image by: http://babyzen.biz
I experienced cramping before I even knew I was pregnant and it was such a discomfort that I had to ask my local pharmacist for something to give me some ease. Luckily what she gave me, had no negative effects on my pregnancy.
There are many reasons why women experience cramping during pregnancy. In early pregnancy, (first trimester) cramping usually results because of implantation, which usually takes place anywhere from 8 to 10 days after ovulation and as this trimester progresses into the second, cramping results because your abdomen and ligaments are now stretching to accommodate your growing baby.
In the third trimester, cramping usually results, because of what is commonly known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These occur because your muscles are now stretching and preparing for childbirth. Gas, usually result in some cramping as well.
Please note that if your cramping is severe and accompanied by bleeding, chills, fever, vaginal discharge etc., you should be checked out by a doctor immediately.
Having said that, there are other reasons that you might be experiencing cramping that should be checked out by your doctor as well, and these are:-
- Stomach virus
- Food poisoning
- Appendicitis
- Urinary infection
- Pre-clampsia
- Kidney infection
If you have ascertained that your cramping is not an indicator of anything serious happening to you or
your baby, here are some simple techniques that you can employ, to help with your discomfort:-
- Avoid quick positional changes
- Try bending backward to relieve the pain. Be careful not to bend too far backwards as you could end up having back pains as well
- If gas is why you are experiencing cramps, try walking around and doing other light exercises to ease the discomfort.
