Sharp pains

[rghkah38]

Today when I I was in the shower I was having very sharp pain in my lower abdomen where I could hardly move.  I went to the bathroom and the pain did stop for a little bit and then when I went to work same thing happened, so I decided to try to go to the bathroom again thinking I'm constipated and it stopped again.   Usually when I'm constipated the pain is not sharp like this.  There is no bleeding what's so ever.  Shoulp I be concern?  Has this ever happen to anyone?

[steph9803]

It sounds like round ligament pain to me too. I've had them VERY bad this almost from the beginning. It gets worse for a while then goes away for a little bit..then the next week comes back with a vengence. I've learned this time to be very careful with my movements and not to get up fast at all. I never had it this bad before..but my dr. said that some pregnancies can get pretty bad. Good luck..I wish I could help more.

[momuvtwo0130]

I was going through the same thing. Dr. said it was probably those round ligaments or something about growth pains from uterus growing quickly (?)  It made sense when she explained it....lol.  I had many Braxton Hicks with my first two and it wasn't sharp pains like this...although I slept through all except the last hour of being in labor with my second one=)

[Ashelen]

that SOUNDS like round ligament pain to me, meadow and rghkah... it can be sharp, it can feel like a pulling or almost snapping sensation, and it can stop you in your tracks..it usually happens just to the left or right side of your uterus, down low, and it usually is caused by positioning or movement... for instance if you lean back in the shower to rinse your hair, you will probably feel it because you're stretching those muscles....the reason it probably felt better when you went to the bathroom is because you were assuming a very relaxing position for those group of muscles/tendons.

if you get the pain, try sitting or lying down and curling up a little bit to take the tension off of the ligaments and give them a rest...if the pain doesn't ease off after a minute, it may be braxton hicks like princess said. for ME braxton hicks felt more like tightening cramps or period cramps until the 3rd trimester (when you could feel AND see the belly tighten) whereas round ligament pains were sharp and DEFINITELY more painful than uncomfortable as opposed to vice versa with BH.

to avoid round ligament pain move slowly and carefully, don't overextend the muscles in your belly by reaching or leaning too far in any direction, stand and sit slowly, and just remember that any sudden/extreme movement will most likely bring on the pain.

hope this helps ladies :) and definitely call your doctor if switching positions doesn't help the pain.

[Meadow841]

Thoughout the day I get sharp pains too here and there. They only last a few seconds and are usually in the same spot. Like just to the left of the center of my uterus. I don't know what they are either, but it's like a sharp pain/poke. If it gets worse for me I may give my doctor a call and ask. It could be that round ligiment pain too, which is normal as everything grows.

[Princessa745]

Im not sure, call your OB and explain. I did read some where that Braxton Hicks can start around this time and your 15wks. I posted more info on it below. Hope it helps!!

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions can begin as early as the second trimester, however they are most common in the third trimester. The muscles of your uterus tighten for approximately 30 to 60 seconds or as long as 2 minutes. Braxton Hicks are also called “practice contractions” because they will prepare you for the real thing and you can practice the breathing exercises you are learning in your childbirth classes.

Braxton Hicks are described as:

Irregular in intensity
Infrequent
Unpredictable
Non-rhythmic
More uncomfortable than painful
They do not increase in intensity, or frequency
They taper off and then disappear altogether
If your contractions are easing up in any way, they are most likely Braxton Hicks.

What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?
There are a few speculations for why women have these contractions. Some physicians and midwives think they may play a part in toning the uterine muscle and promoting the flow of blood to the placenta. They are not believed to have any connection with dilating the cervix, but may have some effect on the softening of the cervix. However, as Braxton Hicks contractions become more intense closer to the time of delivery, the contractions are considered false labor, which can help in the dilation and effacement process.

What triggers Braxton Hicks contractions?
The following are triggers of Braxton Hicks:

When you or the baby are very active
If someone touches your belly
When your bladder is full
After sex
Dehydration
What can I do to alleviate Braxton Hicks contractions?
Change positions; lie down if you have been standing or go for a walk if you have been sitting or laying
Take a warm bath for 30 minutes or less
Drink a couple of glasses of water, because contractions may be brought on by dehydration
Drink a warm cup of herbal tea or milk
If doing any of these does not alleviate your contractions, you should contact your health care provider.