Pregnancy pains
During pregnancy,
your body goes through many changes to support your baby's healthy development
and prepare for childbirth. Along with these changes, you will likely
experience a variety of pains, many of which are normal. However, you may be
wondering which pains are considered normal and which ones can be worrisome.
Here are some common
pains that occur during pregnancy:
Cramping
When the uterus is
stretched, spasms are normal. Other causes of cramps can be gas and
constipation. If cramps get worse than menstrual cramps, especially if they're
accompanied by bleeding and back pain, it's important to see a doctor as soon
as possible. It is also important to see a doctor if you experience severe pain
on one side during early pregnancy.
Headache
Headaches are also
common during pregnancy. However, if they are severe and do not go away with
rest or Tylenol, or if you notice changes in vision or sensitivity to light,
contact your doctor immediately. Remember that although you can take Tylenol
(acetaminophen) during pregnancy, it is important to avoid taking Advil and
Motrin (aspirin and ibuprofen).
Back pain
Lower back pain is
also normal during pregnancy because your body shifts its center of gravity,
which puts strain on the muscles in your lower back. Hormonal changes and
weakening of the abdominal muscles can also contribute to lower back pain. Talk
to your doctor if the pain persists for more than two weeks or is severe. If
you experience painful urination and/or bleeding with lower back pain, see your
doctor immediately as this could be a sign of complications.
Sciatic nerve pain
Sciatic nerve pain is
characterized by numbness, tingling, or pain that radiates from the lower back
to the legs. As the uterus grows, the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower
back to the back of the legs, can be put under pressure. Your child and relaxed
pelvic joints can put extra pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Certain movements,
such as bending over, lifting weights, and walking, can make sciatica pain
worse. Although sciatic nerve pain is not usually a cause for concern, you
should let your doctor know if you experience this type of pain, especially if
it is constant or if you have difficulty walking.
Leg cramps
Leg cramps are quite
common during the second and third trimesters, especially at night. In addition
to painful cramps, you may also notice nervousness in your legs. These cramps
can be caused by being overweight during pregnancy, the pressure the baby puts
on the blood vessels and nerves that connect to your legs, and changes in blood
circulation that occur during pregnancy.
Stay hydrated and try
not to sit or stand in one position for long periods of time. Stretching, foot
massage, or taking a hot bath may also help. If the cramps become severe or
your leg becomes red, swollen, or hot, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Round ligament pain
Pain in the round
ligaments occurs as the uterus grows, causing the round ligaments to stretch.
It can cause sharp pain in the abdomen, side, thigh, or groin and can be
triggered by certain movements, such as turning over in bed or standing up.
This is not a cause for concern.
However, if the pain
lasts for more than a few minutes, see your doctor immediately.
Braxton Hicks contractions
Braxton Hickscontractions are practice contractions (also called false labors) that can
start in the second trimester. These contractions help prepare your body for
childbirth and may feel like a tightening sensation in your uterus, lower
abdomen, or groin.
Unlike true labor
contractions, Braxton-Hicks contractions do not follow a set pattern and can
vary in intensity and duration. Such contractions are usually not painful, but
uncomfortable. If your contractions are painful or more than six per hour, it
could be a sign of preterm labor, so it's important to see your doctor to
determine if it's real.
Other pain
Other types of pain that you should not ignore include sharp, stabbing pain that lasts for more than a few minutes, burning or painful urination, pain in the shoulder, and in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, usually below the straight line of the ribs. See your doctor if you experience any of these or other severe pains.