Tightness in early pregnancy

Is It Labor or Something Else?

Stomach Tightening During Pregnancy: Is It Labor or Something Else?

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Ashley Marcin on December 13, 2017

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Is it a miscarriage?

Painful stomach tightening may be a sign of miscarriage. A miscarriage is a loss of pregnancy before week 20, though it’s most common before week 12.

You may have no symptoms with a miscarriage, or you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

tightness or cramping in your abdomen
pain or cramping in your lower back
spotting or bleeding
seeing fluid or tissue pass from the vagina

Causes of miscarriage aren’t always clear. Some may be due to a blighted ovum, which means no embryo forms. Others may be due to:

genetic issues with the fetus
diabetes
certain infections
thyroid disease
cervix issues

If you have painful stomach tightening along with other signs of miscarriage, call your doctor or midwife.

In the second trimester

As your body continues to adapt to pregnancy, you may experience stomach tightening and even sharp pains called round ligament pain. This type of discomfort is most common during the second trimester, and the pain may extend from your abdomen or hip area to your groin. Round ligament pain is considered totally normal.

It’s also possible to experience Braxton-Hicks contractions as early as the fourth month of pregnancy. During these “practice contractions,” your stomach may feel very tight and uncomfortable. Some women get more of these contractions than others. Braxton-Hicks contractions aren’t as painful as regular labor contractions. They often occur with activity, like exercise or sex.

These contractions don’t generally affect the dilation of the cervix. They are irregularly, with no set pattern that you can time.

In some cases, you may develop what is called an irritable uterus. Contractions or stomach tightening with an irritable uterus feel similar to what you would expect to experience with Braxton-Hicks. With irritable uterus, though, you may actually get regular and frequent stomach tightening that doesn’t respond to rest or hydration. While this pattern may be alarming and a sign of preterm labor, women with irritable uterus don’t necessarily see a change in dilation.

If you aren’t yet due, being dehydrated can also lead to increased contractions. If you’re feeling cramps that come and go, be sure to drink plenty of fluids. They often will diminish when you’re rehydrated. If the cramps and contractions are getting longer, stronger, or closer together, see your healthcare provider to prevent premature delivery.

If you’re having frequent contractions in your second trimester, it’s always best to contact your healthcare provider to rule out preterm labor or miscarriage. They can perform tests, like an ultrasound, to measure your cervix and evaluate other signs to see if you’re in labor.

In the third trimester

Stomach tightening in your third trimester may be a sign of labor. Labor contractions may start out mild and get stronger over time.

You can usually time these contractions by starting a stopwatch as one ends and stopping the watch as another one starts. The time between them will generally be steady. At first, they will be spaced further apart, maybe every eight minutes or so. As labor progresses, they will get closer together.

True labor contractions become more and more intense over time.

Braxton-Hicks contractions are more common in the third trimester of pregnancy. You may notice them in the final weeks of pregnancy. It’s also possible to notice them earlier in your third trimester.

Braxton-Hicks contractions are also referred to as “false labor” because many women mistake them for labor. If you’re getting lots of irregular contractions or stomach tightening, call your healthcare provider. If it’s after hours, you can also place a call to your local hospital and speak to a triage nurse. They can advise you on whether you should see a healthcare provider.

The rule of thumb is to call if you’ve had more than four to six contractions in an hour, no matter their pattern.

Braxton-Hicks vs. labor

Still confused about the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and the real thing? Changing position, drinking a glass of water, or taking a gentle walk may make false labor contractions go away.

Other signs of labor include:

lower back pain or cramping that doesn’t go away
gushes or a trickle of clear liquid from the vagina, which is a sign of your water breaking
red-tinged vaginal discharge, also known as “bloody show”

If a change in activity doesn’t relieve the stomach tightening, or the pain and frequency in your contractions gets worse, it may be time to visit the hospital.

When should I go to the hospital if I’m in labor?

You are probably in labor if your contractions are getting longer, stronger, and closer together. If this is your first baby, head to the hospital or call your midwife when your contractions come every three to five minutes, and last 45 to 60 seconds over an hour-long period of time. If you’re not a first-time mom, consider getting there when your contractions come every five to seven minutes, and last 45 to 60 seconds over an hour-long period. Head immediately in for care if your water breaks, regardless of whether you’re having contractions.

