Pregnancy twinges: what's normal?
If you've just discovered that you're pregnant, you will be looking forward to your new role as a mother. Therefore, it might be slightly disconcerting if you find yourself experiencing twinges; you may be wondering if these are normal or are a sign of something more worrying. Try to take comfort in the fact that these pains are probably nothing to be concerned about; many pregnant women experience twinges and they're usually just as a result of your uterus expanding to fit your growing baby.
If you experience slight twinges accompanied by other symptoms, for instance nausea or vomiting, it's probable that you have gastroenteritis or food poisoning. Neither is likely to harm your baby, so don't panic. If you have a tummy bug, the best course of action you can take is to get lots of rest and keep yourself hydrated. If you think you have food poisoning, you should consult a doctor just to make sure that you and your baby are fine. If you're experiencing pain while you pass urine, you could have a urine infection. Don't worry if it transpires that you are suffering from such an infection, as it can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics.
Round Ligament Pain:
When you're between 18 and 24 weeks pregnant, during your second trimester, you may experience twinges in your lower abdomen or groin area. This is called 'round ligament pain' and it feels like a short, sharp stabbing sensation, or ache, deep inside your lower groin and abdominal area. The reason for it is that your uterus is supported by a group of muscles known as round ligaments, which are stretched as your uterus grows. The round ligaments join the top of your uterus to your labia. You might feel somewhat uncomfortable when you experience these pains, but after 24 weeks, they should fade away. The twinges associated with round ligament pain are often intensified when you're standing or moving about. It can happen when you are walking, if you cough, or change your body’s position (perhaps as you get out of a car). To alleviate this, take breaks and when you're sitting, try to put your feet up to take the pressure off your abdomen. You can also soak in a hot bath, put a warm heat pad on your groin, and sit down until it passes.
The pain should only last for a few seconds, so if you are experiencing a more continuous type of pain, such as a fever, vomiting, painful abdominal cramps, bleeding or backache, you MUST get in touch with your doctor or midwife immediately. In any case, it is probably a good idea to get a diagnosis from your GP to confirm that the discomfort you are feeling is in fact round ligament pain.
Braxton Hicks:
In your third trimester, you may well start to get Braxton Hicks contractions. This is when your uterus contracts in preparation for labour. These contractions are perfectly normal and shouldn't be confused with labour pains. Some women will feel Braxton Hicks contractions more strongly than others; obviously if you're in any doubt as to what your pains are, contact your doctor. There are obvious differences between Braxton Hicks contractions and the contractions you will experience in labour; the former are irregular and often painless. You might just experience two Braxton Hicks contractions in an hour and they fade, whereas labour contractions will increase in intensity.
Although possibly a little uncomfortable, these contractions should not be painful. You will feel your uterus tighten and then relax. They do not usually last for a long time, perhaps a minute or so and they are also different to real contractions because they are very un-rhythmic and stop and start very randomly. Real contractions become consistent and are stronger. As your pregnancy proceeds, and certainly by the eighth or ninth month, you will probably start to feel them growing in intensity.
In fact, it can be difficult to distinguish late Braxton Hicks contractions from real contractions you might experience were you to go into premature labour. As a guide, if you have any pain with them or they become fairly regular, (maybe three every hour), or if you have unusual vaginal discharge or lower back pain, ensure that you report to your midwife immediately, as these could be signs of premature labour.
Although, as stated above, slight twinges in early pregnancy are common, if your pain is persistent and intense, talk to your midwife. Obviously, if you're concerned and think that your pain is in any way abnormal, or if your cramps are accompanied by any bleeding, visit your doctor. Bleeding can be a sign of early miscarriage, so it's important that you are checked, however many women experience spotting in their first trimester, so try not to panic. If you're ever in any doubt as to whether your twinges in pregnancy are indicative of something more serious, consult your doctor or midwife. It's always better to be safe than sorry. If you have any other queries about other symptoms associated with the first few weeks of pregnancy, read our feature on coping with early pregnancy.
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Last Modified: 03/07/2007
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