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Childbirth/Lower abdominal pain

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Expert: - 1/13/2010


Question
Hi,

I am in seven months of my pregnancy and some time I feel very heavy in my lower abdominal and some time I have pain I need any medicine or it is normal?

Answer
Many women experience heaviness in the lower abdominal area in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, especially if they have an active day or are standing or walking for a long time; you are feeling the weight of your baby on your pelvic floor.  You can try doing kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor, which might help with the heaviness. Sometimes the heaviness can be accompanied by pain.  If you are concerned, contact your doctor or midwife.  In any case, definitely mention the heaviness and pain to your doctor or midwife at your next appoointment; they can ask you more detailed questions and will probably assure you that what you are experiencing is normal pregnancy aches and pains.

Sometimes using a hot pack or cold pack on the area that is hurting can be helpful.  The end of pregnancy can be uncomfortable; generally your doctor or midwife will not prescribe any medication for this. Being uncomfortable in late pregnancy does prepare your mind for wanting to meet your new baby soon!

I hope that helps!

Dorothy H, LCCE

Childbirth

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Dorothy H, LCCE

Expertise

As a certified childbirth educator and birth doula, I can answer questions dealing with preparing for birth, childbirth classes, pregnancy, what happens during labor and birth, doulas, VBAC, natural childbirth, cesarean birth, interventions in labor, labor, birth, helping someone through labor, concerns or fears about labor and birth, doulas, breastfeeding, and other topics dealing with pregnancy, labor, and birth.

Experience

Since 2004, I have taught childbirth education classes focused on helping couples gain confidence, make decisions for their birth, and give them tools for helping them get the birth they want. Since 2004, I have also attended births in local hospitals as a birth doula (as of 8/10, I have attended 120 births) so I am able to see firsthand what is working in helping couples deal with labor. I am also a mom of five children, and have various birth experiences myself, including unmedicated birth and a cesarean.

Organizations
Lamaze International DONA International

Publications
International Doula Magazine

Education/Credentials
I am a Lamaze-certified childbirth educator. I am a DONA-certified birth doula.

Past/Present Clients
I work with approximately 4-6 couples a month with my childbirth classes. I attend 2 births a month with doula clients.

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