What Do Twinges In Pregnancy Feel Like?
If you’re pregnant, or even just thinking about getting pregnant, you may have heard of something called twinges. What exactly do they feel like? To many women, they’re a mysterious but normal part of pregnancy. Let’s explore what twinges are and what they can feel like.
What are Twinges?
Twinges are sudden, sharp sensations in the abdomen associated with pregnancy. They can be felt as early as 8 weeks into the pregnancy and cause a range of different sensations.
These sensations can be hard to describe and can vary depending on your body. Some women experience twinges as an intense tightening, while others feel a milder sensation that is still unmistakable.
The Causes of Twinges
Twinges can be caused by a variety of factors. During the first trimester of pregnancy, some common causes of twinges include:
- a growing uterus
- stretching of ligaments
- hormonal changes
- blood flow changes
During the second and third trimesters, twinges may be caused by:
- the baby moving
- uncomfortable posture
- Braxton Hicks contractions
Types of Twinges
Twinges can be felt in different areas of the body and can have different sensations associated with them. Here are some of the types of twinges you may feel during pregnancy:
Uterine Twinges
These feel like a light, pulling sensation on one side of your abdomen and are a normal part of pregnancy. These are caused by the uterus expanding and the round ligament stretching to accommodate it.
Braxton-Hicks Contractions
These can feel like a tightening sensation that comes and goes. Braxton-Hicks contractions may be more frequent at night, and can be accompanied by mild discomfort and cramping.
Lightening and Engagement Twinges
These types of twinges are felt late in pregnancy and are caused by the baby dropping down into the pelvis and engaging (or “dropping”) in preparation for birth. The sensations associated with engagement twinges range from a sudden “popping” feeling to strong dragging sensations in the lower abdomen.
When to See a Doctor
Twinges in pregnancy are a normal and healthy part of pregnancy. However, if you experience any of the following, you should call your doctor right away:
- severe pain
- bleeding
- watery, clear discharge
- sudden or excessive swelling
Twinges can be an uncomfortable, yet normal part of pregnancy. Knowing what type of twingle you’re feeling and when to talk to your doctor can help you manage the discomfort in a healthy way.
Do you have any questions or advice about twinges in pregnancy? Let us know in the comments!
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