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  |  Pregnancy  |  1st Trimester  |  Pelvic cramping
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Pelvic cramping

by Peg Plumbo

question
I am 29 years old and 18 weeks into my second pregnancy. A ‘home remedy’ holistic book recommended red raspberry pills to strengthen the uterus and relieve morning sickness. It did help my nausea, but I started getting contractions so I stopped taking them. My morning sickness is finally gone, but I am still experiencing a lot of lower abdominal pain like menstrual cramps. Should I worry? My doctor is keeping a close eye on me because I went into labour at seven months with my first child.

answer
It would be impossible to tell if the red raspberry had any link to your cramping. All remedies should be checked out by your GP, even holistic or naturopathic treatments.

Cramping can be normal, but for those women at risk of premature labour, it can also be a symptom of something else. We know that lower pelvic cramping and/or backache could indicate cervical changes. The ligaments that stretch during early pregnancy can also cause cramping, but this is usually right and left-sided pain.

I would recommend that you talk to your doctor or midwife who will perhaps do a cervical examination to rule out premature cervical changes. Increase your fluid intake and rest more if possible.

I hope things continue to go well for you. Good luck.

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