Pregnancy is a wonderful and special period in the life of any girl. However, this stage of life does not always proceed smoothly and without complications. Quite often, especially in the early stages of bearing a baby, a woman develops toxicosis, hypertonicity, or bone discrepancy.
Almost every girl faces such difficulties. Most often, the expectant mother experiences increased uterine tone. It can cause discomfort and bring the girl a nagging, dull pain in the lower abdomen. Such symptoms cannot be ignored, as they can cause miscarriage or other serious consequences.
Increased uterine tone during pregnancy in the first trimester: what is it?
The uterus is an organ that consists of muscles. Its outer serous layer is called the perimeter, the middle layer is the myometrium, and the inner layer is the endometrium. Throughout pregnancy, the uterus experiences enormous stress. It increases and stretches several times, as it has the ability to contract. And in the natural state of the expectant mother, the muscle tone of the uterus is relaxed. If the organ contracts during pregnancy, the tone of the uterus increases. This condition can be short-term or long-term. The first option does not cause much discomfort and goes away quickly. It is enough for a woman to rest and relax. May appear during a gynecological examination. The second one is longer. Accompanied by unpleasant sensations. In this case, you need to urgently consult a doctor and start treating the disease, otherwise the consequences can be very sad.
If the muscles of the uterus are tense for a certain time, then the intrauterine pressure increases and there is a threat of miscarriage in the first trimester and the danger of termination of pregnancy in the remaining stages. This is why uterine tone is dangerous during pregnancy. The 1st trimester (symptoms of the disease at the beginning of pregnancy need to be known and cannot be ignored) is considered the most vulnerable. During this period, the fetus has not yet developed properly and there is a high probability of miscarriage. Sometimes a woman does not immediately detect pregnancy and, accordingly, does not take care of herself. Continues to work and lead an active lifestyle. May drink alcohol or smoke. A long working day does not improve health and often provokes uterine tone.
How to avoid hypertension
Of course, it is better to avoid uterine hypertonicity than to try to cope with it later.
Important preventive measures are:
- exclusion of serious physical activity and stress during pregnancy;
- maintaining a daily routine (sleep and rest) and a nutritious diet;
- eliminating bad habits (smoking and drinking alcohol), which not only can provoke uterine hypertonicity, but also increase the risks with additional pathologies;
- timely visit to a gynecologist, carrying out the necessary and recommended studies - especially if the pregnant woman is classified as a risk group.
Of course, in most cases, a pregnant woman manages to relieve the tone of the uterus, maintain pregnancy and minimize the possible consequences of this condition for the fetus. And yet it will be much safer to avoid such situations.
Symptoms of uterine tone in the first trimester
For many women, the tone of the uterus during pregnancy (1st trimester) is of great concern. Symptoms during this period of the life of the expectant mother are as follows:
- Severe or mild pain in the lower abdomen. They can be either aching or pulling. Reminds me of menstrual discomfort.
- The stomach becomes stone and elastic.
- Unpleasant discomfort appears in the lumbar region.
- Bloody spotting occurs.
- There are cramping urges that occur after a certain period.
If any of the above symptoms occur, you should urgently call an ambulance. Any delay during pregnancy, regardless of the term, can cause miscarriage or premature birth. A toned uterus in some cases causes a frozen pregnancy and oxygen starvation of the fetus (hypoxia). This leads to retardation and defective development of the embryo.
Pain or heaviness in the lower abdomen in the early stages of fruiting may not indicate the tone of the uterus, but a global restructuring of the body, because inside the body there is an embryo that grows and develops every day. The female body tries to accept it and adapts to the parameters of the unborn child. Trying to coexist comfortably with him.
Even if symptoms of hypertonicity do not appear, a pregnant woman should not miss scheduled consultations with a gynecologist. After all, the uterine tone is often determined by the doctor during a routine examination of the patient. Therefore, feeling well is not a reason to refuse a visit to the doctor.
Is it necessary to go to hospital?
