Intestinal colic during pregnancy

What is intestinal colic?

Intestinal colic is the colloquial term for sudden pain in the mid-abdominal and epigastric region, usually caused by an intestinal muscle spasm or excess gas in the intestine. The term colic is very often used for infants, where it manifests itself as abdominal pain, vomiting or leg cramps. Intestinal colic in adults is usually a temporary condition and is not associated with serious complications. Nevertheless, it is important to rule out other possible causes of abdominal pain.

What are the symptoms of intestinal colic during pregnancy?

The symptoms of intestinal colic during pregnancy usually include sudden cramp-like pain in the abdomen. They can be accompanied by vomiting or nausea and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. Constipation can also occur.

The symptoms of intestinal colic are very varied. They can be associated with a number of different conditions, e.g. appendicitis, renal colic or HELLP syndrome. For this reason, if an expectant mother experiences severe abdominal pain, she should visit the emergency room immediately to clarify the cause of her suffering.

How do you treat intestinal colic during pregnancy?

In the case of abdominal pain, it is particularly important to rule out the most serious causes of the symptoms. Once these have been ruled out, it can be assumed that the abdominal pain is related to intestinal colic. Many people find it helpful to lie down, have a bowel movement or bend their legs. A warm (but not hot) bath can also provide relief. Expectant mothers can take No-SPA or paracetamol for pain relief.