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The Nagging Pain of Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy, or tubal pregnancy as it is sometimes referred to, is the nightmare of every woman who wants to bear children.

In this type of pregnancy, the embryo imbeds outside of the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes, or sometimes in the ovary or on a supporting ligament. It can also embed in the abdominal cavity.

As the fetus grows, the danger of rupture increases because there is no room for expansion in a tube, ovary, or blood vessel. The result is massive bleeding internally.

This type of pregnancy is usually discovered within the first few weeks after conception and presents with lower abdominal pain that is either sudden or has a gradually building onset.

The pain could be on the right side or the left of the lower abdomen. It is continuous and nagging, causing cramping and pain.

This is an obstetric emergency and requires immediate medical attention. There are some critical situations that can mimic an ectopic pregnancy-a ruptured ovarian cyst, appendicitis, and miscarriage all present with similar symptoms and pain.

IBS May Improve With Pregnancy

Women who suffer with irritable bowel syndrome (ibs) often find it changes during pregnancy.  The impact of pregnancy on the bowels isn't as well documented as it is on the gastrointestinal tract, but one theory states that the effect of pregnancy hormones could either positively or negatively affect the symptoms of ibs, and may even relieve abdominal pain.

One survey reported that nearly half of the women respondents indicated an improvement in their ibs symptoms while pregnant, with a much smaller percentage stating their symptoms worsened.

The Good Old Back Ache

Backaches are closely linked to pregnancy and some causes of pregnancy back ache include such things are the shift in the center of gravity experienced as the baby grows, poor posture, lifting and bending incorrectly, and wearing footwear that looks good but takes a toll on the spine.

The discomfort of a backache can radiate into the sides of the abdomen, making sitting and standing uncomfortable. Sometimes the pain is more of a dull ache and a cramping in the lower back.

Is Cramping Normal?

Many women wonder if cramping is common during pregnancy, and the answer is yes and no. Mild cramping often happens as the uterus grows and the belly swells.

But severe cramping or pain is not a good sign and the doctor should be advised if there are any signs of severe pain or cramping. There are common causes for cramping during pregnancy, beginning very early on with implantation which causes low, period-type cramps and mild discomfort.

As time goes on and the muscles and ligaments stretch, a dull ache and cramping often accompanies the procedure. Braxton-Hicks contractions can be the source of cramping as well. Then, in the last weeks of pregnancy, cramping is a good indication that labor is about ready to begin.

When pain and cramping become serious, call the doctor. Only proper examination and testing can reveal the real source of the problem. It is better to alleviate fear and concern than to tough it out.