Stomach spasms can be a very uncomfortable sensation and they’re often described as feeling like a baby kicking. It can be quite worrying if you’re not pregnant, but it isn’t something to panic about. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the possible causes of stomach spasms and provide some tips on how to alleviate them. We’ll also explore what other sensations may be mistaken for a baby kicking, but which are in fact not related to pregnancy. While it’s important to be aware of any worrying symptoms, it is possible to find relief from stomach spasms without taking drastic measures. By understanding what causes them and how to manage them, it can be possible to reduce their frequency and severity.
Ischemic colitis and ischemic enteritis
Ischemic colitis develops when a large intestine injury or inflammation results from inadequate blood flow.
Both conditions result in cramps or spasms in the abdomen and blood in the stool.
Ischemic enteritis is the medical term for when this occurs in the small intestine.
Abdominal pain and muscle spasms can result from working the abdominal muscles too hard or frequently. People may notice it after doing crunches and sit-ups.
It can result from:
People who have strained muscles may also experience tenderness and pain that gets worse when they move.
Abdominal pain and spasms can occur during pregnancy as a result of the body’s changes. The majority of cases of abdominal spasms during pregnancy are not dangerous. However, women who have frequent or painful spasms should consult a doctor.
The following can cause spasms during pregnancy:
Braxton-Hicks are known as false labor. Although some women experience them as early as the second trimester, contractions typically start in the third trimester.
Braxton-Hicks contractions are when the uterine muscles tense and tighten for less than 30 seconds to 2 minutes before releasing. True contractions last from 30 to less than 90 seconds.
The contractions tend to be:
Particularly if they happen earlier than the anticipated labor, Braxton-Hicks contractions are most likely those that ease rather than intensify.
Due to higher levels of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy, gas is a common side effect.
Although progesterone is essential for a healthy pregnancy, it also relaxes the muscles in the intestines, which slows down digestion and causes gas to build up.
The goal of diagnosis is to determine what is causing abdominal spasms.
A doctor will:
Additionally, they will inquire about symptoms, when they began, whether there are any triggers for the spasms, and whether there are any other symptoms.
They might advise blood tests as well as imaging procedures like an ultrasound or CT scan.
To help identify the cause, a doctor may ask a patient to keep a log of the times when the spasms occur, what they ate that day, and whether they engaged in any physical activity.
Abdominal spasms frequently go away on their own and are not a cause for concern. However, persistent or severe spasms may be a sign of a more serious condition that needs to be looked into.
Those who experience any of the following symptoms ought to see a doctor right away:
The underlying cause of abdominal spasms will determine the course of treatment.
A doctor will probably recommend medication to treat or manage conditions like IBD and infectious colitis.
They may also recommend:
Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for abdominal spasms. The medication used will depend on the underlying cause.
A doctor may prescribe one of the following:
Abdominal spasms can be treated at home, but people should consult a doctor first because they may not be suitable or safe for everyone.
Some home remedies that may be effective include:
The following steps can help prevent abdominal spasms:
Staying hydrated. It’s crucial to consume enough fluids because dehydration can occasionally cause abdominal spasms. Additionally, individuals require more fluids during hot weather and vigorous exercise.
Avoiding problematic foods. Some foods cause digestive distress, spasms, and other symptoms. To see if the spasms get better, try avoiding alcohol, spicy foods, and foods high in fat.
Making other dietary changes if necessary. Making dietary changes may help people with gastritis, IBS, and IBD symptoms. For example, limiting fiber intake can reduce painful gas. To decide what to eat and avoid, consulting a doctor or dietitian can be beneficial.
Managing underlying conditions. If a person can control their spasms with medication, lifestyle changes, or both, they may go away or get better with conditions like IBS or IBD.
The underlying cause of abdominal spasms determines the prognosis for sufferers. Although some causes may require medical care, they frequently get better with little to no treatment.
If spasms continue or worsen, or if bloody stools, fever, or vomiting also appear, a person should see a doctor right away to improve the prognosis.
Here are some queries about abdominal muscle spasms that are frequently asked.
Abdominal cramps and spasms can be brought on by a variety of conditions, from gas to serious digestive illnesses like IBD. Muscle spasms, such as Braxton Hicks contractions, can also occur during pregnancy.
What movements may mean if you’re pregnant
If you experience movement while expecting, your baby could be:
However, there aren’t many cases to study, there aren’t any effective treatments, and the belief might be so deeply ingrained that it might be necessary to go as far as letting the patient “give birth”
In one case, Psychology Today reports the “mother” did not even have a womb. The 30-year-old, who came for a pregnancy check-up saying that she could feel the baby fluttering inside of her, was discovered to not only not be pregnant, shed actually had a hysterectomy two years earlier.
Dogs experience phantom pregnancies at a higher rate than humans do, and they also exhibit higher hormone levels, such as prolactin, which can cause the belly to swell, milk to be produced, and maternal instincts to surface.
She also believes that the proximity of the uterus to the nerve-rich bladder and bowel, which can account for lower abdominal movement According to her, having a baby move can be very similar to the sensation of wind moving through your bowel. We’ve all experienced the feeling of “oh my God, it almost feels like I have a baby in there,” “.
Another explanation offered by midwife Jane Barry for why pregnant women feel phantom kicks is that “some women seem to be particularly sensitive to the baby’s movements during their pregnancy.” Long after the baby is born, it seems to have an impact on the likelihood of muscle memory and nerve memory because it is such a unique feeling. “.
FAQ
What causes phantom kicks?
Why does it feel like something is moving in my stomach and I m pregnant?