Treatment And Home Remedies
The risk of missing a serious problem far outweighs any benefits of trying home remedies. If the cause of the problem is unclear, call a doctor or midwife first.
If they feel that the pain is not dangerous or does not need medical treatment, some home remedies that may help ease upper abdomen pain during pregnancy include:
- stretching to ease muscle pain and tension
- eating fewer acidic foods
Go to the emergency room or immediately call a medical professional for:
- intense upper abdominal pain, especially if it is on the right side or if the pain is unbearable
- abdominal pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding
- contractions that come at regular intervals
- abdominal pain and a fever
- symptoms of high blood pressure, such as dizziness, difficulty breathing, a bad headache, or intense fatigue
- itching, yellowing skin or eyes, or vomiting
Most causes of stomach or abdominal pain in the third trimester are not fully preventable. As the fetus grows, the organs must shift. This can cause some aches and pains.
For some women, hormonal shifts trigger serious complications, such as IHP.
The best strategy to prevent serious pregnancy complications is to get regular prenatal care. Talk to a provider about any concerns, and ask about lifestyle strategies to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
For most women, eating a healthful and balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and devising healthful strategies for managing stress can all help with the aches and pains of pregnancy.
The Hunchback In Women Not Only Caused By Osteoporosis But By Obesity
Above we discussed a research study that suggested that the problem of big belly and back pain was more frequent in women. We are going to look at another study that helps explain why. Breast size and a big belly are not a good combination for women fearful of hunchback.
Here is a study, reported in March 2020 in the Journal of Sport and Health Science. Look at all the things that happen to obese women and the factors that can lead to the hunchback formation. Yes, it is all about obesity. Here are the learning points of this study:
This study investigated the effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity participation in women living independently in the community.
Learning points:
Breast size:
- Consistent with previous research participants classified as obese in the present study displayed breast volumes, on average, that was 3 times that of the breast volumes displayed by women who were classified as Not Overweight.
- One study reports that breast volume was the strongest predictor of upper torso musculoskeletal pain in a large group of women, whereby women with the greatest upper torso musculoskeletal pain had hypertrophic breasts.
- Because of breast size in obese women, it is therefore not surprising that the participants classified as obese reported experiencing 1.7 times more upper torso musculoskeletal pain than their counterparts who were classified as Not Overweight.
What Kind Of Stomach Pains Are Early Signs Of Pregnancy
Many women will notice that they feel uterine cramping as an early sign and symptom pregnancy. You could even feel period like cramps or even pain on one side. The most common reason for this kind of cramp is that your uterus is growing. This is normal pain and should be expected in a healthy pregnancy.
Recommended Reading: Side Effects Of Donating Plasma While Pregnant
There Are A Few Things You Can Do To Minimize Pregnancy Pains
Even if you havent experienced major pregnancy pain yet, prioritizing your health and well-being can go a long way toward helping you minimize the aches and pains you might encounter. Dr. Jones recommends staying hydrated and eating a well-balanced diet to support your overall health during pregnancy. Additionally, a little exercise can help with minor abdominal pains from constipation and gas, along with benefitting your mood and possibly even leading to better overall pregnancy outcomes like postpartum recovery time, the ACOG explains.
If you are dealing with major abdominal pain during pregnancy, it can be hard to figure out how best to minimize it because there are so many potential causes. What is clear is that you should talk to your doctor about any discomfort you have before setting out to treat it yourself, especially if your self-treatment plans include over-the-counter medications. More importantly, its difficult to determine serious symptoms from minor signsand time is a factor when it comes to more serious conditions like preeclampsia and preterm labor. Early detection is also key. If you arent feeling quite right and symptoms seem to be getting progressively worse, notify your doctor straight away, Dr. Jones says.
Related:
Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy: Common Causes And When To Call The Doctor
Learn the causes of abdominal pain in pregnancy, and find out whether your symptoms are normal or require immediate attention from your healthcare provider.
Some abdominal pain during pregnancy is normal. After all, your organs are constantly shifting, your uterus is expanding, and your ligaments are stretchingall of which can cause benign aches and pains. On rare occasions, though, abdominal pain can signal something serious. Consult our guide to learn more about the causes of upper and lower abdominal pain during pregnancy, and find out when to call the doctor.
Also Check: Lasik While Pregnant
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Is Characterized By Higher Than Normal Testosterone Levels
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal disorder that affects many people with ovaries. Saeed said people with PCOS can have higher than normal testosterone levels and subsequently gain weight.
It is thought these high levels of testosterone might cause this typical male pattern of weight gain, he explained. He recommended speaking with your doctor if you suspect you have this condition.
My Child Hates Their Playpen What Do I Do
Am I pregnant?
One of the special things about pregnancy is that no two women experience it in the same way. One woman doesn’t stop vomiting for weeks in the first trimester, and another might never even feel nauseous .