The suggestion of hospitalization is often very upsetting for pregnant women, especially those who need to stay home for a second child or continue to go to work for an important project. In such situations, women often refuse to leave home for the hospital, promising the doctor not to overexert themselves, to take medications in a timely manner and, if anything happens, to call an ambulance.
Alas, it is impossible to predict the development of events in each specific situation, because in one case the risk of premature birth is indeed very high due to the high tone of the uterus, while in others it can be avoided. In any case, the decision will need to be made by the pregnant woman herself, because the doctor’s task is to inform her about possible risks and offer the possibility of hospitalization. It may be worth looking for a way out of the situation by asking, for example, for help from relatives or friends, and at work, for understanding from colleagues.
Causes of the disease
Uterine tone during pregnancy (1st trimester), the symptoms of this disease were described above, can be caused by the following factors:
- negative neuropsychological state of the patient caused by stress and problems of various types;
- excessive physical activity: heavy lifting, long walking or, conversely, staying in one position for a long time;
- constipation, gas formation and other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Here the intestines or other organ puts pressure on the uterus;
- active sexual intercourse;
- hormonal imbalance in the body associated with an excess of male hormones or a lack of progesterone, which reduces smooth muscle tension;
- severe toxicosis;
- various uterine anomalies that complicate the course of pregnancy;
- Rhesus conflict;
- infectious and inflammatory diseases of the female genitalia, accompanied by itching, discharge, pain;
In addition to the listed reasons, uterine hypertonicity occurs: from severe stretching, when the fetus is large or the woman is expecting more than one child; from various tumors and neoplasms; from early abortions and miscarriages; injuries of various types.
If desired, the tone of the uterus can be determined at home. To do this, the woman should lie on her back and relax. Carefully and gently feel the entire abdomen. If his condition is mild, then there is no reason for alarm, and the uterus has normal tone. A hard or overly elastic abdomen indicates increased tone. In this condition, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
The use of suppositories with papaverine
As one of the main drugs that can relax the smooth muscles of the uterus, doctors recommend using the antispasmodic papaverine hydrochloride. This drug is approved for use during pregnancy, so women often use it on their own.
Papaverine is available in various forms, but for pregnant women, it is usually recommended to use rectal suppositories: they do not have an adverse effect on the fetus, and in the event of a threat of miscarriage, they quickly reduce both increased blood flow in the placenta and uterine hypertonicity. Sometimes doctors prescribe intravenous injections of papaverine rather than suppositories, but only in a hospital setting and under supervision.
During pregnancy, many women often resort to papaverine. Some regularly use it to reduce uterine hypertonicity, while others use it quite rarely to reduce the effects of stress and fatigue (especially if a pregnant woman’s work involves standing on her feet for a long time). In such cases, papaverine quickly helps, relieving hypertension and eliminating possible risks.
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of the product, you must carefully study its instructions for use. It does not mention the negative effects of the drug on the body of the pregnant woman and the fetus. However, even so, you should not prescribe papaverine yourself; be sure to consult with your doctor about the possibility of its regular use.
The effect of papaverine hydrochloride on the body is antispasmodic, and the drug acts not only on the smooth muscles of the uterus, but also on the muscles of other organs of the respiratory, reproductive, urinary systems, as well as on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. The drug is able to dilate smooth muscle vessels, helping to reduce blood pressure and stabilize blood flow. During pregnancy, papaverine is prescribed to relieve spasms from internal organs, as well as from peripheral and cerebral vessels, improve blood flow in the placenta and relieve uterine hypertonicity. You need to know that before using rectal suppositories, it is recommended to cleanse the intestines.
Before you start using papaverine during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor about the exact dosage of the drug. The usual dosage is to use suppositories 2 times a day, but in some cases this must be done 4 times at equal time intervals. Depending on the condition of the pregnant woman and the persistence of symptoms, the doctor will determine how long treatment should be continued: in one case, therapy can have an effect within a day, in another, treatment will last for a month or more.
