Do you experience colic while pregnant? Learn how to treat colic for pregnant women and its causes.
Colic is a common occurrence in expectant mothers. The causes of colic in pregnant women vary, including: What is simple, and what is serious, but how can colic be treated for a pregnant woman?
Colic treatment for pregnant women
Before beginning the treatment of colic for a pregnant woman, it is crucial to identify the cause because the causes of colic for pregnant women vary. Some of the most popular treatments include the following:
- Treatment of abdominal gas-related colic in pregnant women
Since abdominal gases increase during pregnancy due to the rise in the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the intestinal muscles and lengthens the time it takes for food to reach the intestines, which increases colic and gases, many pregnant women experience colic, which is typically brought on by abdominal gases.
Colic can be reduced by following these tips:
- Eat several small meals during the day.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Doing regular exercise after the doctor's approval.
- Avoid foods that cause gas, such as: fried foods, beans, and cabbage.
- Avoid soft drinks.
- Treatment of constipation-related colic in expectant mothers
Due to hormonal changes, poor diet, a lack of fluid and fibre, iron supplements, stress and anxiety, or hormonal fluctuations, constipation is a common occurrence during pregnancy.
Colic due to constipation can be treated by modifying the diet, increasing fiber and fluid intake, and drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
A stool softener or fibre supplement may be prescribed by the doctor if the issue doesn't go away.
- Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome-related pregnancy colic
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common medical condition that causes abdominal cramps and cramps, which are accompanied by bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation. Due to stress and hormonal changes, irritable bowel syndrome symptoms may worsen during pregnancy.
Consult your doctor about the Irritable Bowel Syndrome medications that you use to ensure that they are suitable for pregnancy. You might also find some advice useful for symptom relief, such as:
- Drink enough water.
- Practicing physical activities, such as: walking.
- Eat foods rich in fibre.
- Take laxatives to reduce constipation after consulting a doctor, such as: psyllium seed or wheat dextrin.
- Relax and avoid stress.
- Treatment for pregnancy-related colic caused by uterine growth
Intestinal pressure from the expanding uterus may cause nausea, a feeling of being full, and bloating.
By eating small, frequent meals, working out, and getting enough sleep, this can be decreased.
- Treatment for colic in expectant mothers brought on by round ligament pain
The uterus is connected to the groyne by two different kinds of round ligaments. To allow for the foetus' growth, these ligaments support the uterus. These ligaments may cause pain in the abdomen, groin, and hips when changing a sitting position, sneezing, or coughing.
These pains can be reduced by practicing getting up and changing your sitting position slowly, bending your knees when sneezing or coughing, and doing stretching exercises may help reduce pressure on your ligaments.
- Treatment for pregnancy-related colic brought on by Braxton-Hicks contractions
False contractions known as Braxton Hicks typically happen during the second trimester of pregnancy. Although they are unpredictable and irregular, they resemble labour pains. They are a normal part of pregnancy.
Resting, shifting positions while you're sitting, moving around, and drinking water can all help to lessen Braxton Hicks contractions.
Symptoms that require a doctor's review
If you experience any of the following symptoms in addition to abdominal cramps, consult a doctor right away:
- fever or chills;
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting.
- Unusual vaginal discharge .
- Frequent contractions.
- nausea or vomiting
- dizziness.
- Pain or burning after urinating.
- severe headache.
- visual disturbances.
- Severe swelling of the hands, legs, or face.
- severe abdominal pain.
The most serious causes of colic when pregnant
The previous symptoms may indicate the occurrence of colic in a pregnant woman for serious reasons that require medical intervention. These factors, in order of importance, are:
- Ectopic pregnancy: It occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. The uterus cannot continue and must be removed with medication or surgery.
- Miscarriage: indicated by cramping and bleeding before 24 weeks of pregnancy.
- Preeclampsia: which causes severe headaches, vision problems, and swelling of the feet, hands, and face.
- Premature labor: Premature labor causes regular abdominal contractions.
- Placental abruption: It causes severe and continuous bleeding and pain.
- Urinary tract infection: which is a common occurrence in pregnant women, and may cause colic, abdominal pain, and pain when urinating.