There are several early signs of pregnancy. Some of them are subtle, and you may not notice them right away, or you may mistake them for PMS since they are similar. In fact, in one study, 29% of women reported that missing their period was their first clue that they were pregnant.2
You’ll probably want to know if you’re pregnant sooner rather than later since it’s important to receive appropriate prenatal care and discontinue any unhealthy habits you may have.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, and if you’ve missed a period, you should definitely take a pregnancy test. It’s the only way to know for sure if you’re pregnant or not.
Don’t Miss: Can You Take A Tums While Pregnant
What Are Sharp Stomach Pains During Pregnancy
It can be difficult and stressful for pregnant women to tell the difference between normal pregnancy pains and signs that something is wrong. As your body adjusts to accommodate the fetus, some discomfort or pain is natural.
While some abdominal pain can be normal, it can sometimes be a symptom of pregnancy complications. If youre experiencing unfamiliar, sharp abdominal pain, contact your doctor who can help you tell the difference. During routine check-ups, you also should update your healthcare provider on any pains youre experiencing.
Remember: Take A Test
The most important thing you can do if you feel you may be pregnant is take a pregnancy test. These are inexpensive and widely available. You can even find them sometimes at the dollar stores! There are also community resources available such as Planned Parenthood, where you can get a test for free if you cannot afford to pay.
If you are too shy to buy one yourself, ask a friend to pick one up for you. You can even buy them on Amazon. For your health and your baby’s health, it’s best to know as soon as you can if you are indeed pregnant. Buck up and get one!
When taken properly, home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate. Though some say you can take them up for five days before your missed period, the earlier you test, the more likely you are to get a false negative. If the test is negative and your period still doesnt come, try again.
Recommended Reading: Spider Tape Pregnancy
When To Call The Doctor
Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you feel like something’s not quite right. “If you have anything that you’re concerned about, you should contact your OB-GYN or be seen,” says Rebecca Shiffman, M.D., director of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Lincoln Hospital in Bronx, New York. “That’s what we’re here forto provide answers to pregnant women and to provide whatever care they need.” Always call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms:
- Abdominal pain with or without bleeding before 12 weeks
- Bleeding or strong cramping
- More than four contractions in an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal pain
Harmless Causes Of Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy
From constipation to round ligament pain, here are some common culprits that cause harmless abdominal discomfort during pregnancy. Keep in mind that if the pain you’re experiencing continuesor if you have worrisome symptoms such as bleeding or strong crampingyou should check in with your OB-GYN right away.
Don’t Miss: Can You Donate Plasma If Your Pregnant
These Are The Causes Of Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy
Most women experience abdominal pain during pregnancy. This is completely normal and usually doesnt mean anything bad. The many changes in the body are to blame.
Slightly pulling abdominal pain is often caused by the ligaments of the mother during pregnancy. These are flexible muscle fibers that stabilize the uterus. As the baby grows, the ligaments stretch and cause problems, especially towards the end of pregnancy.
Another cause of abdominal pain during pregnancy is constipation, which many expectant mothers struggle with. At the beginning of pregnancy, the body produces large amounts of the hormone progesterone, which, among other things, slows down bowel movements.Read More: Constipation In Pregnancy
Video tip: Midwifery tips on hemorrhoids during pregnancy
Your browser cannot play this video.
Video by Aischa Butt
However, in addition to these harmless causes of abdominal pain in pregnancy, there are also a few that can indicate a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or a ruptured uterus. Therefore, always take complaints seriously and see your doctor if you have severe, sudden abdominal pain.
Is It Normal To Have Spotting And Cramps During Pregnancy
If you begin to see spotting or bleeding along with your cramps, it could be a sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. With a normal pregnancy, your ovary releases an egg into the fallopian
Stomach pain in early pregnancy can be worrying, especially if its your first pregnancy and youre not familiar with the physical sensations. While cramping during early pregnancy is usually normal, its still good to pay attention to your pregnancy pains.
One other reason you could have stomach pain, though rare, is an ovarian cyst. An ovarian cyst is not very common in pregnancy with only 1 in 1000 pregnant women having a cyst. During pregnancy, a cyst could rupture or forcefully twist your ovaries making you feel stomach pain. 4. You have an ectopic pregnancy
You May Like: Can I Use Vagisil Cream While Pregnant
Is It Normal For Your Stomach To Hurt During Pregnancy
Reasons for Stomach Pain in Pregnant Women All women experience abdominal discomfort during pregnancy, and it is normal. A primary reason for stomach or abdominal pain in pregnant women is the growing size of the uterus, which grows as the baby grows. Lower abdominal pain is experienced regularly because of the stretching of the uterus.
Case & Commentarypart 1
A 34-year-old woman who was 14 weeks pregnant presented to the emergency department with 5 days of nonspecific abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. On examination, she appeared well with normal vital signs and had some mild diffuse abdominal tenderness. Her white blood cell count was 19,000 cells/L, and a urinalysis was positive for nitrates and leukocyte esterase . She was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and was discharged on antibiotic therapy. No imaging was performed at this initial visit.
