What Exactly Is Diarrhea
Diarrhea is basically poop hell. But more technically speaking, its defined as loose, watery bowel movements that occur three or more times in a day, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It usually lasts just a day or two, which is called acute diarrhea.
Ever wonder whats actually going on in your body to make your butt expel its contents so violently? There are a few different potential mechanisms, depending on the underlying cause . But generally speaking, diarrhea occurs when your digestive system fails to remove enough water from the stool as it moves through, Rudolph Bedford, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, California, tells SELF. That commonly happens when stool moves too quickly through the digestive tract, as Merck Manuals explains, or when your stool is diluted by excess water secreted by the intestines.
When To Call The Doctor
Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you feel like something’s not quite right. “If you have anything that you’re concerned about, you should contact your OB-GYN or be seen,” says Rebecca Shiffman, M.D., director of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Lincoln Hospital in Bronx, New York. “That’s what we’re here forto provide answers to pregnant women and to provide whatever care they need.” Always call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms:
- Abdominal pain with or without bleeding before 12 weeks
- Bleeding or strong cramping
- More than four contractions in an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal pain
About That Belly Bloat Or Baby
The pee stick on your pregnancy test is barely dry, but you swear theres already a baby bump bulging over the top of your skinny jeans. Is it for real?
Yes and no! Yes, you probably do have some abdominal swelling, but its most likely caused by first trimester bloating, not the size of your uterus.
Just like when you get all puffy right before your period, the increase in progesterone that happens with conception can cause bloating.
At this stage, your uterus is starting to expand but is still pretty small, so its not likely to be the reason for your tight-fitting pants.
That is, unless this isnt your first baby, in which case you could be seeing the makings of a baby bump this early: Because your abdominal muscles are weakened from your previous pregnancy, theyre ready to fall right back into saggy shape as soon as any kind of uterine growth happens.
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Pregnancy Bleeding And Swollen Gums
You may not have expected pregnancy to affect your mouth. But your blood circulation and hormone levels can make your gums tender and swollen, and you may notice they bleed more easily. You may also develop nose bleeds.
Recommendations:
- Get a dental checkup early in your pregnancy to make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy. See your dentist if you notice a particular problem.
- Brush your teeth, floss regularly and rinse daily with an antiseptic mouthwash.
Abnormal Cramps During Pregnancy
Any cramping that seems out of the ordinary, such as cramps that feel severe and that dont go away, should be reported to your doctor. Its possible that youre perfectly fine, but its important to be absolutely sure just to be safe. Sometimes, severe cramping can signify an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized egg implants in one of the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy is a very serious, dangerous condition that requires immediate surgery as the pregnancy cannot be sustained. It can also threaten the moms health if the fallopian tube ruptures. Cramping on one side should also be reported to your doctor as it might mean an ectopic pregnancy. Cramping accompanied by vaginal bleeding should also be immediately reported to the doctor. It might mean youre experiencing a miscarriage. The doctor can diagnose it or rule it out by ordering an ultrasound or hCG blood test. If youre concerned about cramps during pregnancy, contact WFMC Health to schedule an in-office or telehealth appointment.
Do you have more questions about pregnancy cramps in Salem Oregon? Talk to our staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!
- Deliver your baby at either Salem Hospital or Silverton Hospital
- Unique Centering classes offer support and sharing during pregnancy
- Well share nutritional resources to help you and your baby stay healthy
- Spanish-speaking nurses and staff
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How Do You Feel Your Uterus In Early Pregnancy
Walk your fingers up the side of her abdomen until you feel the top of her abdomen under the skin. It will feel like a hard ball. You can feel the top by curving your fingers gently into the abdomen. Figure 10.1 With the woman lying on her back, begin by finding the top of the uterus with your fingers.
Loss Of Appetite For Favourite Foods
Pregnancy can really mess with your eating habits, thats for sure. As well as craving foods you may not have previously been interested in, you can actually lose a taste for some foods and drinks that are usually a big part of your normal diet. Women sometimes go off staples such as coffee, tea or fatty foods. Changes in tastes and a heightened sense of smell are very common and can persist throughout pregnancy but do tend to be strongest early on, Dr Knight explained.
What else could it be?People often experience a loss in appetite when theyre feeling anxious or stressed. This is because anxiety triggers emotional and psychological changes in your body to help you deal with the pressure, they often affect the stomach and digestive tract and can make you lose your appetite. When youre feeling more relaxed, your appetite should return back to normal.
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Dont Let Cramps And Back Pain Ruin Your Pregnancy Experience
We understand that cramping and lower back pain in early pregnancy can be confusing, painful, and stressful. Despite this, however, it is important not to let those symptoms ruin the incredible experience youre in the middle of.
While its easy to get overwhelmed by whats happening with your body, the end result is really something to marvel at.
If youve experienced cramping and lower back pain during pregnancy, what types of pregnancy back pain relief did you use?