Treatment

If your stomach tightening is irregular and mild:

drink a tall glass of water and stay hydrated
move your body to see if a change in positions helps relax your stomach
avoid getting up too quickly from bed or other positions
consider getting a pregnancy massage to relax tired muscles
use a warm water bottle or heat pad, or take a warm bath or shower

If these home measures don’t relieve your stomach tightness or you have other concerns, contact your doctor or midwife.

Go to the hospital immediately if you’re less than 36 weeks pregnant and have other signs of preterm labor, like:

bleeding
fluid leakage
pressure in your pelvis or vagina

You should also contact your healthcare provider if you have more than four to six contractions in an hour, regardless of their timing. Hospitals often get calls from women who don’t know the different sensations of pregnancy, and it’s better to be safe than sorry if you suspect something might be happening with your pregnancy.

The takeaway

If you’re ever concerned about stomach tightening or contractions during your pregnancy, or any other symptoms, call your doctor. Your healthcare provider won’t mind if it’s a false alarm. It’s always better to be on the safe side.

While many cases of stomach tightening can be attributed to Braxton-Hicks contractions or growing pains, there’s always a slight chance it may be the real deal. Your healthcare provider can set your mind at ease if it’s a false alarm. If you’re in labor, they can help safely deliver your baby.

Last medically reviewed on December 13, 2017

Parenthood
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Health

How we reviewed this article:

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womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/body-changes-and-discomforts
Knowing it’s time. (n.d.).
thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/easier-health-care/maternity/labor-and-delivery/knowing-its-time
Labor and birth. (2017).
womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-and-beyond/labor-and-birth
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016). Miscarriage.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Second trimester pregnancy: What to expect.
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Dec 13, 2017

Written By

Ashley Marcin

Edited By

Nizam Khan (TechSpace)

Medically Reviewed By

Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Ashley Marcin on December 13, 2017

When to see a doctor

Pregnancy is often an exciting time in a woman’s life, but it is also a time filled with strange new physical symptoms or experiences. Stomach-tightening is one such symptom that many women experience during pregnancy.

There are many reasons for the stomach or abdomen to tighten during pregnancy, and these may vary, depending on the trimester.

In this article, we look at the causes, as well as when to speak to a doctor.

Share on PinterestAs the uterus grows in the first trimester, the stomach may feel tight.

There are many reasons why a woman may feel her stomach is tightening during the first trimester of pregnancy, including:

Stretching

During the first trimester, the uterus is growing and stretching rapidly to accommodate the growing fetus.

This can cause abdominal cramping or sharp, stabbing, or shooting pains along the side of the abdomen, as the ligaments and other tissues stretch.

Gas or constipation

Gas pain is a very common problem throughout pregnancy. It can cause cramping or shooting pain in the abdomen, and it can be very painful.

Constipation is also a common complaint in early pregnancy. The changing pregnancy hormones can slow down the gastrointestinal tract.

Also, the iron in some prenatal vitamins can harden stool and make it difficult to go to the bathroom. Both gas and constipation can sometimes make it feel as if the stomach is tightening.

Miscarriage

Rarely, tightening of the abdomen can signal a miscarriage, which is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks.

However, a miscarriage is most common before the 12th week of pregnancy. Other signs of a miscarriage include:

mild to severe back pain
bright red or brown vaginal bleeding
cramping
vaginal discharge of tissue or clots
decrease in the symptoms or signs of pregnancy, such as morning sickness or breast tenderness

The signs of a miscarriage vary between individuals and, in some situations, a woman may not have any signs at all. It is important for a woman to get regular prenatal care during early pregnancy so that her doctor can monitor the baby’s development.

In early pregnancy, a woman should call the doctor’s office with any vaginal bleeding, especially if it is red and resembles a period.

Stretching, cramping, and stabbing pain along the sides of the uterus often continues into the second trimester, and is known as round ligament pain. The round ligaments are located on either side of the uterus and connect the uterus to the groin.

During pregnancy, the ligaments stretch as the uterus grows, which can cause the sharp pain. This pain commonly occurs with changes in position, such as sitting to standing or bending down.

Most women start to feel their uterus contract and periodically tighten some time during the second trimester, the point in their pregnancy between 14 to 28 weeks. These are known as Braxton-Hicks contractions, false labor, or practice contractions.

The purpose of Braxton-Hicks contractions is for the uterus to prepare for the hard work of labor and delivery. It is thought that they help to tone the muscle in the uterus and promote blood flow to the placenta.