The patient returned the following day with unchanged abdominal pain and more nausea and vomiting. A fetal ultrasound was performed and found normal fetal heart activity. No further testing was done, and she was discharged home with instructions to continue the antibiotics.
Abdominal pain remains the most common reason for emergency department visits, comprising more than 11% of all visits in 2008. In 2011, 54% of patients that presented to the ED were female, more than 25% were of childbearing age, and the pregnancy rate in the United States is approximately 10% at any given time. For these reasons, clinicians that evaluate patients with abdominal pain in the ED should be familiar with common causes of abdominal pain in pregnant women and appreciate when nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is abnormal.
Read Also: Vagisil Safe For Pregnancy
Fat Increases Inflammation In A Number Of Ways:
1. A Slower Release of Adiponectin2. An Increase in Adipose Tissue Hypoxia 3. Decreased Release of Leptin
Inflammation is stimulated when oxygen struggles to reach cells, and this happens to the fat cells when they are enlarged. When you put on weight, this causes your fat cells to become bigger, and as those cells transition from lean cells to the obese stages, there is less room for the oxygen . This specific process is strongly tied to metabolic irregularities.
In their normal healthy state, the bodily tissues will use oxygen to burn off any excess fat. Some essential immune cells actually depend on oxygen for their normal functioning energy. Other cells, which are the type you see in a person that is obese, such as inflamed immune cells, insulin resistant or metabolically challenged cell do not need oxygen for energy.
There is so much research that confirms the unforgiving effects that sustained belly fat can have on your body. Having an apple shaped body is also strongly linked with having inflammatory diseases. On the contrary, those with a pear shaped body who tend to store their fat on their hips have a lower risk of diabetes and heart disease in general. This is why some Doctors will measure out the circumference of a persons body in order to ascertain any people who may have an elevated risk of these issues.
Custom plan for $2/day
Most People Do Not Think Their Big Belly Is The Problem
People do recognize weight is a problem and want help in losing the big belly in agricultural/rural communities
- In the Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice neurosurgeons at West Virginia University noted: The relationship between back pain and obesity is well characterized therefore, the neurosurgical consultant visit for back pain may be a key interventional opportunity for weight loss. . . Incorporation of patient education regarding the relationship of weight loss to back pain and other weight-related comorbidities is well received in a rural specialist consultation setting. Improved communication with primary care physicians regarding this message and further supportive actions may improve follow-through, and therefore the success of ultimate weight-loss interventions.
And so and so on, numerous studies on mechanical load as the cause of back pain in obese people.
You May Like: Can Pregnant Take Tums
Stomach Pain In Pregnancy
Stomach pains or cramps are common in pregnancy. They’re usually nothing to worry about, but they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious that needs to be checked.
It’s probably nothing to worry about if the pain is mild and goes away when you change position, have a rest, do a poo or pass wind. But if you have stomach pains and are worried, call your midwife or maternity hospital.
Harmless stomach pains, which can be dull or sharp, may be caused by:
- ligament pain this can feel like a sharp cramp on one side of your lower tummy
- constipation which is common in pregnancy
- trapped wind
Does Your Stomach Hurt With Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is characterized by nausea, sometimes vomiting, loss of appetite and increased sensitivity towards the smell of food. It is a natural sign of pregnancy. It appears in the early stages of pregnancy in the first trimester. It usually occurs in the sixth week of pregnancy and ends in 12-15 weeks at the start of the second trimester. Stomach pain is uncommon during pregnancy. It is usually not related to morning sickness. Stomach pain can be a sign of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption or other problems that can be serious for pregnancy.
Read Also: Donate Plasma While Pregnant
Swelling In The Feet And Legs During Pregnancy
Pressure from your growing uterus on the blood vessels carrying blood from the lower body causes fluid buildup. The result is swelling in the legs and feet.
Additional weight during pregnancy can also make your feet bigger. Plus, pregnancy hormones loosen your ligaments and muscles so your pelvic joints open up to get ready for childbirth. This affects your whole body, even your feet. Call your doctor if any swelling is more than mild or if it suddenly gets worse.
Recommendations:
- Try not to stay on your feet for long periods of time. Avoid standing in one place.
- Drink plenty of fluids .
- Avoid foods high in salt .
- Elevate your legs and feet while sitting. Avoid crossing your legs.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing tight clothing can slow circulation and increase fluid retention.
- Soak your feet in cool water.
- Keep moving. Exercise your legs to keep fluid from building up.
- Don’t wear tight shoes choose supportive shoes with low, wide heels.
- Keep your diet rich in protein too little protein can cause fluid retention.
- Notify your health care provider if your hands or face swell. This may be a warning sign of preeclampsia.
- Rest on your side during the day to help increase blood flow to your kidneys.
Continued
