Hi everybody,
I'm a 33 year old woman who is 21 weeks pregnant..My problem is that my lower abdomen (left & right sides) hurt since yesterday and to describe the pain it feels like abdominal cramps,just like the ones you would get before your monthly period!It is not to heavy but I do feel it.I was wondering if this could be just my abdomen streching and me feeling it or something serious?There is no bleeding or anything,I would like to know what this could be?If it's normal or not...My OB office is closed because of Thanksgiving and I don't know if it's an emergency to call the Dr. that's on call!Please anybody,any ideas?Thank you...
Possible constipation or bowel blockage too. Eat foods that digest easily, lots of fiber and see if that helps ease the pain. Drink plenty of water.
It sounds like ligament pain to me. Try taking a warm bath and taking some extra strength tylenol (follow the directions on the bottle). Also, try drinking a lot of water. If you happen to be cramping, it is usually caused by dehydration. If these things don't work or if you start bleeding definitely call your dr. It would be better to be safe than sorry. Good luck and congrats!
If there is cramping, I would call the on call dr. They are there to answer your questions. It very well could be nothing but it could be contractions and since you are so early in your pregnancy you'll likely want to be checked out. I had all sorts of pains that I called about because I didn't know what they were. Better safe than sorry.
It is possible you are experiencing Braxton-Hicks (practice) contractions. However, there is no harm in calling the doc if you are worried. They are on call for a reason: to help patients in need...don't feel like you are being a burden or anything like that. If the doc gives you a hard time, then it is him/her with the problem. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
It is probably braxton hicks; however, it's best to time them and make sure you're not having too many of them. I'm pregnant with my 5th and I get those occasionally. It often happens when I need to use the restroom. When it happens I would try resting or just lying down for a while and changing positions to see if it goes away. If it doesn't go away then you need to call your OB.
Good luck and Congratulations!
It could be that you are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions that are your body's way of getting ready for birth. You can have them at anytime. I would suggest that if they get stronger that you head to the hospital to have it checked out. You might also try drinking a lot of water that could also stop the painful contractions. BTW you can always call your OB and speak with the on call Dr if you do get concerned. That is what they are there for and understand pregnancies and can give you information about what is going on.
I had 4 kids- at least for the first couple I had cramps a lot and it was just my ligiments tearing, but that was before 21 weeks. You should probably go to the dr and have them check you out!
Call now if you haven't already. That's how my labor starts.
I've gotten light cramping like you're describing around 20-25 weeks with all my pregnancies, and it turned out to just be growing pains; but I'd definitely call your on-call doctor or the nurse line at the hospital just for peace of mind.
It could just be your uterus stretching out. I often had feelings like that. As long as you're not bleeding, I wouldn't worry to much about it.
Call them!! Their job is to care for you and your little one. You will NOT be the only one calling the dr on call today, I guarantee it. Plus, worrying is not good for you or the baby. You'll feel much better after calling the dr.
S.
