Pregnant women often feel pain in the lower abdomen that radiates to the groin, pelvis, or groin? Come on, look for possible causes.
Pregnant women do not need to panic because lower abdominal pain is a normal condition that is often experienced, especially in the second trimester of pregnancy. This pain can be felt on both sides of the abdomen or only on one side, especially the right side. In some pregnant women, this pain can be felt until the third trimester.
Common Causes of Lower Abdominal Pain
To maintain and maintain its position, the uterus is supported by connective tissue called ligaments. In pregnant women, the increase in the size of the uterus can make these ligaments tense up, causing pain in the lower abdomen. Lower abdominal pain is more common in the first pregnancy.
The pain, which usually lasts a few seconds, will be felt even more if the pregnant woman makes sudden movements, such as suddenly standing up, laughing, coughing, sneezing, or rolling over in bed. Although it only lasts for a few seconds or minutes, lower abdominal pain will usually appear repeatedly.
Relieves Lower Abdominal Pain
Generally, lower abdominal pain can be handled by pregnant women at home. Try applying some of the steps below to relieve it:
1. Regular exercise
Apart from doing yoga for pregnant women, pregnant women can also do light exercise, such as walking leisurely around the house. Also do stretches, for example by kneeling and waiting for a few seconds or a few minutes.
But keep in mind, some exercise movements can actually aggravate lower abdominal pain. Therefore, first consult with your doctor to find out which movements are safe to do.
2. Use a warm compress
To relieve pain, pregnant women can place a warm compress on the lower abdomen. The trick is to attach a towel that has been dipped in warm water, to the part that feels pain.
Pregnant women can also compress the lower abdomen with a plastic bottle filled with warm water and wrapped in a cloth or towel. However, don't let the temperature get too hot, pregnant women, because there is a risk of harming the fetus.
3. Take painkillers
If necessary, consult a doctor to find out if pregnant women can take pain relievers. Do not carelessly take drugs without a doctor's prescription, because drugs consumed by pregnant women can cause side effects on the fetus in the womb.
4. Make changes to adapt
If the pain occurs when you roll over to the side of the bed to get up, try to move more slowly. Also, when you sneeze or cough, bend down slightly to reduce the pull on the ligaments around the uterus.
However, if lower abdominal pain is very bothersome, does not improve within a few hours, or cannot be treated on its own, pregnant women are advised to immediately consult a doctor. Especially if this pain is accompanied by:
- Fever
- Bleeding from the vagina
- Pain when urinating
- Difficult to walk
Although the pain can subside with independent treatment, pregnant women still need to see a doctor. Your doctor may find that your lower abdominal pain is a symptom of a more serious condition, such as an ectopic pregnancy, hernia, placental disorder, appendicitis, or urinary tract infection.