The rectal suppository immediately enters the rectum and dissolves under the influence of body temperature. At the same time, the active substance is released from it, it penetrates the bloodstream, and through it it is delivered to all organs, simultaneously influencing the vascular system. Papaverine helps reduce the tone of the uterine muscles, relieve tension and pain, lowers blood pressure - in the later stages of pregnancy, many women need just such help.
It is prohibited to use the drug vaginally, so a pregnant woman must remember to use it exclusively rectally.
How is tone treated?
It is imperative to follow all the instructions of the attending physician if uterine tone occurs during pregnancy in the first trimester. Treatment largely depends on the danger of the current situation. If there is no serious threat to pregnancy, the gynecologist can conduct outpatient treatment.
In this case, the woman is advised to stay in bed, worry less and sleep more. Antispasmodics are prescribed, the most popular of which are “No-shpa” and “Papaverine”. A course of magnesium B6 is prescribed. Sedatives are recommended: motherwort, valerian. All these remedies are designed not only to eliminate the diagnosis, but also to remove the root cause of this disease.
If a pregnant woman lacks the hormone progesterone, the patient is prescribed drugs that eliminate its deficiency. Most often it is Duphaston. The cause of tone may be hyperandrogenism or excess levels of male hormones in the body. In this case, medications are prescribed that normalize the levels of hormones in the body. With severe toxicosis, doctors try to alleviate the patient’s condition. If the tone is caused by a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, then it is necessary to get rid of gas formation, constipation, flatulence and other intestinal disorders. Certain therapy is also prescribed for Rhesus conflict.
If the tone of the uterus cannot be brought back to normal through outpatient therapy and the situation is critical, doctors hospitalize the patient. A pregnant woman is admitted to the hospital. Here the expectant mother will be in a calm state, will not be able to break bed rest or do household chores. All negative emotions are minimized. In addition, doctors can examine the patient more thoroughly and monitor her condition. They will be able to stop the increase in tone in time. Will prevent miscarriage and premature birth.
By refusing hospitalization, a woman takes a certain risk, which is not always justified.
Preventive measures
Increased uterine tone during pregnancy in the first trimester can be prevented if you remember about prevention in time. First of all, it is necessary to ensure the coordinated functioning of the entire body, including the gastrointestinal tract. Remove, if any, constipation, bloating and flatulence. Physical exercises for pregnant women will strengthen the body. Daily long walks in the fresh air will saturate the body with oxygen. The absence of negative emotions, a positive attitude and humor will help you cope with any everyday situation.
Also, a pregnant woman should get enough sleep. Sleep should last at least eight hours. Eat properly and balanced. Enrich your diet with fruits and vegetables with the maximum content of nutrients. Take a vitamin-mineral complex for pregnant women. This is the period where there is no place for bad habits; if they are present, then you urgently need to part with them. Although they should be abandoned even before the moment of conception.
You should visit your doctor regularly. Take tests and undergo ultrasound examinations on time. Do not lift heavy objects under any circumstances. Transfer some of your responsibilities to your household. Rest more and just enjoy life.
If symptoms indicate uterine tone during pregnancy (the 1st trimester is especially vulnerable to external factors), then you should abstain from sexual intercourse for a while. Pregnant women need to be able to relax. It is also necessary to charge yourself with positive emotions throughout the entire period of pregnancy.
Is there a way to prevent hypertension?
Of course, this deviation, like any other, can be prevented in the early stages, allowing you to avoid taking medications. The main thing to remember is that preventing a disease is easier than treating it. And to do this, sometimes it’s enough just to carefully follow the doctors’ instructions, follow most of their recommendations and be extremely careful - carefully monitor every sensation in your body, undergo all prescribed examinations and simply not do anything that is prohibited during pregnancy.
1. The first thing they tell any pregnant woman is not to worry.
Stress has a detrimental effect on any body, but the body of the expectant mother is very stressed because it needs to support and provide for two at once. It’s already hard for him, so be careful and calm! Avoid walking through dark and scary streets, watching horror movies, or interacting with people who may cause you stress or tension. The key to everything is positive emotions!
