Back Pain Is Not Accompanied By Abdominal Tightness
When youre in labor, the uterus is contracting. Though you may feel it in your back, the contractions wrap around from the front. If you are experiencing contractions and back labor, you may notice your belly tightening at regular intervals along with your back pain.
Regular back pain is not accompanied by abdominal tightness.
While these tips may help you distinguish between regular back pain and early labor signs, be advised that once labor progresses, if you experience true back labor it may feel very different. During your period of hard labor as opposed to early labor back pain may not let up like regular contractions, and you may feel a constant pain if you are experiencing back labor .
Keep This Statistic In Mind
What About Collagen Powder Is That Safe To Use During Pregnancy
Again, most likely, yes. But wait for it you should always consult your doctor or midwife before starting any new supplement. Unfortunately, because of ethical reasons, the research on the effects of collagen peptides on pregnant women is very limited. That said, collagen peptides are a pretty simple food source as supplements go. As we talked about above, in original form, they are animal parts. Whats important is where those animals came from and what else, if anything, has been added to the product.
First And Foremost: See Your Dentist
If you have tooth pain that doesnt go away, dont suffer silently. See your dentist right away, and dont forget to mention that youre pregnant. If you dont already have a dentist, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area.
Its safe to have dental X-rays and certain dental procedures during pregnancy. But depending on how far along you are, your dentist may recommend delaying some treatments until at least the second trimester.
This might happen if you need a filling or a root canal, which require local or general anesthesia and may increase miscarriage risk in the first trimester.
But since your babys vital organs are developed by the second trimester, theres a lower risk of side effects when dentists delay certain procedures, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Causes Of Back Pain In Pregnancy
There are several physiologic changes that occur in a pregnant body that can explain the increased chance of developing back pain. The most notable is the weight gain that occurs during pregnancy which is typically 25-35 pounds, with at least half of that weight gain occurring in the abdominal region. The weight change also shifts the posture of the spine and changes your body’s center of gravity.
The second major change that occurs is hormonal. These hormone levels that are raised increase the laxity of joints and ligaments in the body. One of these important hormones, called relaxin, has been shown to correlate with symptoms of back pain. Studies have found that women with the highest levels of relaxin often have the most significant back pain.
Pain Medications And The Fetus
Besides miscarriages, taking pain meds in pregnancy can also lead to a host of complications and deformities in the unborn fetus. According to research conducted by the University of Edinburgh, painkillers can cause future infertility in unborn fetuses. It showed that non-opioid pain medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen reduced the number of egg-producing cells in the fetal ovaries. It also showed that painkillers reduce the number of cells that later give rise to both sperm and ovaries in the unborn child. Another study led by the Center for Disease Control suggests that the use of pain meds during pregnancy can cause the following congenital deformities:
- Congenital heart defects
- Reduction in the quantity of amniotic fluid in the uterus
The likelihood of the fetus developing these deformities increases with the use of painkillers during pregnancy. Thats why women always have to ask their physicians about what pain medication is safe when pregnant before taking any.
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What Can I Do To Prevent Migraines
One of the best ways to prevent migraines is to recognize what triggers an attack and trying to avoid them. For example, stress, eating certain foods or lack of sleep may bring on an attack.
Avoiding your triggers can be difficult when youre pregnant. For example, if you have morning sickness you may not feel like eating or drinking much. This can cause low blood sugar or dehydration, so its important to try and find ways to cope.
Getting enough sleep may also be difficult during pregnancy. Try our tips for a better nights sleep.
You should also try to
- rest and relax as much as possible. You could try things like mindfulness or yoga.
Treatment Options During Pregnancy
Certain medications used for migraine treatment and prevention are contraindicated for pregnancy, due to safety concerns for the developing fetus. For patients who use oral contraceptives to regulate their hormone levels and manage migraine, having a conversation about migraine treatment options may happen when they want to go off of birth control and start trying to conceive. The good news is there are safe options for migraine prior to and during pregnancy.
Im always telling my patients, either preconception or patients that are pregnant, that we recommend in general to use the number of different medications for anything that were treating, Dr. Grossman says. And also, of course, the lowest dose possible that we can use in pregnancy and preconception is what we recommend. Her first-line treatment is non-medication options, and she then layers in other treatments as needed.
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Which Cold Medicines Are Safe During Pregnancy
A variety of cough and cold medications are available at your local pharmacy. But it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are safe to take while pregnant. Different medications target different cold symptoms. Pinpointing your specific symptoms can help you decide which medications to take.
Research on cough and cold medications during pregnancy is limited. Some research suggests that certain medications should be avoided during the first trimester. This is because the first trimester is an important time of development for your baby. And you dont want anything to interfere with that process.
