, especially in early pregnancy, the secretion of various enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract is inhibited. However, these same enzymes are for the problem-free Digestive process essential. For this reason, inhibiting the secretion of gastric and / or gallbladder enzymes during pregnancy can lead to a feeling of heaviness or fullness, stomach cramps, heartburn or flatulence. Hormone-related stomach cramps that occur during early pregnancy can usually be alleviated by adjusting your eating habits. Expectant mothers should always make sure to eat small meals. In addition, should easily digestible foods to be consumed. Another harmless reason for stomach pain to occur during pregnancy is the growth of the fetus and the accompanying expansion of the uterus. Stomach pain that is caused by this cause usually only lasts for a short time and typically disappears completely when you change position.

Serious stomach cramps

Although stomach cramps that occur during the pregnancy occur, in most cases completely harmless, there can also be serious causes for such complaints.

Especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, a specialist in gynecology (gynecologist) an appointment to determine the pregnancy must urgently be arranged.

With a positive pregnancy test (e.g. Clearblue®) it can be assumed that there is a fertilization of the Egg cell came to the place of Implantation However, this does not yet secure this egg cell.
Just with the help of one Ultrasound examination it can be determined with certainty whether the fertilized egg is in the uterus has nested (intrauterine pregnancy).

In these cases, a small Fruit cavity found in the uterus.
Until the location of the fetus stomach cramps may show signs of a so-called extrauterine pregnancy be.

This means that after fertilization, the egg cell is not in the uterus, but in the Fallopian tubes has nested (a so-called Ectopic pregnancy).
Affected women typically develop strong painwhich are often misinterpreted as simple stomach cramps.

The ectopic pregnancy is a serious clinical picture.
Depending on where exactly the egg cell is nested in the fallopian tube, it can develop during the growth of the fruit Rupture of the fallopian tube (Tubal rupture) come.

However, the risk that a fertilized egg will implant in the fallopian tube is only about 1-2%.
Nevertheless, in the event of unclear stomach cramps in early pregnancy, especially if the situation of the fetus has not yet been clarified by a doctor, a doctor should be consulted urgently.

In addition, stomach cramps can occur in pregnancy with a Inflammation of the uterus in association with.
The inflammatory processes can go up to the Ovaries rise and severe pain cause.
This cause of stomach cramps during pregnancy is also urgent in need of treatment.

Stomach cramps independent of pregnancy

It is often difficult to differentiate between pregnancy-related and pregnancy-independent stomach cramps on the basis of the accompanying symptoms alone. For this reason, in case of doubt, a doctor should always be consulted and a comprehensive diagnosis initiated. The most common causes of stomach cramps that have nothing to do with the present pregnancy include inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis, appendicitis), inflammatory processes in the area of ​​the gastric mucous membranes (gastritis), Liver disease and infectious gastrointestinal diseases. Infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract make themselves felt in most cases by stomach cramps, which are accompanied by nausea, flatulence and diarrhea.

Since persistent diarrhea during pregnancy can lead to dehydration much more quickly, a doctor should be consulted immediately and appropriate treatment initiated. Gastrointestinal infections that lead to nausea, flatulence and diarrhea require inpatient treatment, depending on the severity of the symptoms. This is especially necessary if the loss of fluids caused by the diarrhea cannot be adequately compensated for by the daily amount of drink. In such cases, nausea, gas, and diarrhea should be treated with venous fluid replacement.

Read more on the topic: Gastrointestinal diseases

diagnosis

The diagnosis of stomach cramps during pregnancy involves several steps. As a rule, the possible causes of the symptoms are first discussed in a detailed doctor-patient consultation (anamnese) limited. During this interview, you should describe your symptoms as precisely as possible. After the doctor-patient conversation, a blood sample is usually taken and sent for evaluation laboratory cleverly. Especially the Liver values and specific inflammation values ​​(white blood cells and the C-reactive protein) urgently need to be checked in case of stomach cramps during pregnancy. If an infectious gastrointestinal disease is suspected, a Blood culture be created. Afterwards, an ultrasound examination can help to narrow down the possible causes for the occurrence of stomach cramps.

