Recognizing Abnormal Pain During Pregnancy

Every woman will experience some pain during pregnancy and most of the time, it is quite normal. However, there are times when pain can signal a more serious complication which could endanger not only you but also the life of your unborn child. Therefore, it is important to recognize what would be considered abnormal pain during pregnancy so that you can seek proper medical treatment quickly.

What is Normal?

Minor back pain during pregnancy is quite normal and is often the result of the progesterone hormone and the discs and ligaments softening in anticipation of the extra weight you will be carrying. In addition, as the baby grows in the womb, this will put some pressure on the spine because your center of gravity is changing to accommodate the new life.

Abdominal pain during pregnancy can be quite normal in many cases and can be due simply to your diet, growing uterus applying pressure inside the body and even gas or bloating. As your baby grows, many of your bodily functions from digestion to elimination of body waste is affected so it stands to reason that your body will rebel a bit.

Cramping and even sharp pain during pregnancy can occur and be quite normal but it is important that these be somewhat isolated incidents. The cramping can occur very early in pregnancy and be the result of the fertilized egg implanting itself in the uterus while cramping late in the pregnancy can be the body readying itself for contractions and labor. A sharp pain on the sides of your growing abdomen is usually the result of your ligaments stretching to accommodate your growth and can worsen during coughing or sudden movements.

Serious Signs

Abnormal pain during pregnancy can be the result of a variety of things from premature labor to high blood pressure to preeclampsia. Pre-existing health conditions like obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes can also complicate matters. Bleeding during pregnancy is one of those times which warrant an immediate trip to the doctor or hospital. This bleeding can be an indicator to a whole host of health problems from miscarriage to placenta previa to even an ectopic pregnancy.

Back pain with contractions, dizziness, bleeding, fever, headaches or any other symptoms can signal conditions like placental abruption where the placenta tears away from the uterine wall. Urinary tract infections are not uncommon in pregnant women and may cause pain during pregnancy. Pain while urinating, blood in the urine or even foul smelling discharge can be a sign of an infection that needs treatment before your kidneys shut down.

The bottom line is if you have pain during pregnancy, enough so that it scares you, go to the doctor. Do not wait and hope that it will go away because it if is truly something serious, acting fast can save not only your life but that of your unborn child.