What is the difference between normal cramps and labor pains, What are their symptoms and how to differentiate between them, Many pregnant women find it difficult to differentiate between normal cramps and labor pains.
While normal cramps are weak and intermittent and disappear with movement, labor pains are characterized by regular, strong contractions that increase in intensity over time. We will learn the difference between them and how to differentiate between them.
What is normal cramps during pregnancy
Normal cramps during pregnancy (false labor) are the result of natural changes such as stretching of the muscles and ligaments of the uterus and gas.
The cramps are usually mild and intermittent and require rest and avoiding lifting heavy objects.
What is labor pain
Labor pain (labor pain) is strong, increasing contractions of the uterus that occur regularly in preparation for labor and are felt in the lower abdomen and back.
This pain differs from menstrual pain in that it is stronger, continuous, and regular over time, increasing in intensity over time, and the contractions are close together.
Symptoms of Common Colic and Labor Cramps
Symptoms of common colic in pregnancy include:
- Mild to moderate pain in the lower abdomen.
- The pain is intermittent.
- The pain resembles menstrual cramps.
- It results from the stretching of the uterus and ligaments.
- The pain lasts for one to three days and subsides with rest.
Signs of labor cramps include:
- Regular uterine contractions that gradually increase in intensity.
- The pain begins in the lower back and spreads forward.
- The pain increases due to contractions and does not decrease with changes in body position.
- The mucus plug, a thick fluid, is released.
- The membranes surrounding the fetus tear, causing fluid to leak from the vagina.
Causes of Common Colic in Pregnancy
Common colic in pregnancy results from natural changes such as:
- Uterine stretching. As the fetus grows, the uterine muscles stretch, causing mild pain.
- Hormonal changes slow bowel movements, leading to bloating and gas.
- Gas and constipation are common problems during pregnancy.
- Intercourse can cause mild cramps.
How do you know if the cramps are labor cramps
Pregnancy cramps begin in the lower back and spread to the lower abdomen. When a pregnant woman goes into labor, the uterine contractions are regular and accompanied by pain known as labor pains (contractions). These pains occur between 15 and 20 minutes.
What is the difference between normal cramps and labor cramps
A woman feels mild pain in the lower abdomen during normal cramps. The pain is intermittent and weak and disappears with a change in position or movement.
Labor cramps, however, usually occur from the lower back to the lower abdomen and are accompanied by the release of the mucus plug or the amniotic fluid.
Methods for treating normal cramps during pregnancy
Ordinary cramps during pregnancy can be treated by:
- Getting enough rest and changing positions.
- Drinking plenty of fluids helps reduce bloating.
- Changing your sleeping position and trying to sleep on your left side helps improve blood flow to the placenta.
Tips for Dealing with Common Cramps During Pregnancy
Calculation of your diet can reduce cramps by:
- Taking digestive-soothing herbs, such as mint, ginger, and fennel.
- Eating small meals and spreading them throughout the day.
- Avoiding gas-causing foods, such as fried and fatty foods and legumes.
- Eating foods high in fiber to prevent constipation.
How to Relieve Labor Cramps
A specialist doctor may use the following methods to relieve labor cramps:
- Nitrous oxide gas, a tasteless and odorless gas, helps relieve pain.
- Taking painkillers via intramuscular or intravenous injection.
- Epidural anesthesia, an effective method of pain relief, involves injecting an anesthetic around the spinal cord.
Ways to Deal with Labor Cramps
There are some techniques to relieve labor pain, including:
- Change your body positions, such as sitting on a birth ball or in a rocking chair.
- Move around and walk around a bit to relieve pain.
- Avoid strenuous walking and take a break.
- Relax and breathe deeply.
- Take a warm bath to relax.
- Massage your back or pelvic area.
Do labor affect the fetus
Yes, labor affects the fetus. Strong contractions can reduce oxygen flow to the fetus, and severe contractions can also affect the development of the fetus's nervous system.
Labor increases the risk of premature birth, which can lead to health problems for newborns.
Summary of the Difference Between Normal Cramps and Labor Cramps
Labor cramps (true labor) are characterized by regular, strong contractions that increase in pain and intensity over time and persist with movement. The pain is concentrated in the lower back and abdomen.
Normal colic (false labor) is intermittent and weak and disappears with a change in position or movement and is concentrated in the lower abdomen only.