Stomach Cramps When Pregnant, Know the Causes and How to Overcome It

Some pregnant women have experienced stomach cramps. Stomach cramps during pregnancy are actually quite normal. However, abdominal cramps during pregnancy if followed by other symptoms, should be aware because it can harm the womb. As the developing fetus and uterus enlarge, various changes occur in the body of the pregnant woman, one of which is abdominal cramps. Many mothers are worried that abdominal cramps during pregnancy indicate dangerous conditions such as miscarriage, even though abdominal cramps during pregnancy are natural.

Causes of Stomach Cramps During Pregnancy

Some common causes of abdominal cramps during pregnancy include:

• Changes in uterine size

During pregnancy, the development of the fetus in the womb will make the size of the uterus enlarge with increasing gestational age. To support the development of the uterus, the connective tissue or ligaments that connect the pelvic bone and uterus will stretch so that the uterus feels tight.

• Pressure on muscles, joints, and blood vessels

Pregnant women automatically feel an increase in pressure on muscles, joints, and blood vessels. This often triggers pain especially when coughing or physical activity.

• Position of the uterus

Cramps on one or two sides of the abdomen are usually felt especially when moving. When the fetus grows, the uterus will tend to tilt to the right or left. Ligaments that support the sides of the uterus can become tight or contract. This allows you to feel cramps more often in the stomach during pregnancy.

• Excessive gas in the stomach

Increased progesterone causes the muscles of the walls of the digestive tract to relax and digest food more slowly. When food is longer in the large intestine, more gas is produced. Sometimes the gas is not only felt in the stomach, but also can spread in the back and chest.

• After sex

Having sex and orgasm can cause stomach cramps during pregnancy, which is often followed by mild back pain. This happens because the vagina and uterus experience a sensation like throbbing during orgasm and can leave a feeling of stomach cramps afterwards.

Relieve Discomfort when Stomach Cramps

Although classified as normal, stomach cramps during pregnancy can cause discomfort. To help overcome this, there are several things you can do:

• Avoid sudden movements when stomach cramps occur, bend your body toward the source of pain to help relieve pain. Don't forget, drink enough water, because dehydration can trigger false contractions (Braxton hicks).
• If the pain is due to excess gas in the digestive tract, try to move the body or do light exercise. Then, end with a warm shower. Avoid consuming foods and drinks that produce excess gas, such as beans, cabbage, and soft drinks.
• If abdominal cramps occur during pregnancy after sex, try to massage your back gently. Next, have gentle and slow sex.
• Abdominal cramps during pregnancy especially in the last trimester can be caused by fake contractions. If this happens, lie down to relieve pain. If pain is felt on the left side, lie on the right side or vice versa. Then position the foot higher than the head position, for example by using a pillow as a booster.
• Try to stay relaxed and not panic when you feel stomach cramps.

Stomach Cramps You Need To Look Out For

Although usually does not indicate a dangerous condition, it does not mean stomach cramps during pregnancy should always be considered trivial. Some symptoms that accompany abdominal cramps should be watched out for, such as pain during urination, stomach cramps feel very heavy and do not disappear, discharge, spots or blood from the vagina, vomiting, fever, and chills. Abdominal cramps accompanied by these signs are conditions that need to be immediately examined and treated by a doctor. Abdominal pain during pregnancy may also not be related to pregnancy. For example abdominal cramps during pregnancy due to kidney stones, ovarian cysts, appendicitis, or urinary tract infections. If abdominal cramps in pregnancy are accompanied by unusual or severe symptoms, consult your obstetrician immediately or seek medical help.