- Sometimes it's challenging for a pregnant woman to tell the difference between normal aches and cramping and something more serious.pregnant woman image by Frenk_Danielle Kaufmann from Fotolia.com
Pregnancy comes with so many new bodily sensations, sometimes it's challenging for a woman to discern the difference between normal aches, pains and cramping, and something more serious. Knowing the different signs and symptoms of normal cramping during pregnancy can help separate a normal muscle cramp from a more serious condition in need of immediate attention. - It's not uncommon for pregnant women to experience cramping in their legs and feet, especially during the third trimester. Symptoms of these types of cramps include sudden, sharp pains or spasms which taper off into a broad ache in either the calf or arch of the foot. These cramps often happen at the end of the day or at rest, and can be relieved by walking around to stretch out the muscle, extending the leg through the heel to lengthen the calf, or gently massaging the arch of the foot. Some women also experience harmless cramping in the lower pelvic area or lower back, during or after experiencing an orgasm. These cramps are characterized by a dull, wide ache throughout the pelvic region---much like mild period cramps. They are not necessarily accompanied by a sharp pain although an orgasm can cause the uterus to contract, which may be more uncomfortable than dangerous.
- It's believed that leg and foot cramps may be caused by weight gain and pelvic pressure against the circulatory system that flows into the legs. Decreased circulation worsens if the body is often in a seated position. Regular exercise, especially walking, should help alleviate the problem. According to the book "Conception, Pregnancy and Birth," these cramps could be caused by low levels of calcium in the blood or a sodium deficiency. Round ligament pain is another benign cramping feeling which is not actually a cramp at all. Ligaments around the uterus support and stretch with the uterus as it grows. Since ligaments are capable of contracting and relaxing, just like muscles, sometimes a woman experiences a few seconds of pain, which she may mistake for a brief, shooting cramp. These pains tend to happen more often when a woman changes body positions and the ligaments react to support the womb.
- Although round ligament pain is harmless, if it lasts longer than a few minutes, a pregnant woman should contact her doctor. Mild abdominal discomfort and random, momentary pain might not signify a problem, but other abdominal cramping---especially when accompanied by further symptoms---can mean a medical emergency. Ongoing abdominal pain accompanied by a hard or contracted uterus is cause for immediate concern and a trip to the doctor or hospital. Ectopic pregnancies are characterized by lower abdominal cramping which may be only on one side. Sometimes vaginal bleeding is present, but sometimes it's not---however, dangerous internal bleeding can occur. Upper abdominal cramping and pain (on the right side, below the rib cage) might be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Accompanying symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath and frequent urination. Any time a pregnant woman experiences abdominal pain or ongoing dull, achy cramping---with or without other symptoms, especially bleeding---she should call her doctor immediately.
