Colic in the abdomen during early and late pregnancy

The expectation of the birth of a child is a unique miracle. At this time, a special connection is created between the closest people: the expectant mother and the unborn baby. However, troubles are possible that can disturb the peace of the future woman in labor.

Pregnant women sometimes experience colic in the abdomen. It feels like an unexpected contraction, in which a sharp pain is felt. The reasons are the rapid growth of the fetus, diseases of the internal organs located in the cavity, non-compliance with the recommended diet and physical activity. Colic can appear and cause difficulties at different stages of pregnancy: from conception to the last days before childbirth.

Beginning of pregnancy

A woman can feel the first episode of colic in the first few days after conception. After fertilization, the egg is sent to the uterus, where after about ten days it is embedded in the loose wall of the organ. In the following days, the ovum "takes root" to continue development.

Some expectant mothers do not feel anything in the early stages of pregnancy, others immediately begin disturb the pain in the lower abdomen, which during this period are occasionally accompanied by bloody discharge from vagina. Sometimes this discharge is mistaken for the onset of menstruation. With each manifestation of the embryo's activity, the symptoms can recur. Deterioration of the condition can occur in the second trimester of pregnancy.

It happens that the pain becomes incessant, spasmodic and aching. To avoid miscarriage, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist in time and undergo a course of medical procedures.

Under the word "colic" modern medicine means paroxysmal pain localized in specific places of the abdominal cavity. These are renal, hepatic and intestinal colic.

Their appearance is a symptom of abnormalities in the work of the abdominal organs, which can occur due to:

• Exacerbation of chronic diseases.
• Consequences of inaccuracies in nutrition.

In late pregnancy, in the third trimester, the child and, accordingly, the uterus increase in size, squeezing adjacent organs. This affects the general condition.

Possible reasons:

• Improper placement of the fetus in the uterus.
• Excessive activity of the child.
• An increase in the size of the uterus.
• Diseases of the internal organs of the expectant mother.

Intestinal colic

Begin intestinal colic with minor pain in the lower abdomen. Gradually, the intensity and severity of pain increases, the intestine compresses cramping spasm. Increased pain is noted on palpation.

Companions of intestinal colic: nausea, urge to vomit, diarrhea and heaviness in the stomach. Body temperature often rises to 37-38C. Prolonged spasms provoke a rise in blood pressure. In women with a predisposition to hypertension, real hypertensive crises can occur.

Usually, in pregnant women, colic in the abdomen is accompanied by an increase in the formation of intestinal gases, these phenomena are interrelated: spasm is considered a consequence of the accumulation of gases, flatulence is one of the symptoms of colic.

The deterioration of the condition is provoked by an increased level of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy, which relaxes the muscles of the intestinal walls. The result of relaxation is regular constipation, the appearance of increased gas production. Stretching of the intestinal walls with feces and gases causes pain. In the last weeks of pregnancy, the work of the gastrointestinal tract becomes more difficult due to the enlargement of the uterus.

Gynecologists-obstetricians highlight the features of intestinal colic, on the basis of which an accurate diagnosis is established:

• Intestinal cramps not permanent, but periodic;
• Heaviness in the stomach;
• Rumbling in the stomach;
• Decreased appetite
• Diarrhea or constipation;
• Nausea, sometimes with vomiting;
• Bloating.

The causes of intestinal cramps in pregnant women are called stress and anxiety, inaccuracies in nutrition and inactivity, and in rare cases, allergies.

A woman can fall out of the active rhythm of life for several days: exacerbations are replaced by the disappearance of symptoms.

Hepatic

Often expectant mothers complain of side pain. If it is localized in the right hypochondrium, the reason for this is trouble with the liver or gallbladder, provoked by the frequent use of fried, spicy or alcohol. The right side can also hurt during physical exertion.

The likelihood of malaise increases if there is a history of liver problems. Before an attack, a woman experiences weakness, dizziness, bloating, and a feeling of nausea.

The best treatment is a diet that is free of fried, smoked, and spicy foods that can cause pain symptoms.

Renal

The doctor differentiates hepatic colic from renal spasms. Renal colic during pregnancy threatens to increase the tone of the uterus - a risk factor for premature birth.

Unpleasant sensations and painful contractions in the kidney area can be the result of an exacerbation of chronic diseases of the urinary system: urolithiasis and pyelonephritis. A sudden attack occurs at the site of the stones.

Self-medication and the desire to "endure" unpleasant sensations is dangerous for both the expectant mother and the child!

The attack is accompanied by a slowdown in the heartbeat, an increase in blood pressure. Sometimes a semi-faint state occurs. The attack lasts from ten minutes to several hours. It is categorically contraindicated to use heating pads, hot baths and self-medication to relieve spasm.

Diagnostics

An accurate diagnosis is established based on the results of medical research:

• Urine analyzes (sometimes a study of daily urine output is required).
• Blood tests (general and biochemical).
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs.

The analysis of urine provides information on the density, chemical composition and the presence of impurities (blood, epithelial cells, etc.).

In the analysis of blood, attention is paid to the level of sugar, the content of hemoglobin and leukocytes, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. An increase in the last two indicators indicates an inflammatory process in the body.

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs and abdominal cavity is a method of examination that allows you to see the internal processes in the urinary organs, liver, pancreas and intestines, as well as in increased uterine cavity.

Correct treatment can be prescribed when the cause of the malfunction in the body is correctly established.

Treatment

Medicines for pregnant women are prescribed exclusively by a doctor. To reduce the amount of gas in the intestines, Espumisan is recommended, and No-shpu is recommended to relieve pain. These are the safest and most effective medicines available.

Diet is recommended: from the diet, as already mentioned, you will have to remove sweet, fatty, fried, smoked and spicy foods. Products containing colors, artificial flavors and preservatives are excluded. Carbonated drinks, foods with a high salt content are not recommended.

The temperature of food should be slightly higher than room temperature, and food should be fractional: you need to eat often and in small portions. There must be fermented milk products, baked apples, lean fish and fresh herbs on the table, which will improve digestion and enrich the body with useful micro- and macroelements.

Physical activity will contribute to the healing: regular walks and gymnastics will help improve intestinal motility and reduce the likelihood of constipation. All physical exercise should be done at least forty minutes after eating.

The lack of stress will have a positive effect on the results of the treatment of colic during pregnancy, and will ensure a happy pregnancy outcome.

Traditional medicine methods to combat intestinal cramps in pregnant women

To the aid of expectant mothers, traditional medicine will come to help relieve symptoms during a painful period of deterioration.

Fennel tea (pharmaceutical dill) will relieve intestinal colic. Fennel seeds are available from the pharmacy. The supply of such tea will not be superfluous: the drink is used to treat such phenomena in newborns. For the expectant mother, tea is brewed stronger.

Chamomile tea is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can partially overcome anxiety and anxiety. A teaspoon of dried chamomile is poured into 1 glass of boiling water and insisted. Drink a teaspoon of broth every 2 hours.

A good remedy is a decoction of oak bark with calamus and angelica. Eliminates cramps and bloating. For cooking, you need 1 tablespoon of each ingredient and a liter of boiling water. The broth is infused for 1 hour. The effect will be positive if the dosage is observed: you need to drink 2 tablespoons 3 times a day.

The best treatment is prevention

Prevention measures include:

• Gymnastics (a set of exercises must be agreed with the attending physician).
• Change of diet with one fasting day per week.
• Eating baked pumpkin dishes, freshly squeezed pumpkin juice.

May every expectant mother be healthy!