Is Cramping In Second Trimester Normal & Identify Causes for Treatment

Is Cramping in Second Trimester Normal?

A pregnant patient experiences a lot of signs and symptoms during the second trimester of her pregnancy which includes cramping.
Mild and sporadic abdominal contractions during this period do not always spell trouble for mothers-to-be as they are often normal. Besides cramping, the patient will undergo darkening of skin, nasal and gums problems, dizziness, leg cramps, shortness of breath, and bladder and kidney infection.
Pregnancy also causes hormones to be overactive which can lead to cramping.
Severe cramping that lasts for quite some time is not considered normal and should be checked by a doctor. This may indicate pregnancy complications.

Below is a list of causes:

As the patient’s body gets itself ready to accommodate her growing baby, her uterus will stretch and expand. The uterus’ supporting muscles will also stretch, thus the pain.
Pregnant women go through a sudden change of diet. This gives them problems with their digestion and is subsequently followed by digestive problems like constipation and gas pains that will ultimately lead up to cramps.
Pregnancy also makes women predisposed to urinary tract infections.

Warning signs might include pain and discomfort when urinating, lower abdominal pain, an irrepressible desire to urinate, and fetid-smelling urine.
Or a patient may be undergoing preterm labor, also known as premature labor. This happens when your cervix get dilated before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as false labor or practice contractions are intermittent contractions often felt during the second and third trimester. This is the tightening of the uterine muscles for a minute or two and is thought of as an aid to the body in preparation for childbirth.

Pain brought about by ectopic pregnancy. This happens when a fertilized egg embeds itself outside the uterus, in general, in either fallopian tube. An ectopic pregnancy is fatal, if left untreated.
Preeclampsia is also one very severe occurrence. This is a complicated malady that causes acute changes to your blood vessels. In serious cases of preeclampsia, patients may experience intense pain in the upper abdomen, severe headache and visual disturbances.
Miscarriage can also be a serious cause of abdominal pain. It often takes place within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Spotting may be the very first symptom the patient notices, followed by continual abdominal pain.

Treatment Options

Patients are advised to sit down put their feet up, and relax when experiencing mild cramping.
Patients can also run through breathing exercises or try walking around for short periods.
It is best to avoid sudden changes in position when sitting down, especially turning sharply at the waist.
Citrus fruits and food with high-fat content should also be avoided.
If the pain gets too much for the patient to bear, it is always wise to consult a midwife or an obstetrician.