Cramping At 19 Weeks of Pregnancy: Here’s What You Need To Know

By the time you reach the 19th week of pregnancy, you might be feeling a little abdominal pain with cramps as your uterus stretches. The main cause of cramping during this time is the stretching of muscles and ligaments in the uterus.

While that feeling of tugging on both sides of your lower abdomen can be uncomfortable, it also means that the foetus is developing and growing. The main ligament of the uterus (the round ligament) is typically the main cause of any painful cramping.

As this round ligament stretches, it creates either an aching pain or a sharp, tight pain on your sides. Although this pain is considered a normal part of pregnancy as your body prepares for your growing baby, it should only happen every once in a while and not consistently. If it is, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Read on to know more.

Tips To Deal With Cramping At 19 Weeks Of Pregnancy

Here are some of the tips to deal with cramping at 19 weeks of pregnancy:

• You can take an antacid after consulting your doctor as it can quickly and easily resolve any cramping caused by being bloated, constipated, or having excess gas.
• Try changing the position of sitting or lying to reduce or stop cramping. It can take the pressure off the painful area and relieve it.
• A warm bath can also help you relieve cramping.
• Drinking plenty of water can help get rid of those annoying pains since dehydration can often be the cause.
• Avoid moving too suddenly or abruptly as it can cause cramping as the ligaments in your uterus stretch. Try changing positions slowly which will give the ligaments more time to catch up and reduce the chances of cramping.
• Put a warm rag or a hot water bottle on the area that is cramping as warm temperatures commonly help reduce cramping.
• Try to include plenty of iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, leafy green vegetables, and fortified cereals. You should also include oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruit, and potatoes that are packed with Vitamin C. It helps your body to absorb iron.

When Can Cramps Be A Cause of Concern?

Pregnancy cramps can be a cause of concern at times and it is advisable to consult your doctor if you experience:

• Severe pain in the lower abdominal region that lasts for an extended period of time.
• Spotting along with painful cramping
• High fever or chills
• Sudden extreme headache, swelling, and vision changes
• Pain while urinating and cramping
• Heavy bleeding along with intense cramps
• Extreme dizziness

These symptoms should not be overlooked as some of these symptoms accompanied by cramping can be the cause of an underlying issue including:

• Pregnancy loss or miscarriage
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Preeclampsia
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Placental abruption

Cramping at the 19-week mark during pregnancy is just another uncomfortable change that an expecting mother endures. If you have cramping accompanied by the symptoms mentioned above it is advisable to consult your doctor.

DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of the information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.