2. Even if you are an avid athlete, it is worth limiting physical activity to an acceptable amount.
You can completely restore your physical fitness after the birth of a child, but restoring your health and the health of your child will be more difficult. Get plenty of rest, let your body sleep as much as it wants and don’t overwork yourself.
3. Of course, you can’t make rest a cult and lie on the couch all day long either, otherwise your muscles will relax so much that any load - even climbing the stairs to the second floor - will become too much for your muscles.
Walk in the fresh air, read in the garden, feed the ducks on the nearest pond - do whatever you like and that cannot harm the child. It will be especially good if your pregnancy takes place away from city dust and exhaust fumes. But here it is important to know when to stop, as in everything!
4. Also, do not forget that your body contains two living beings at once, so proper nutrition is very important.
In this case, you should follow the recommendations of doctors, but also, do not forget about the main prohibitions during pregnancy - alcohol and smoking. Do not harm yourself, and, most importantly, your unborn child.
5. But unlike alcohol, you really need to drink water.
Drink enough water per day - clean, mineral water without gas.
6. Among other things, you should not wear tight, tight clothes.
You and your child should feel comfortable and free. It will be very good if the clothes are made from natural fabrics that allow air to pass through well and allow the skin and body to breathe.
Well, don’t think that if you are suddenly diagnosed with uterine hypertonicity, then you should immediately start worrying, worrying and thinking about what exactly you did wrong. More than half of pregnant women have ever encountered the risk or occurrence of uterine tone. But at the same time, proper treatment, effective prevention and simply following the instructions and recommendations of specialists - and they all became happy mothers! Be careful and happy!
About the appointment of a gynecologist
A competent doctor, when diagnosing increased uterine tone during pregnancy in the first trimester, should study the symptoms thoroughly. Conduct an examination and prescribe an ultrasound. Such a diagnosis will not only help prescribe precise treatment for the patient, but will also provide a complete picture of the disease. As a rule, women in the first trimester, at the first suspicion of hypertonicity, are advised to lie down to ensure maximum rest. There will be no need to regularly visit the clinic to examine the body, because in the hospital all the necessary manipulations will be carried out on the spot.
The gynecologist treating the woman must be aware of all the problems troubling the patient and take into account all pathologies of the uterus at the beginning of pregnancy. Prescribe the necessary medications, ultrasound examinations and tests in a timely manner. Assess the situation from all points of view.
How is uterine hypertonicity diagnosed?
To diagnose the uterus in a state of tone, the following is usually carried out:
- examination on a gynecological chair: as a rule, an experienced doctor will immediately notice this condition of the uterus;
- Ultrasound, which clearly shows not just the state of smooth muscles, but even the degree of pathology (first or second) and its location (on the anterior or posterior wall of the uterus); all this will help determine exactly where the uterus has changed its shape and where exactly the fertilized egg has attached;
- In addition, certain instruments are used to measure uterine tone, but their use is not particularly necessary, since diagnosing the tone is easy, but understanding the reason that led to it is much more difficult.
Uterine tone during pregnancy, 1st trimester: what to do first?
When detecting uterine tone, a woman should not panic. She needs to pull herself together and fully assess the situation. You can take “Papaverine” or “No-shpu” yourself. If there are obvious signs of anxiety or agitation, you can drink sedatives such as motherwort or valerian. In this case, you need to visit a doctor immediately, without waiting for a scheduled examination. Self-medication is extremely undesirable here.
At the first signs of uterine tension, you should close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Remember something pleasant. Turn on beautiful relaxing music. Relax. In this case, the tone of the uterus during pregnancy in the first trimester (the symptoms of which may seem scary at first) will decrease or return to normal, but this is provided that the pathology has not become serious. That is, there is no bleeding and strong cramping calls. In the latter case, you should immediately call an ambulance. If the tone is associated with severe toxicosis, then you should reconsider your diet. You need to eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible. You can consult your doctor about nutrition.
The role of physical exercise in the prevention of pathology
To avoid undesirable consequences during the period of bearing a baby, it is recommended to undergo an examination in advance for the presence of diseases of the endocrine system and pelvic organs. It is better to be treated in advance than during the gestational period.