Braxton-Hicks contractions are normal and very common. They typically last for around 30 to 60 seconds but can be as long as 2 minutes. They are not as painful as regular contractions, but can still cause considerable pain and discomfort.

Some things may trigger or worsen Braxton-Hicks contractions:

sex or orgasm
dehydration
a full bladder
sharp kicking by the baby

Even though Braxton-Hicks contractions are common during pregnancy, it is important to mention them to the doctor at prenatal visits. The doctor can help determine whether they are Braxton-Hicks, or if they could be a sign of preterm labor.

It is important to call the doctor if:

contractions get stronger or closer together
contractions are not relieved by rest or drinking water
there is fluid leaking from the vagina
there is vaginal bleeding

A doctor should evaluate these symptoms to make sure that a woman is not experiencing complications or preterm labor.

Share on PinterestDuring the third trimester, Braxton-Hicks contractions may increase in strength.

Stomach-tightening associated with Braxton-Hicks contractions increases in strength and frequency during the third trimester. These contractions are especially common during the last few weeks of pregnancy as the uterus prepares for birth.

However, it is still important to notice and keep track of them. If a woman has more than a few in an hour, she should speak to her doctor.

Things a person can do to relieve the pain and stretching feeling include:

Drinking a glass of water: Dehydration is a common trigger for Braxton-Hicks contractions. Try having a big glass of water and lying down for a few minutes.
Using the bathroom: Having a full bladder is associated with increased Braxton-Hicks contractions. Sometimes, just using the bathroom and emptying the bladder can stop the contractions.
Changing positions: Sometimes body position can put pressure on the uterus, triggering Braxton-Hicks contractions. Try shifting positions or lying down.
Taking a warm bath or shower: Sitting in a warm tub can relax tired or achy muscles, including the uterus.
Drinking a cup of tea or warm milk: Warm milk or herbal tea can be both relaxing and hydrating.

It is important to call a doctor if home remedies do not relieve stomach tightening or if there are more than four contractions in an hour.

Many women have called their doctor or gone to the hospital if they experience Braxton-Hicks contractions, especially near the end of their pregnancy. As Braxton-Hicks contractions get stronger and more frequent, it often feels as if labor is beginning for real.

There are a couple of differences, however:

Braxton-Hicks contractions	True labor
Irregular in intensity and frequency	Get closer together and progressively stronger
Uncomfortable	Painful
May be relieved with home measures, including drinking water or lying down	Home measures do not relieve them
No other signs of labor	May have other signs of labor

Other signs of labor can include:

back pain or cramping
leaking of fluid from the vagina
bloody vaginal discharge

As always, it is essential to contact the doctor or make a trip to the hospital with any questions or concerns.

I'm embarrassed to ask: I'm pregnant and I want to drink a little, can I? A gynecologist about what is actually possible and what is not

In the “I'm embarrassed to ask” section, we answer questions that Belarusians are usually embarrassed to ask friends and professionals, but often google. Today, with an obstetrician-gynecologist, we discussed popular myths about what is impossible for pregnant women.

Lyudmila Grinets
Gynecologist of the highest category

Food and alcohol

► Is it true that pregnant women need to eat for two?

– No, that's not true. Pregnant women need to eat as usual: no matter how much a woman eats, the child will take everything he needs, he will not take too much - all this will remain with you and will manifest itself as extra pounds. Pregnant women who follow this principle find it difficult to walk and even give birth.

Also, pregnant women, if they are healthy, do not need to follow any diets. The only thing that is preferable is that a woman eat cottage cheese and meat every day: they provide the necessary calcium and protein.

► Is it true that pregnant women shouldn't eat sushi?

I would not recommend eating sushi in Minsk, not only for pregnant women. Where can we get fresh and high-quality red fish now? Of course, if you are in a good restaurant, trust the local chef, how food is checked there, if you are sure that you will not get poisoned, eat healthy. It is unlikely that there will be toxins that will reach the child through the placental-uterine barrier.

You see, a pregnant woman can eat anything, and the child will receive only the amino acids, fats, and carbohydrates he needs. In principle, you need to be more careful with food: you can also get poisoned by low-quality milk from a nearby store.

► Are tea and coffee banned too?

Of course. Tea and coffee are advised to drink carefully, usually because of caffeine, which, by the way, is more in tea. But pregnant women can do both, except that it is better to drink coffee only with milk.

