Are you in the second trimester of pregnancy? Here’s everything you need to know about second trimester cramping so you won’t panic when you experience it.
Being pregnant is so exciting and if you are like me, you are doing all the research you possibly can to make sure you are prepared for anything and everything. As a mom who went through pregnancy not very long ago, I am giving you the best tips to deal with second trimester cramping that I swear by.
You are going to learn all about second trimester cramping, round ligament pain, leg cramps at night, bloating during pregnancy and other general second trimester symptoms you can expect during pregnancy.
After learning about all of the causes of second trimester cramping and possible remedies, you are going to be a pro and extra prepared if and when they occur during your pregnancy.
This post is all about second trimester cramping.
And as always, I am not a doctor and this is not to be intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor about the 2nd trimester of pregnancy precautions as well as any other questions/concerns you have about your pregnancy.
Second Trimester Cramping
What Can Cause Second Trimester Cramping?
You can rest assured that second trimester cramping in pregnancy is pretty common along with some discomfort. Your body is starting to really expand as it makes room for your baby to continue to grow and develop.
I personally experienced it for various reasons during my pregnancy and all of my friends have experienced it as well. It’s one of those things that comes with the territory.
Are you wondering what could potentially cause you to experience second trimester cramping? Here are the main four:
- Braxton Hicks Contractions
- Round Ligament Pain
- Bloating and gas
- Leg pain
Of course there are other serious complications that you should be aware of such as preeclampsia, ectopic pregnancies, miscarriage or even preterm labor.
I encourage you to stay in tune with your body and if at any time you are concerned about your 2nd trimester pregnancy pains, you should call your doctor right away.
1. Round Ligament Pain
What is Round Ligament Pain?
Round ligament pain is one of the most common reasons you will experience second trimester cramping and is totally normal. This can feel like a sharp, deep pain or jab in your lower belly or on either side and can be pretty uncomfortable.
Your round ligaments are shorter, firm and flexible when not pregnant but start to soften and stretch as you progress in pregnancy.
Round ligament pain can be triggered by walking, standing up quickly, coughing or sneezing, sudden movement or rolling over in bed. In my experience, I felt it most when rolling over in bed.
How to Deal with Round Ligament Pain:
- Avoid any sudden movement. Sharp, sudden movement can lead to second trimester pains as well as in the third trimester as well.
- Change positions slowly. Try supporting your belly as you turn too to provide it with extra support.
- Incorporate some light stretching if your body allows. It might sound counterintuitive but moving your body actually helps to relieve aches and pains. Many pregnant women will tell you that on the days where they didn’t actively move their body, they experienced more second trimester cramping.
- Soak in a warm bath. A warm (not hot) bath is not only relaxing but soothes your body as well. It can help decrease stress which is key during pregnancy.
- Try wearing a maternity support belt. This does exactly what it sounds like- provides extra support for your growing belly.
- Get plenty of rest and avoid intense activity. Alternating periods of light activity with rest throughout the day can be so helpful with all aspects of pregnancy.
If you experience fever, chills, intense cramping, bleeding, dizziness, preterm contractions or anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor.
Onto the next source of second trimester cramping…
2. Braxton Hicks Contractions
What are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are the tightening of the uterus caused by sporadic contractions and relaxation of the uterine muscle as it prepares for labor. They typically last about 15-30 seconds on average and subside when you change positions.
Braxton Hicks contractions are also referred to as “false labor” because they’re usually irregular and painless, although some describe this second trimester cramping as being sharper and cramp-like. True labor contractions are steadier and grow stronger and longer with time.
This source of second trimester cramping can be felt in the second and/or third trimesters of pregnancy with some women experiencing them intensely while others barely notice them.
As you get closer and closer to your due date, Braxton Hicks Contractions can intensify and become more frequent. I recommend talking to your doctor about them, but in my personal experience I was instructed to call my doctor if they intensified or occurred more than 4x in one hour.
How to Deal With Braxton Hicks Contractions:
- Try changing positions. If you were sitting then stand up and if you were standing, try laying down. Slowly changing positions can be instantly make you more comfortable during pregnancy and when you’re experiencing second trimester cramping.
- Drink plenty of water. Making sure you are hydrated is especially important during pregnancy and can help with second trimester cramping.
- Take a warm shower. As noted above, a warm bath or shower does wonders for the pregnant body. Relaxation and stress relief not only feel amazing but are important for you and your growing baby.
- Practice breathing through them. This is something you will need to do when real contractions start so start putting your birthing class education into practice by practicing breathing through the contractions and visualizing.
3. Bloating and Gas
What Causes Bloating and Gas During Pregnancy?
Bloating and gas is another big cause for second trimester cramping and nausea. And an uncomfortable one at that. You might have even felt your jeans getting tighter as early as the first trimester of pregnancy.
We can thank progesterone for not so fun feelings of bloating and gas…
Progesterone causes the smooth muscle tissue in your body to relax. This also means your digestion slows down with it and can lead to bloating, gas, cramps and constipation.
Your uterus is also expanding at the same time and pressing on your stomach and intestines. This is probably causing you to feel full and uncomfortable sooner after a meal.
How to Deal With Bloating And Gas During Pregnancy:
- Drink plenty of water. his is crucial for hydration and managing constipation
- Eat smaller meals and eat them slower. Eating slower gives your body time to process the food and send signals to the brain if it’s full.
- Incorporate fiber into your diet. This also helps with pregnancy constipation. If you haven’t been including much fiber in your diet up until this point, introduce it gradually.
- Get moving. Incorporating daily exercise or a light walk after a meal if you’re feeling up for it does wonders for your body, pregnant or not. This is my favorite pregnancy workout program!
- Make modifications to your diet. Test out potentially triggering foods for you and eliminate them as needed. Brussels sprouts and broccoli are usually gas triggering vegetables.
And now for the last cause of second trimester cramping…
4. Leg Pain
What Causes Leg Pain During Pregnancy?
Leg cramps and pains, especially at night, are another common occurrence in pregnancy. They’re also called “Charley horses” and usually feel like a sudden and sharp muscle spasm in the calf and foot. They often occur at night when you are fatigued and fluid retention is at its highest.
There are a lot of theories about the cause of this type of second trimester cramping: dehydration, weight gain, lack of electrolytes, compression of the blood vessels in the legs, and diet being among the most common. Either way, leg cramps during pregnancy are not very pleasant.
How to deal with leg pain in pregnancy:
- Drink plenty of water. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Not only is it helpful for leg cramps but it does wonders for keeping headaches and excess fatigue at bay.
- Alternate periods of activity and rest during the day. While it’s important to incorporate some light stretching into your routine, rest is also crucial as your body continues to grow and change each day.
- Eat a well balanced diet including calcium (ex. yogurt) and magnesium (ex. bananas). Incorporating bananas into your diet will give you a boost of minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
- Massage/stretch your legs. This will help relax the muscles and relieve any tension.
- Put your feet up when you are seated.
- Sleep with a pregnancy pillow. This allows for proper circulation and support during the night.
This post was all about second trimester cramping.
[…] Related: Here’s Exactly How to Deal with Second Trimester Cramping […]