It is important to regularly visit your gynecologist and not miss routine examinations. Sometimes the disease is detected only during diagnosis, and if measures are not taken in a timely manner, the situation will worsen.
An excellent assistant in maintaining the health of pregnant women is physical exercise. They speed up metabolism, improve body function and strengthen the muscles of the back and abdomen. Gymnastics should not contain sudden movements. For preventive purposes, you can periodically perform the “Cat” or facial relaxation.
And also to avoid increased tension in the uterine muscles, it is recommended:
- eat more vegetables and fruits, as they contain many vitamins;
- be less nervous;
- breathe more fresh air;
- do not overexert yourself physically;
- do not go on long trips;
- avoid traveling during rush hour;
- rest for at least eight hours;
- Avoid sudden movements during sexual intercourse;
- do not forget about the rules of hygiene.
Compliance with these rules will not only prevent hypertension, but will also prevent the development of other pathologies associated with an unhealthy lifestyle or overwork.
And don’t forget about the good mood that should accompany the expectant mother throughout her pregnancy, regardless of the circumstances.
About uterine hypertonicity in a popular format:
Diagnosis of the disease
The tone of the uterus during pregnancy in the first trimester is determined through a diagnostic examination, which is carried out only by the treating gynecologist. He does palpation. Checks the belly of a pregnant woman by touch; if the uterus is in good shape, then it will be hard. At this time, the pregnant woman lies on her back. After these manipulations, the doctor, if necessary, prescribes an ultrasound, which determines the size of the local or total muscular layer of the uterus. In some cases, tone is determined with a special device - a tonometer, which has a special sensor and accurately determines the diagnosis. Only after a thorough examination does the doctor prescribe full therapeutic treatment to the patient.
How dangerous is uterine tone?
Throughout pregnancy, short-term and long-term tension in the uterine muscles may occur. The first is considered the norm. This uterine tone can be removed without leaving home. It does not pose a serious danger to the life of mother and child.
Prolonged uterine tone during pregnancy (1st trimester) can have the most tragic consequences and end in spontaneous miscarriage. Particularly dangerous are nagging pains in the lower abdomen and spotting. This health indicator also affects the child, since adequate blood supply to the pelvic organs is disrupted, which leads to fetal hypoxia and affects its physical and mental development. A frozen pregnancy may occur. Only timely qualified assistance can help avoid all this.
Timely help without drugs
Uterine tone during pregnancy (first trimester) can be removed without resorting to medicine. For example, a yoga exercise called “Cat”. Standing on all fours, you need to raise your head up and arch your back. You should remain in this position for at least five seconds. Then smoothly return to your previous position. It must be done at least three times. Next you should lie down for about an hour. After the body has rested and recovered, you should leave the bed smoothly, without making sudden movements.
Muscle relaxation of the face and neck, even and calm breathing will help remove or weaken the tone of the uterus during pregnancy (1st trimester). Treatment is continued with soothing herbal tea, which may include plants such as lemon balm, mint, valerian and motherwort.
A pose in which the pregnant woman kneels and rests her elbows on the floor will relax the uterus. In this case, the uterus is in a suspended position. You should stand like this for 10-15 minutes. After this you need to lie down for a while.
A pregnant woman should not only refrain from carrying heavy objects, but also adhere to a certain daily routine, follow a diet and get enough sleep. Carrying a baby is a serious matter and must be approached with all responsibility. Complete all assignments on time. Take care of yourself and your unborn baby. Have only positive emotions.
Treatment with folk remedies
In folk medicine there are remedies that help relax the body, relieve spasms and reduce muscle activity.
Soothing tea
Herbal tea will help you relax and relieve tension. To prepare it, take mint, lemon balm, motherwort and valerian root in equal proportions and pour boiling water over it. If the last two components are missing, you can replace them with tincture - after the tea is brewed, add 2 drops of the product. Drink tea with honey, warm.
Milk with honey
A widely used sedative is warm milk with honey. It is usually drunk before bed. It's better to take it daily.