The fact is that a pregnant woman has a more unstable vascular system, the pressure can constantly go down and up. For those who have it all the time, it is better to drink fruit and herbal teas, and instead of coffee - chicory: it does not contain caffeine, but there is a coffee taste.

For women who often experience a lack of strength, we recommend coffee with milk or strong tea - they often help.

► They say that pregnant women can still drink alcohol, but only a little. This is true?

I think that nothing terrible will happen if a pregnant woman drinks half a glass of champagne on New Year's Eve, her birthday or any other holiday. Of course, we are not talking about vodka, other strong drinks and cheap wine with an incomprehensible composition. And it is very important that this is not a system.

The only thing we advise you to be careful is in the first trimester, when organ laying is in progress: it is undesirable to drink alcohol during this period. But even in this case, two or three sips of wine will not do anything bad to the child.

We had a pregnant woman who saved herself with champagne: this is how we treated her for toxicosis. Of course, this is an exception, and she drank it not in a glass, but in a tablespoon before meals. For all my practice - 39 years - there were only two such women.

Sports and activities

► Some people say that pregnant women need to take care of themselves and move less. Isn't it possible to play sports?

You can go in for sports, and we, doctors, are all for it. It is better to let the woman lead a normal life, continue to attend training, if she has done this before, there is no need to immediately limit all her movements. Again, this only applies to healthy women who do not have severe restrictions.

It is important to tell the coach about your situation so that he can correctly select a program for you, because now there are so many good methods for pregnant women. We very much welcome water aerobics and just swimming in the pool, yoga and Pilates, which stretch and strengthen muscles well. And sports can be continued almost all 9months.

Pregnant women should not engage in aggressive sports: cycling, horseback riding, shaping, trampolining, etc.

► Can I wear heels?

You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. The downside of heels is that a woman’s center of gravity shifts, posture changes, and for a long time, the already heavy load on the spine increases. But heels cannot seriously harm the fetus or woman, just the likelihood of falling and getting injured becomes higher.

Many pregnant women eventually switch to low heels or flat shoes on their own, and we also recommend wearing a brace, which will reduce the load on the spine.

Vaccinations and cat litter boxes

► Why are pregnant women not allowed to clean up litter boxes and have frequent contact with cats?

This is a sore point. In general, animals and pregnancy are good, and there are many cases where cats and dogs become attached to newborns. And they are afraid of pets because of the possibility of getting toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that can threaten the life of the fetus.

People who are planning a pregnancy should take their pet to a veterinary clinic before conception, where they will take a blood test. If the animal is infected with toxoplasmosis and the disease is now in an acute period, it must, of course, be treated, then they themselves should be tested and, if necessary, treated, and after that try to conceive a child.

If your pet's illness is not currently severe, follow the preventive measures recommended by your doctor and try to conceive without any fear. There is no need to get rid of the pet - just ask someone to clean the tray if you are afraid and wash your hands after each contact with the animal.

► What if I found out about this disease during my pregnancy?

Examine the animal and yourself now, temporarily limit contact with the pet. And don't be afraid, toxoplasmosis is stool-borne, so be hygienic, wear rubber gloves, and wash your hands thoroughly.

► Can I get vaccinated during pregnancy? Or can they harm the fetus?

Pregnant women not only can, but also need to be vaccinated, but only against the flu - they do not do others. Again, this only applies to healthy women. If there is a pathology, they will not even do it.

There is nothing wrong with vaccinations, and it will be much worse if a pregnant woman, especially at an early stage, suffers a viral disease - influenza or SARS - this can affect the fetus and the laying of its organs.

Airplanes and nail polish

► Ok, what about airplanes? Is it dangerous for pregnant women to fly?

There is no risk in flying, but some women are still afraid that the risk of miscarriage may occur due to pressure changes. We are allowed to fly on planes for up to 36 weeks, then they simply won’t let you on the plane. An exception is made, probably, only if a woman needs to get somewhere for health reasons.

Why not allowed? Not because it is dangerous, but because they are afraid of childbirth: from 36 weeks there may be premature. In general, nothing bad can happen to you and your child during the flight.

► Is the ban on painting nails and hair also crazy?

This is as stupid as a ban on cutting and cross-stitching. How much I work, most women always take care of themselves, put on makeup.