Pregnancy Nausea Or Vomiting
It’s very common — and normal — to have an upset stomach when you’re pregnant.
Chalk it up to pregnancy’s hormonal changes. It usually happens early in pregnancy, while your body is adjusting to the higher hormone levels.
Good news: Nausea usually disappears by the fourth month of pregnancy . It can happen at any time of the day but may be worse in the morning, when your stomach is empty or if you aren’t eating enough.
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Does Your Stomach Hurt With Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is characterized by nausea, sometimes vomiting, loss of appetite and increased sensitivity towards the smell of food. It is a natural sign of pregnancy. It appears in the early stages of pregnancy in the first trimester. It usually occurs in the sixth week of pregnancy and ends in 12-15 weeks at the start of the second trimester. Stomach pain is uncommon during pregnancy. It is usually not related to morning sickness. Stomach pain can be a sign of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption or other problems that can be serious for pregnancy.
Are Abdominal Pains During Pregnancy Normal
As your baby develops and your bump gets bigger by the day, your body will begin to adapt to the little one growing inside you. This extra strain can often lead to mild pregnancy pains such as backache and mild abdominal discomfort such as stretching.
If you are concerned, give your midwife or triage a ring to put your mind at rest. And of course, if theres anything on your mind about your pregnancy, dont forget our expert team is on hand 24/7.
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Is Uterus Hard Or Soft In Early Pregnancy
If youve conceived, the cervix will remain in a higher position. The second noticeable change is in the feel of the cervix. If you havent conceived, your cervix will feel firm before your period, like an unripened fruit. If you are pregnant, your cervix will feel soft .
Are Itchy Boobs Or Nipples A Sign Of Pregnancy
The short answer is no. By themselves, itchiness on the breasts is not a documented sign of pregnancy.
That said, some women report breast itchiness in addition to other symptoms.
There are many changes that happen in the breasts during pregnancy, and some of them happen quite quickly after conception. This includes the enlargement of the breasts, which may lead to the sensation of itchiness in some cases.
What are the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy?
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Symptoms Not To Worry About
Pregnancy symptoms are not all about tension and worry. There are some symptoms which you can ignore, as they are very common and almost every pregnant women face it-
- Fatigue- As now you are carrying the weight of two human beings inside your body, it is very common if you feel tired. When the baby grows, it takes up a lot of space in the tummy. The energy level decreases, which makes us, feel fatigued. So try to rest as much as you can, this will make you energetic.
- Vivid Dreams- Many women have faced this, having weird dreams which are vivid, and even scary. The changes in hormones make it difficult for pregnant women to differentiate between reality and nightmares.
- Confusion- If you feel, you have started forgetting things, dont worry it is completely normal. As soon as you reach in your third trimester, your pregnancy brain starts working. And this brain makes you forget many things. The stress of baby and of the future makes expecting mom go crazy.
- Constipation- As your baby grows it puts pressure on the womans rectum and slows down the intestinal muscles. This leads to constipation, also the iron supplements which you take as the prenatal vitamins cause constipation.
- Mood Swings- Your pregnancy is incomplete without you having mood swings. You can experience a change in your sleep schedule, eating patterns, and also your emotional state. A woman goes through a lot during these nine months, you will notice the change in the mood within the span of minutes.
How To Treat Stomach Cramps During The First Trimester
Needless to say, painful cramps during early pregnancy can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. You might be experiencing physical and emotional changes, and adding cramps to your discomfort might feel overwhelming. Treating pregnancy cramps can help you feel more comfortable and as stress free as possible.
If youre experiencing cramps, here are a few tips for alleviating them quickly:
- Drink water. You are more likely to experience cramps if you are dehydrated. Make sure that you drink at least eight cups of water each day.
- Change positions. When you experience cramps, try shifting positions while lying or sitting down. Dont put pressure on the source of the pain.
- Stretch and exercise. Try doing mild pregnancy exercises or stretch your body to soothe cramped muscles. In addition to relieving active cramps, this can also help prevent future ones.
- Gentle massage. A massage can stimulate blood circulation in your muscles, relieving uncomfortable cramps. Getting a gentle lower back massage might help relieve aches.
- Sleep. Try to get a good nights sleep during early pregnancy as this makes you feel rested. Try to get enough sleep every night.
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Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
Normal vaginal secretions increase during pregnancy due to greater blood supply and hormones. Normal vaginal discharge is white or clear, isn’t irritating, is odorless, and may look yellow when dry on your underwear or panty liners.
Recommendations:
- Wear low-heeled shoes.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Squat down with your knees bent when picking things up instead of bending down at the waist.
- Don’t stand on your feet for long periods. If you need to stand for long periods, place one foot on a stool or box for support.
- Sit in a chair with good back support, or place a small pillow behind your lower back. Also, place your feet on a footrest or stool.
