If you're reading this article because you're experiencing cramps during your pregnancy, let me tell you - I feel for you. Your hormones are all over the place, your mood swings are out of control, and now on top of everything else, you've got to cope with cramps as well?
In this article we’ll take a closer look at miscarriages and where exactly these cramps occur. And no worries - we'll keep things funny - after all, laughter is the best medicine (besides epidurals).
What Exactly Is a Miscarriage?
Before we get into the nitty gritty details about those darned cramps, it’s important that everyone understands what a miscarriage actually is.
Simply put- it sucks. It’s when an unborn baby decides not to stick around anymore and vacates through the vaginal canal before 20 weeks gestation. Most often than not it's caused by chromosomal abnormalities or from something being "off" in momma's uterus.
Now that we’ve established what happens during a miscarriage let's delve into where exactly these pesky little pains manifest throughout one's body.
Understanding Your Body
It’s time to talk organs! Specifically women’s reproductive anatomy/organs!
In order to understand why/where/how- woman experience pain while having complications like ectopic pregnancies or spontaneous abortions- first we need some basic knowledge of how everything works down there.
Anatomy Refresher!
The female reproductive anatomy consists of:
- Ovaries (one on each side)
- Fallopian Tubes (also one on each side)
- Uterus
- Cervix
5.Vagina
Each organ plays an essential part in reproduction but can also be prone to abnormality if problems arise during early development or post-pregnancy.
Uterus- the Main Player
The uterus is where many problems can occur during pregnancy, especially early stages of fetal development.
For example:
Subchorionic Hemorrhages
Let's say your fetus is happily growing inside the uterus like humans do but suddenly there’s a bleed between the membranes that surround and hold up baby in place.
This is called Subchorionic hemorrhage! It usually manifests itself as vaginal bleeding accompanied with cramps because these ruptures irritate man's favorite portion of female anatomy -the cervix!
If left untreated, subchorionic hemorrhages become extremely dangerous to moms-to-be; it greatly increase- their chances of miscarrying or delivering prematurely. So if something seems off, don't ignore it-'cause remember we’re all about prevention rather than cure!
Cervical Incompetence
Whereas subchronic hemorrahage happens within the uterine sac wherein tissues surrounding foetus break down due to any reason (sometimes!) we have cervical incompetence which allows for delivery before full term gestation!. One might feel significant pelvic pressure/discomfort followed by having bloody/spotting discharge around 5 months mark for this particular condition.
It isn’t anything an expectant momma would wish for her worse enemy!
The only cure? Stitches… We just aren’t talking fashion trend here.. so keep an eye on your body’s signals- there are high expectations from you👀
Fallopian Tubes and Ectopic Pregnancies?!
Now let's talk tubes: my least favorite part of human anatomy since most women who experience pain/tenderness experienced them in/around their fallopian tubes.
Fallopian tube pain could be indicative of various issues such as endometriosis or STI- but one has no idea whether what they are carrying(ectopic pregnancy) somewhere they don't belong until the docs can point it out with ultrasound or your painkeeping on increasing.
If you face sudden sharp and intense cramping in one of your sides then know that ectopic pregnancy might be at play...and you better brace yourself for surgery if needed. Women, amirite?
Vagina- Yeah That's Right
Yep, we're gonna talk about it - as vagina owners we’re all familiar with that achy-crick feel down there during our periods but irregular menstrual cramps are also a sign of something off (remember subchorinic hemorrhages?) which- could lead to premature deliveries/early miscarriages.
Trust most women when they say: "We know when something is wrong!".. so just a heads up-honor what signals body gives ya!
Coping With Cramps and Miscarriage
As mentioned earlier, preventing complications like these starts with understanding warning signs followed by actively communicating this information to your health practitioner; since every circumstance is different along with every patient’s tolerance/preparation level towards unwanted medical states.
Overall, any sort of discomfort felt around uterus/vaginal area could be indicative of issues including but not limited to pelvic infections/endometritis(!)/miscarriages). As much as laughing helps 'snapping out' nausea moments induced due hormones causing turmoil within pregnant bodies; we require more attention than ever before! Keep an eye out because ultimately prevention trumps cure anytime!