Therapy - what to do with stomach cramps during pregnancy?

Treatment for stomach cramps that occur during pregnancy depends largely on the underlying cause. Because of this, many of the women affected wonder what they are until the doctor's visit can do against the discomfort.

In general, no Drug during pregnancy without prior consultation should be taken with a doctor. The reason for this is the fact that it has a harmful effect on the unborn child Although it is known for many drugs, there are no extensive studies for other drugs.
For this reason, damage can never be completely ruled out, even with apparently harmless drugs.

The pain reliever paracetamol is largely harmless. It can therefore be taken temporarily for mild stomach cramps during pregnancy.

However, since this drug does not provide sufficient help for many pregnant women, they wonder what else can be done about stomach cramps. In addition, herbs are the means of choice for treating stomach cramps during pregnancy.
Most of these herbs are said to be calming to you Gastric mucosa work and thus alleviate the symptoms.

Especially Camomile tea is one of the most popular remedies for stomach cramps during pregnancy. A cup of chamomile tea combined with a lukewarm one Hot water bottle is used, can usually lead to the symptoms being sufficiently alleviated.
Furthermore can Fennel tea, Mint tea or Nettle tea safe to drink.

When drinking herbal teas during pregnancy, however, it is important to ensure that their temperature is kept as low as possible. Hot drinks can be used during pregnancy too Circulatory problems to lead. In addition, changing your diet is something that can be done for stomach cramps during pregnancy. Affected women should do so on a regular basis small meals to take in. In addition, protein-rich, high fiber Food conducive. High fat or carbohydrate-containing Food, on the other hand, can actually make stomach cramps worse.

Medication

Medicines that are used for stomach cramps during pregnancy should always be given beforehand Gynecologist to be discussed. Quite a few drugs have been shown to have harmful effects on the unborn child. So-called proton pump inhibitors, such as pantoprazole and omeprazole, are considered to be the most effective drugs against stomach cramps. Still, the use of this medication should be during pregnancy only exceptions to be reserved. Both pantoprazole and omeprazole mediate their effectiveness by inhibiting the Acid production of the stomach. In this way, the stomach lining can be effectively protected and stomach cramps can be alleviated. So-called antacids (e.g. magaldrat) should always be preferred to proton pump inhibitors during pregnancy. Antacids have a comparatively weak effect, but the risk of harm to the unborn child is significantly lower. In addition, drugs from the group of can be used for stomach cramps during pregnancy Acid blockers (e.g. ranitidine) can be used.

magnesium

A pronounced lack of magnesium can cause stomach cramps during pregnancy. The reason for this is an uncontrolled one contraction of the Muscles of Gastrointestinal tract.

Also the appearance of excessive pain in the Lumbar spine may be related to magnesium deficiency during pregnancy.

For this reason, if you have stomach cramps during pregnancy, it is advisable to take a adequate intake of magnesium to think.
However, just like taking any medication, so should your magnesium intake Gynecologist to be discussed.

Labor pains

Especially for women in the first During pregnancy, it is difficult to identify the first light labor as such. The reason for this is the fact that the first contractions feel strange in many cases. Some expectant mothers speak of a slight pull in the lumbar spine area, while other women mistake the first labor for simple stomach cramps. The problem is further increased by the fact that the first contractions (so-called Exercise contractions) can occur as early as the 30th week of pregnancy. This form of labor is often confused with mild stomach cramps. The uterus prepares for the later birth with so-called practice pains. They can be differentiated from normal stomach cramps by having the Abdominal wall while the contraction grows hard. From around the 35th week of pregnancy, the first Labor pains deploy. With the help of this form of labor, the unborn child is pushed deeper into the pelvis. Lower labor pains occur at irregular intervals and can be misinterpreted as stomach cramps or severe pain in the lumbar spine. As soon as the first real contractions set in at the latest, however, these can be clearly distinguished from stomach cramps. If there are real contractions, the mother-to-be feels pulling painsthat throughout Abdomen occur. In some women, the pain radiates into the belly, the move and the thighs off. If this type of labor occurs at regular intervals and the contraction lasts between 30 and 60 seconds, the baby is about to be born.