- Check that your bed is firm. If needed, put a board between the mattress and box spring.
- Sleep on your left side with a pillow between your legs for support.
- Apply a hot water bottle or heating pad on low setting to your back, take a warm bath or shower, or try massage.
- Perform exercises, as advised by your health care provider, to make your back muscles stronger and help relieve the soreness.
- Maintain good posture. Standing up straight will ease the strain on your back.
- Contact your health care provider if you have a low backache that goes around your stomach and does not go away within one hour after you change position or rest. This might be a sign of premature labor.
Continued
Are Cramps During Pregnancy Normal
Some abdominal cramping and stomach pain in pregnancy is common. Early pregnancy cramps can be linked to many run-of-the-mill pregnancy symptoms, including constipation or increased blood flow to the uterus.
Later on in pregnancy, pregnancy pains could be linked to normal symptoms like Braxton Hicks contractions or round ligament pain.
Sometimes, however, abdominal pain during pregnancy can be a sign of a condition that requires medical attention, like a urinary tract infection, miscarriage, preterm labor or preeclampsia. Its always safest to about any symptom that concerns you.
The following are common causes of abdominal pain and cramps during pregnancy that can occur during any trimester:
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What Kind Of Breast Pain Indicates Pregnancy
Pregnancy: Your breasts during early pregnancy may feel sore, sensitive, or tender to the touch. They may also feel fuller and heavier. This tenderness and swelling will usually happen one to two weeks after you conceive, and it can last for a while as your progesterone levels rise due to your pregnancy.
Can Implantation Feel Like A Uti
Does implantation pain feel like a UTI? Some women who might not know they have conceived might think they have a bladder infection.
After the embryo embeds onto the uterine wall, the uterus begins to grow, and its blood supply increases. The blood supply system to the uterus puts pressure on the bladder. This causes frequent urination similar to that of a urinary tract infection .
Another sign of UTI is cramping. Cramping occurs as a result of injury to the blood vessels as the egg burrows itself onto the uterine walls.
You might occasionally have fevers which might be as a result of elevated progesterone levels. Periodic fevers in the case of UTI are as a result microorganisms in the bloodstream. These alter the normal body metabolism.
- Since implantation might seem like a UTI, you need to visit your doctor for further tests and investigations to rule out a urinary tract infection.
Here are other common symptoms of UTI during early pregnancy that might need you to visit your doctor immediately.
- Pain during urination
- Blood or mucus in urine
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain and pressure around the bladder area
- Back pain, in case the bacterium spreads to the kidneys.
- Urine incontinence
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Cramping In Late Pregnancy
Cramping in the second or third trimester could be harmless or concerningit depends on the situation.
- Preterm labor: Cramps occurring at regular intervals may indicate preterm labor. More than six cramps or contractions in 1 hour, a change in vaginal discharge such as bright red vaginal bleeding, a sudden gush of clear fluid, a low, dull backache, or intense pelvic pressure are all possible signs. For any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
- Round ligament pain: You may experience shooting pains in the lower abdomen or around your hips due to a phenomenon called round ligament pain, which occurs as your body accommodates your growing uterus. These types of pains are normal and will pass, but you should discuss them with your doctor.
Vulva Change In Colour
One of the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy can be a change in colour of your vulva and vagina. Your vulva and vagina are usually pink, but this changes to dark purplish-red as your pregnancy progresses. This happens because more blood is needed in that area to build the tissue, a change which midwives refer to as Chadwicks sign.
What else could it be?All of the maintenance we perform on our vaginas can contribute to a change in colour. If you have been using razors or hair removal creams you could be suffering from reddening or a rash. Also, watch out for washing products that arent sensitive to the hormone balance as this can have an effect too. Look for gentle products to prevent irritation to your vagina.
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Obstetric Causes Of Abdominal Pain In Pregnancy
- Labour pain – premature labour or term.
- Pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome – epigastric or right upper quadrant pain.
- Placental abruption:
- Typically, sudden severe pain and a ‘woody’ hard, tender uterus fetal distress ± vaginal bleeding.
- With posterior placenta, pain and shock may be less severe, with pain felt in the back diagnose by pattern of fetal contractions with fetal heart pattern suggesting hypoxia.
- Uterine rupture:
- Constant pain, profound shock, fetal distress and vaginal bleeding usually presents during labour and with history of uterine scar.
- Rarely, occurs without labour and without uterine scar.
- Chorioamnionitis:
- This usually follows premature rupture of membranes but can occur with membranes intact.
- Acute fatty liver of pregnancy:
- Presents in the second half of pregnancy with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, jaundice, malaise and headache.
- Rupture of utero-ovarian vessels.
- Severe uterine torsion – rare may be due to structural abnormalities in the pelvis:
- Presents in the second half of pregnancy with variable symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, tense uterus, retention of urine ± shock and fetal distress or, it may be asymptomatic the fetus is at risk.
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