Have you ever solved a maze? You know where to start and where it will end, but there is a long way to get through it with many obstacles to pass, but you’re there, hoping to get to the goal because that’s what you’re there for.
That’s absolutely how the 9 months of pregnancy are. You enter the maze (willingly or accidentally), experience many wrongs and right paths, and with every right step, you get near the finish line.
The early weeks of pregnancy are all about excitement and anticipation. Many changes start to occur in our body that is vital for a healthy gravid. You begin to experience many changes in your body.
Common causes of abdominal cramping in early pregnancy
Some women experience a heavy feeling in their lower abdomen.
The lower abdomen is where the baby develops inside the womb and takes nourishment from the mother’s blood.
The feelings can be confusing, and there can be many causes for it which include:
Expanding Uterus
It is usually because the uterus expands to accommodate the baby, pushing other organs down.
Muscle Pulling
The muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus are also being pulled and strained down, causing a tight feeling in the lower abdomen.
Egg settling
In the first trimester, you might experience cramps or pains similar to period pains, usually in the lower side. This is normal and is caused when the egg settles in the uterus.
Trapped Air
Some women might experience these because of trapped air in the abdomen. As the pregnancy starts, the estrogen hormone rise and helps preserve water and gas, causing discomfort or pain in the abdomen. This may go away when you change position, pass wind or have a rest.
High Blood Pressure
The most common reasons for a heavy feeling in your lower abdomen comprise high blood pressure. This can cause problems such as heart disease. It can also strain the liver, kidneys, and other organs. If you have high blood pressure, changing your lifestyle, having a healthy diet, and maintaining your weight can reduce the risk of rising complications.
Miscarriage
Another reason for the painful feeling in the abdomen can be a miscarriage. Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. It may cause cramps and pain in the lower abdomen. Regrettably, if the miscarriage begins, nothing can be done to stop it. The only treatment is to prevent infections and stop heavy bleeding.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Another cause might be Ectopic Pregnancy. This condition is very rare and occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. Fallopian tubes are the tubes that connect the uterus with the ovaries. If the egg starts growing in the tube, it risks bursting the tubes and can cause severe internal bleeding. Unfortunately, such pregnancies cannot be saved and have to be removed either by medications or by medical surgeries.
Placental Abruption
One of the reasons for pain and bulky stomach can be Placental Abruption. It occurs when the placenta detaches from the inner walls of the uterus, causing a decrease or complete blockage of oxygen and nutrients to the baby. This is more common in the third trimester but can occur any time after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Placental abruption might cause restricted growth for the baby, premature birth, or stillbirth. For the mother, it may cause blood clotting problems, failure of organs due to blood loss, shock, or the need for blood transfusion.
The treatment for placental abruption can include medication to help the baby’s brain and help the baby’s lungs to mature. Early deliveries must be done, and pain relief, blood transfusion, and monitoring must be performed.
Endometrial Decidualization
Endometrial Decidualization is a condition that occurs within the inner lining of our uterus(endometrium) to form into a thin, non-viable tissue. This can occur as a consequence of hormonal deviations or through the consumption of certain medicines. Endometrial decidualization generally does not cause any complications for you or your baby. However, if it occurs too initial in pregnancy, it can cause a heavy feeling in your lower abdomen.
Round Ligament Pain
Round ligaments are a pair in your pelvis that grips your uterus in place. These ligaments stretch in response to the baby’s growth and the belly. Sudden and rapid movements can cause these ligaments to tighten quickly and pull on nerve fibers.
These actions trigger discomfort and sharp pain in your lower abdomen.
The heaviness in your abdomen is usually represented as a bowling ball within your abdomen. You may feel the heaviness by placing both your hands on your belly.
It is difficult to judge between the symptoms of each cause, and if it is your first time being pregnant, you don’t know.
How should the abdomen feel in early pregnancy?
Most women don’t notice anything different about their bodies in the first three months of pregnancy. But some changes could indicate your body is preparing for your baby’s arrival.
For most of your first trimesters, you may not feel too much, if any, change in your belly. You may even think it looks like you’re carrying extra weight because of bloating. This is normal.
Your baby is still tiny – they’ll likely weigh less than 5 ounces and measure about 3 inches long at the end of the third month. You may also experience any of the following symptoms, which are pretty common during the first trimester
- Nausea
- Morning sickness
- Constipation
- Lower abdominal cramps
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Bloating and gas
These all are caused by the hormonal changes inside our body, and these symptoms should not alarm you.
What is normal abdominal cramping in pregnancy?
Cramps are common during pregnancy, especially around the lower abdomen near the womb (uterus). They often start early on in the pregnancy and continue into the second trimester.
Some women find that their cramps are worse during certain times of day or week – you may notice them more often as you get closer to the end of your pregnancy. Usually, they should feel like gentle pulling, a feeling of the stretched abdomen like you experience during menstrual cramps or a tugging feeling.
What can you do for mild cramping during pregnancy?
It’s essential to be able to distinguish between what is considered “normal” and what is not while you’re pregnant. For example, having cramps every day might be a pregnancy symptom – but if they’re especially severe or different from the norm, it could be a sign of something else. If unsure, it’s always best to speak with a medical professional to get their expert opinion.
You can do a few other things to find relief from the heavy feeling in the lower abdomen while pregnant. Getting up and moving around is always a good idea, and if you can, take a hot bath or shower. If that doesn’t help, try soaking in a tub or lying down. You might also want to try over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen. However, aspirin is essential to be careful during pregnancy because it can cause uterine bleeding.
When to contact the doctor about cramping during pregnancy?
If the heaviness in your abdomen persists after about 4 weeks or is escorted by any severe pain, discomfort, or foul expulsion from the vagina or vaginal bleeding, be sure to communicate with your doctor to ensure that there is no infection befalling. You should always be on the safe side and will be notified even if these were false alarms.
There are many reasons why a heavy feeling in the lower abdomen during early pregnancy could be a signal of trouble, the doctor will examine your abdomen, and if a problem is found, they might refer you to a specialist.
You should enjoy the early days of your pregnancy the most, take time out for yourself every day, eat well, stay active, rest when you need to, and, most importantly, reach out for help if needed. Your body is going through many changes, so give yourself permission to enjoy these changes and worry less.