Talks about the terrible influence of hair dye and nail polish have been going on since my student days, when women really interfered with terrible chemistry. But now the colors are completely different. You only need to choose a good master who will have sterile tools and high-quality cosmetics.

We ask pregnant women not to paint their nails just before the birth, not because it is dangerous, but because the color of the nails can be an alarming symptom: for example, if they are blue, there is a lack of oxygen.

Believe me, it's bad when a woman doesn't take care of herself at all and believes in superstitions, because extra nerves and a bad mood are what really harms a child.

Sex

► Can I have sex if I'm pregnant?

Why not? Pregnancy is a physiological condition, not a disease. A woman can continue to live the same way as before the onset of pregnancy.

Pregnant women at an early stage, up to 12 weeks, who come to me for an appointment, I allow them to live sexually without giving themselves over to this process completely and completely, as before. During orgasm, the organs fill with blood, the uterus contracts, which in the worst case can be a threat to the health of the fetus.

The best option is to have sex once every 7-10 days. When the gestational age reaches 16 weeks, the placenta is formed, and there can no longer be any threat from sex.

You can live sexually until childbirth, and closer to them we sometimes even advise you to do this, because during sex natural prostaglandins are produced, which can become a trigger for contractions when the cervix does not mature on its own.

We advise to abstain only for those women whose pregnancy develops with pathologies, who have spotting and other signs of danger.

► Does the fetus feel anything during sex?

No, the child does not feel external physical influences, even if his mother suddenly falls: he has his own "airbags".

In my practice, there was a patient who deliberately jumped from the third floor to terminate a pregnancy. As a result, she broke both legs, and nothing happened to the child at all.

There are original articles in American medical journals that have examined the prenatal state of the fetus. So the encephalogram of the unborn child was identical to the encephalograms of the father and mother during sex and orgasm. The best and most comfortable state for a child is in the mother's stomach.

There is the closest spiritual connection between the fetus and the mother. Therefore, it is worth thinking more about the emotional state of the mother, since negative emotions and experiences can harm the child (he will share them with his mother). We always tell pregnant women and their relatives that it is important to create comfortable conditions in which a woman will not be nervous.

► So you can also sleep on your stomach?

You see, when a person is sleeping, he unconsciously chooses the position where he is comfortable. As long as the term is short and the stomach does not interfere - please, nothing will happen to the child, but then the woman herself is unlikely to lie in such a position.

► Is it true that during the breastfeeding period a woman cannot become pregnant again?

This is not true, and we warn all pregnant women about this. All women are built differently, and there are times when a woman becomes pregnant again while breastfeeding, even if she still does not have her period.

We tell everyone that it is necessary to protect yourself, and it is better to do this for another three years so that the body recovers after pregnancy and childbirth.

What else?

► And what should pregnant women absolutely not do?

Drink strong alcohol, regularly drink, smoke, use drugs and engage in sports that I have already mentioned.

Of course, I would like pregnant women not to get sick, not to become infected with viruses, because they have a very detrimental effect on the child, causing deformities of the fetus and miscarriage. And there are no other restrictions, almost everything is possible.

► Why don't doctors say much of this during a consultation?

It seems to me that if they keep silent during consultations, it is only because of lack of time. In an ordinary clinic, only 12 minutes are allocated for the reception of one person. During this time, it is impossible to discuss everything, it is only enough to check the condition of the woman, fill out the card and the most necessary instructions.

This is actually a big problem, because for a woman this is always an event with a capital letter, she wants to know everything, she needs to discuss it with a specialist, and we would be happy, but it does not always work out.

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Early pregnancy | Shchelkovsky perinatal center

Pregnancy is a wonderful period! However, the changes taking place in the body at this time can greatly frighten you. The phenomena characteristic of pregnancy are different for all women, and will not necessarily be repeated during each subsequent gestation. Let's analyze the most common symptoms, their causes and possible methods of correction.

1. Frequent urination.

Frequent, painless (!) urge to urinate is one of the signs of pregnancy. This is due to increased secretion of progesterone (pregnancy hormone), changes in metabolism and pressure from the growing uterus on the bladder.

Be sure to see a doctor if:

urination is painful (this may be a sign of an infection)
urine of strange color (stained with blood, brown)
the amount of urine excreted per day is much less than the liquid drunk per day

Life hack! Under no circumstances should fluid intake be restricted! To alleviate the condition and reduce the frequent urge to urinate, it is necessary to exclude products that have a diuretic effect: tea, coffee, zucchini, watermelon; as well as salty, spicy and fried foods. It is better to drink water or juice. Wear comfortable cotton underwear that does not squeeze the lower abdomen.

2. Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, increased susceptibility to odors.

Nausea is one of the common symptoms of early pregnancy. The range of issues related to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is quite wide. From "it's good, I don't even feel sick" (with relief), "I don't feel sick, what's wrong with me?" (with anxiety) to "when will this nausea pass" (with hope). Indeed, these symptoms are not at all a mandatory accompaniment of gestation, they can manifest at 7-8 weeks and last up to 12-14 weeks. The duration of this condition can sometimes be delayed, but rarely persists throughout pregnancy.

Life hack! For nausea, eat before feeling hungry. Solid, non-hot food and drinks at a cool temperature are best. With heartburn, you should eat small portions of food and often, and most importantly, sit, stand or walk for at least 30 minutes after eating, but do not lie down.

You should definitely consult a doctor if:

vomiting occurs even after drinking water
vomiting is exhausting, accompanied by dizziness, weakness
dryness, jaundice and flaking of the skin appear
nausea and vomiting interfere with proper nutrition, accompanied by weight loss

To reduce nausea and vomiting in the morning, try eating something before you get out of bed. It can be a cracker, a cookie, a piece of hard cheese. And salty food is preferable to sweet. You can have a snack in the same way at night when you get up to go to the toilet. Do not lie down immediately after eating, this will only increase nausea. Vitamins for pregnant women with nausea should be taken in the evening after meals. Cool water with lemon, ginger, mint tea, or ginger or mint candies can alleviate the condition. It is necessary to exclude those foods, drinks and smells that are unpleasant to you. Brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth often can also reduce nausea.

3. Pain or cramps in the lower abdomen, constipation, pain in the lumbar region.

The simplest and most easily controlled cause of pain is delayed and incomplete bowel movements. An increase in the concentration of progesterone relaxes the smooth muscles, which are located not only in the uterus, but also in other hollow organs. In this case, the correction of the diet and the restoration of the passage of feces will help. If the measures are ineffective, the doctor may prescribe safe drugs for you. A special type of pain that occurs during exclusivity in pregnant women is pain in the round ligament of the uterus. This acute, rather intense pain occurs, as a rule, on the one hand with a sharp change in body position (for example, when getting up from a chair or leaving a car). This pain occurs due to stretching, and then a sharp contraction, like a spring, of the round uterine ligaments. The pain quickly passes if you immediately take a comfortable position and does not require special treatment.

You should definitely consult a doctor if:

pain is accompanied by spotting bloody discharge from the external genitalia
increasing duration and intensity of pain
abdominal pain accompanied by dizziness, fever, loss of consciousness

Life hack! To normalize bowel movements, eat more vegetables and fruits, drink water and move more during the day. Try to eat often and in small portions.

4. Enlargement and soreness of the mammary glands.

Hormonal restructuring of the body during gestation is accompanied, among other things, by an increase in the size of the mammary glands and an increase in their sensitivity. By the end of the first trimester, the soreness usually disappears, no additional methods of treatment are needed.

Life hack! Choose comfortable supportive underwear (it should not leave marks on the skin at the end of the day). You may need a larger size or a sports bra. Pain in the mammary glands is relieved by a warm shower at the end of the day.

You should definitely see a doctor if:

the pain is severe
mammary glands are very dense with redness and body temperature is increased
discharge from the nipples appears (purulent, bloody)

5. Increased body temperature.

In early pregnancy, an increase in body temperature to 37.5 ° C is not necessary, but is possible due to the peculiarities of the action of progesterone. Because of this, it is difficult for pregnant women to endure stuffy, hot rooms. Self-medication is dangerous: an attempt to bring down the temperature even with a seemingly harmless folk method - tea with raspberries - can mask the true cause of hyperthermia and delay the diagnosis. Due to the increased body temperature, pregnant women should dress in layers and avoid stuffy and hot rooms and spaces so that they can always “adjust” their temperature on their own.

temperature above 37.5 °C
along with fever, any pain occurs
runny nose, cough, body aches appear

6. Nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, nosebleeds.

These symptoms can be explained by the individual reaction of the vascular system to the increase in blood volume that occurs during pregnancy. Another possible reason is dry air in the room, the operation of central heating batteries.

