Experiencing cramps while pregnant can be a cause of alarm to expecting mothers. The cramping can vary from mild to severe, but are just often a sign of the stretching and growing uterus. However, there are cases in which cramping may be caused by a serious problem. So, should you be concerned if you experience cramps? Here are some of the common causes of cramps so you can decide whether they are normal or if they need more attention.

First Trimester Cramps

Implantation Cramps If you experience cramping 8 to 10 days after ovulation, you may be experiencing cramping as a result of implantation.

Stretching Uterus Another cause of cramps in the first trimester can be the stretching and expanding uterus. The pain occurs when the ligaments that support your uterus stretch. Don’t worry! Your body is only preparing itself for your growing baby.

Miscarriage If you experience cramping accompanied by spotting or bleeding, you should contact your health care provider immediately. This is a possible warning sign of miscarriage. However, spotting or bleeding does not always indicate a miscarriage, some women with bleeding during their first trimester continue to have healthy, happy babies! But with every bleeding, you should always inform your doctor.

Ectopic Pregnancy Cramps in the first trimester can indicate an ectopic pregnancy. It is serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. As soon as you experience cramping accompanied by spotting or bleeding, and abdominal pain on one side, contact your health care provider.

Other causes of cramping during early pregnancy include gas pains and constipation.

Second or Third Trimester Cramps

Round Ligament Pain Round ligament pain is a mild pain often experienced during the second and third trimester. It occurs as the uterus continues to stretch and grow, pulling on the ligaments of the abdomen and pelvis.

Preterm Labour If you experience cramping accompanied by back pain and mild to severe diarrhoea, and you haven’t reached 37 completed weeks, you may be having preterm labour. Immediately contact your health care provider or go to the hospital.

Braxton Hicks Contractions You may experience cramping caused by irregular, intermittent, ‘practice’ contractions.

Early labour If you are close to  your due date, cramping and back pain are common symptoms of early labour.

Since it can be hard to differentiate normal pregnancy cramping from a warning sign, it is best to discuss any cramps during pregnancy with your health care provider.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, and sometimes later, experiencing extraordinary fatigue is very common. For some women, this fatigue can prevail throughout their pregnancy (very debilitating, I know!). However, it is not a worrisome condition. Sustaining another life inside can naturally take a toll on your body and drain it of energy. However, the fatigue often comes with some aches and pains and makes it difficult for you to carry on with your daily routine. Let’s first take a look at what causes fatigue, before you set off to deal with fatigue during pregnancy.

Causes of Fatigue

Pregnancy-related conditions that can be the underlying cause of fatigue include:

• Anemia or lack of iron to carry oxygen to the baby sufficiently.
• Lack of exercise (even if you hate it) since it slows down the flow of blood and affects your stamina.
• Over-exertion, especially lifting heavy things.
• Too much heat or dehydration.
• Vitamin deficiency and lack of B-complex vitamins.
• Improper diet that doesn’t fulfill the necessary nutritional requirements for pregnancy.
• Depression, which can occur during pregnancy.

By knowing the underlying cause of fatigue, you can be in a much better position to cope with it. So, if you are feeling unusually fatigued, ask your doctor about these possible causes.

How to Cope With Fatigue

If you are finding the fatigue too much to cope with, there are several ways you can deal with it and try to keep it to a minimum.

• Try to Take Short Naps: This may be an easy one for many of you out there, because who doesn’t like to nap! When you feel too tired, take a short nap. The good thing is that while you are pregnant, even a short nap of a few minutes can work wonders for you, making you feel refreshed and energized.

• Cut Back on Your Activities: Cut back on your usual activities. Socialize less, let the housework go once in a while, take an occasional off day from work in the middle of the week, and send the kids to a friend or relative for the afternoon. Give yourself a break and put your feet up, you’re pregnant so you deserve it!

• Eat a Healthy Diet: You need to get at least 200 extra calories every day during your pregnancy; and, as much as you want, you definitely can’t get them from junk food and snacks. You need to follow a proper and balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, lean meat, diary, and whole grains that can give you energy.

• Drink Water: Your body needs plenty of fluids during pregnancy to stay hydrated. However, you should cut back on drinks that have caffeine and instead drink plenty of water. While this may make you go to the toilet more than you like, it is important to have fluids in your body at this time.

• Exercise Regularly: While there is no need to overexert yourself, believe it or not, too much rest can also be bad for you. Make sure you have a regular exercise regimen to follow, even if it means taking a short walk every day. However, for some women, exercising is not recommended so get a go-ahead from your obstetrician or midwife first so you can properly deal with fatigue during pregnancy.

In what ways are you fighting your pregnancy fatigue?

Written by Manal, first time mom, rearing an infant.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.