Below, well cover different medications that can be used for various cold symptoms. Always ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any medications while pregnant. If you need medications, take the lowest amount needed to relieve your symptoms. And only take them for the shortest period of time possible.
What Are The Causes Of Early Bleeding
There are a number of causes of bleeding in early pregnancy which include:
Spotting or bleeding may occur shortly after conception, this is known as an implantation bleed. It is caused by the fertilised egg embedding itself in the lining of the womb. This bleeding is often mistaken for a period, and it may occur around the time your period is due.
Hormonal bleeding is when some women experience a light bleed at around four to eight weeks of pregnancy, or around the time their period would have been due. This can be very confusing for women who are pregnant and is the reason many women do not realise they are pregnant for a while. Again, it is totally normal. This usually settles around the 13th week of pregnancy as by this time the placenta is sufficiently developed to produce all of the hormones needed to sustain the pregnancy.
After the egg is fertilised, the fertilised egg then goes on to implant itself into the lining of the womb . Sometimes this results in a little bleeding that shows up on an early scan as a haematoma. This is not anything to worry about. When it happens the woman may notice a small amount of vaginal bleeding, but this is not necessarily the case.
The haematoma will gradually disappear and in most cases, the pregnancy remains safe.
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What Causes Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy
More often than not, abdominal pain during pregnancy is perfectly normal and caused by the changes your body undergoes as part of gestation.
If youre a first-time mom, youll understandably be a bit warier of stomach pain, and you may want to consult your doctor. If so, make a note of the type of stomach pain youre experiencing. The more accurately you describe these feelings of discomfort, the easier itll be for them to pinpoint the cause.
What Prompted The New Statement On Acetaminophen Use
Previously, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had labeled acetaminophen as Category B, meaning no studies had demonstrated it caused birth defects in animals. Like many medications, no specific studies involving pregnant women were performed.
Recent research suggests that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen might alter fetal development and increase the risks of certain neurodevelopmental, reproductive, and urogenital disorders.
Acetaminophen can cross the placenta, meaning it can enter the fetal bloodstream through a patients blood when they take the medication. While this was considered harmless in the past, theres now concern that acetaminophen could act as an endocrine disruptor, potentially interfering with hormonal processes that influence the development of the babys nervous and reproductive system.
In some animal studies, acetaminophen exposure was associated with:
- Reduced androgens hormones that fuel the growth and development of male reproductive characteristics
- Irregular development of ovaries
Epidemiologic studies, which analyze patterns and causes of certain conditions in specific populations over a designated time period, also have indicated an association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and reproductive or nervous system abnormalities.
Scientists observed the reproductive development of several children across the globe whose mothers had taken acetaminophen during pregnancy. Some studies suggested that:
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Collagen May Help Relieve Joint Pain During Pregnancy
The stress of a growing baby on your body can lead to all sorts of new pain on your body parts . You may have heard of the infamous Relaxin by now the hormone released early in pregnancy intended to relax the ligaments so that later, during labor, the uterus and pelvis can more easily expand. This hormone is known to do its job a little too well because it helps other joints lose their normal stability and can even lead to injury.
Enter collagen. The word actually comes from the Greek word glue because it keeps your cells glued together . In this case, it can help keep your cartilage and tendons together. Studies have shown that collagen supplementation can reduce joint pain, and possibly reduce inflammation . In one study, 147 athletes found that those who took a collagen supplement had significantly less pain than those who didnt.
What Can Pregnant People Take For Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are common during pregnancy, and while the condition won’t harm the baby, the last thing you want to do is suffer through the itchy discomfort. “There is some absorption of vaginal creams into the body and bloodstream, but doses are low and no studies show any effect on baby,” says Dr. Park. She adds that some doctors don’t prescribe the oral pill Diflucan or fluconazole because observational studies show that parents who have had to take extended doses for chronic fungal infections have had babies with birth defects. . However, it’s safe to take this oral yeast infection medication when breastfeeding, especially if you get the fungal infection known as thrush from your baby.
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Professional Medical Societies Response
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says its guidance on acetaminophen use during pregnancy remains the same: Using acetaminophen is safe during pregnancy after talking with your provider because there is no clear evidence of a direct relationship between acetaminophen and irregular fetal development.
ACOGs to the consensus statement also noted concern about the lack of options for safe pain relievers for pregnant patients.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has not issued a direct response to the statement. But in 2017, its Publications Committee of articles relating to neurodevelopmental outcomes, especially ADHD, in children exposed in utero to acetaminophen. They agreed there was insufficient evidence of a causal relationship between these disorders and prenatal acetaminophen exposure.