Life hack! The easiest way to deal with nasal congestion is to use a humidifier. If you don't have one, you can put a damp towel on the battery - less effective, but better than nothing. It is possible to use sprays with sea salt, but you need to carefully read the instructions and especially the "Indications" section, it should contain information about the safety of the product during pregnancy.

You should definitely see a doctor if:

symptoms of a cold occur
nasal congestion accompanied by ear congestion
these symptoms appeared after exposure to the allergen known to you

7. Blood pressure fluctuations.

An ideal option for the course of any pregnancy is the stability of the blood pressure throughout the gestation. However, this is extremely rare. A small (up to 10 units) increase in pressure from the usual reference may be due to an increase in the load on the cardiovascular system as a result of changes in body weight, hormonal changes, and uterine pressure on the vessels. Normal pressure: systolic below 130 mm Hg, diastolic no more than 85 mm Hg. Blood pressure in the range of 130–139/ 85–89 mm Hg considered high to be normal. High numbers are often observed in patients of older reproductive age, suffering from diabetes mellitus and kidney disease, obesity, etc. However, it is imperative to tell the doctor about all these concomitant pathological conditions at the first appointment and, if necessary, consult a neurologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist and other related specialists . Reasonable physical activity, adherence to sleep and wakefulness, a balanced diet, and the rejection of coffee and strong tea allow you to keep pressure within limits. Of the completely exotic for our days, but no less significant - the prevention of stress.

Life hack! If you are experiencing high normal blood pressure for the first time, repeat the measurement after 15 minutes. If the pressure remains elevated, see a doctor.

You should definitely consult a doctor if:

pressure increased by more than 10 mm Hg. relative to your usual

an increase in the pressure indicator is accompanied by edema, the appearance of "flies" before the eyes

NB! You should also pay attention to lowering blood pressure. Numbers less than 90/60 mmHg - an excuse to see a doctor.

Life hack! Keep a blood pressure diary, especially if you have a tendency to hypertension. Show your diary to your doctor at every appointment.

8. Heaviness and pain in the legs.

Heaviness and pain in the legs, especially in the evening, are frequent companions of pregnancy. There is an explanation for the occurrence of symptoms: an increase in load due to growing weight and a shift in the center of gravity of the body.

Life hack! Ask your partner/husband to give you a foot massage, relax with your limbs elevated (not too much!) A therapeutic pedicure, dousing the legs with cool water, a contrast shower, a cream or gel for legs with cooling components (menthol, essential oils), as well as compression stockings or stockings of the lightest degree of compression will help.

You should definitely see a doctor if:

one or both legs are very swollen or discolored

previously diagnosed varicose veins, family history of thrombosis

9. Skin changes.

During pregnancy, you may notice dark spots on your skin. Especially often such darkening (hyperpigmentation) is observed in the nipple area, along the white line of the abdomen. Stretch marks (stretch marks) may appear on the skin of the abdomen and thighs. These are normal signs and do not require any treatment. In most cases, skin color will return to normal after breastfeeding ends, and stretch marks will shrink and fade. Itching can be associated with stretching of the skin, especially in the abdomen and mammary glands. This symptom occurs infrequently and is usually successfully stopped by the use of special products to moisturize and soften the skin. By the way, these same remedies usually help in the fight against stretch marks.

Life hack! Oils and moisturizing creams to increase skin elasticity, contrast showers, massage with a hard brush will help reduce the likelihood of skin changes.

You should definitely consult a doctor if:

along with itching there are areas of redness, spots, peeling

itching increases

10. Bleeding gums.

Changes in the characteristics of blood circulation in the body of a pregnant woman can cause bleeding gums. The appearance of minor blood impurities during brushing your teeth, when eating solid foods (for example, an apple) is acceptable. However, the key provision is "insignificant". If you find it difficult to assess your own condition, consult a specialist.

You should definitely consult a doctor if:

you have loose teeth, sore gums, bad breath

bleeding in the gum area increases

11. Fatigue, mood instability.

Tearfulness, lack of strength, forgetfulness, distraction, the whole palette of feelings "here and now"... The list can be continued, and there is only one explanation for this - pregnancy. The most common early symptom is severe fatigue. There is no universal recipe, just as there is no single picture of these states. The main recommendation for all pregnant women is to rest often, relax and even sleep during the day. Most importantly, you need to remember: pregnancy is not a disease, but a great time to prepare for motherhood.
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