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Herbal And Homeopathic Remedies And Aromatherapy In Pregnancy
Not all natural remedies or complementary therapies are safe in pregnancy.
Some products used may not be of a high quality and may contain other substances, such as lead, that could be harmful.
Tell your midwife, doctor or pharmacist if youre using herbal, homeopathic or aromatherapy remedies or therapies.
If you do decide to use these therapies, you should always consult a qualified practitioner.
You should tell your practitioner that youre pregnant before discussing any treatment.
The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care provides information on qualified or registered practitioners.
Organisations with PSA-accredited voluntary registers include:
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Should Certain Women Avoid Acetaminophen During Pregnancy All Together
Most women can take acetaminophen during pregnancy, but there are specific instances when it should be limited or completely avoided.
If you have hepatitis A, B, or C, your healthcare provider probably will recommend you take no more than 2 grams of acetaminophen a day and only for a few days.
Do not take acetaminophen at all if you have advanced, complicated cirrhosis .
What Are Some Other Natural Remedies You Can Use To Treat Pregnancy Congestion
- Try nasal irrigation: Lets face it neti pots seem gross. But also, they can be magical creations that help your nose breathe freely. Seriously, pregnancy is already gross enough, why not give it a try. Just be sure to keep that baby super clean and only use filtered water in it.
- Use saline drops: Saline drops are basically water and salt, so theyre totally pregnancy safe. You can even make your own solution by mixing 1 cup of warm water with 1/8 tsp salt and a tiny pinch of baking soda. Oh, salty, salty relief.
- Get some nasal strips: As mentioned above, sleep is super important. Nasal strips might not be a turn-on for your bedmate, but they will help you breathe better at night.
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What Should I Do If I Experience Bleeding During Pregnancy
If you experience bleeding, it is wise to have this checked out. If you have been seen in the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit during your pregnancy, you may contact us directly, up to 15 weeks + 6 days of pregnancy. Your GP or midwife can also help you.
If you have been seen in the EPAU and you then experience more bleeding contact the EPAU. Depending on how much bleeding and for how long the nursing staff will decide if you need to be seen again. A rescan is not always necessary. Sometimes the nurse will advise that you monitor this bleeding at home. A rescan will only be performed if bleeding heavy with clots. If there is a significant change in your symptoms then the nurse will make an appointment to come to EPAU and be either rescanned or to be assessed by the doctor. If bleeding unmanageable then the nurse may advise to be assessed on ward 30 or the Emergency department depending on your symptoms.
Collagen May Benefit Baby
As we stated in the beginning, collagen is critical for your skin, bones, and cartilage. So when youre growing a baby in your belly, you can only imagine what that little one requires of you to build its own skin, bones, and cartilage.
A 2019 study from Purdue University found that a significant number of pregnant women are not getting enough vitamins D, C, A, B6, K, and E, as well as folate, choline, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc even with the use of a multi or a prenatal supplement. As mentioned above, collagen is a great source of six of the aforementioned vitamins and minerals.
In addition, a review in the International Journal of Biomedical Sciences explains that collagen plays a critical role during a successful pregnancy, from establishing itself in the decidual tissue to assisting in a healthy immune system .
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What Painkillers Are Safe During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is often associated with discomfort and pain. Some painkillers, also called analgesics, are safe to take during pregnancy. However, they should be used with caution. Dosage and timing while taking pain medication are important.
Some painkillers may be safe during a particular trimester, whereas others may be safe during other times during pregnancy. Some medications can cause birth defects or serious and even fatal complications for both mother and baby.
Therefore, its best to consult a doctor before taking any medication, including over-the-counter medications, during pregnancy.
When To Worry About Headaches During Pregnancy
When a pregnant woman experiences a headache in her first and third trimester, the most common cause is hormonal changes as the body demands some changes which help in the creating favorable environment inside the womb of the mother for the fetus. This headache is mostly mild to moderate which vanishes by own or sometimes medicines can be required. Mostly in a second-trimester headache is less.
But when the headaches continue in the second trimester during pregnancy with intense pain, that it is the time for worry. The doctor should check the blood pressure of the pregnant women. Normal blood pressure in pregnant women is 120/80 mm Hg or it can vary with 10-20 in both systolic and diastolic. If the blood pressure remains high than the pregnant womenâs will suffer from a headache with others symptoms too. And this can even lead to a worse condition which is called as pre-eclampsia.
For the pregnant womenâs who have daily headache while pregnant can take medicines but the consultation of doctor is required. As every womanâs in the world is differing from other so the symptoms during their pregnancy also vary. This headache mostly disappears as pregnancy time exceeds but still headache remains in the second trimester during pregnancy with others symptoms than it is an alarming symptom and one should consult to doctor as soon as possible.
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