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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Abdominal Tightening During Pregnancy?

I am about 27 weeks pregnant with twins and have been having tightening and pain in my stomache for about an hour now. Some have been pretty bad but they are not really regular. If I get up and walk they get worse though. I am wondering if I should just go in or if its just braxton hicks.
Mon, 25 Apr 2016
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OBGYN 's  Response
Hallow Dear,

You are carrying twin pregnancy. Twin pregnancy is prone for premature delivery due to overstretching of the uterus. However, 27 weeks gestation is too early for management of the premature child.

The uterus is continuously contracting and relaxing throughout the pregnancy. You have very rightly mentioned them as Braxton Hick's contractions. However, Braxton Hick's contractions are never painful contractions. If you are getting pain also, they could be early labour contractions.

Please report to the Obstetrician ASAP. You need to be on the bed and put on uterine relaxants like Salbutamol and Progetational preparation like Susten for maintenance. Once the uterine contractions have subsided, then also you should continue to take bed rest.

You have yet not completed 28 weeks. So the possibility of week mouth of the uterus (incompetent cervical internal os) should be ruled out; though it usually does not cause painful uterine contractions for prolonged period. Incompetent internal os needs cervical stitch for reinforcement which is removed just before delivery.

I hope you will take quick action to report to the Obstetrician.

Dr. Nishikant Shrotri
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Infertility Specialist Dr. Sumana's  Response
Hello there, please note that braxton hicks are painless contractions. If you feel your contractions are becoming regular, frequent and painful and if associated with watery discharge or mucus or bloody discharge its important you get evaluated .Take care.
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What Causes Abdominal Tightening During Pregnancy?

Hallow Dear, You are carrying twin pregnancy. Twin pregnancy is prone for premature delivery due to overstretching of the uterus. However, 27 weeks gestation is too early for management of the premature child. The uterus is continuously contracting and relaxing throughout the pregnancy. You have very rightly mentioned them as Braxton Hick s contractions. However, Braxton Hick s contractions are never painful contractions. If you are getting pain also, they could be early labour contractions. Please report to the Obstetrician ASAP. You need to be on the bed and put on uterine relaxants like Salbutamol and Progetational preparation like Susten for maintenance. Once the uterine contractions have subsided, then also you should continue to take bed rest. You have yet not completed 28 weeks. So the possibility of week mouth of the uterus (incompetent cervical internal os) should be ruled out; though it usually does not cause painful uterine contractions for prolonged period. Incompetent internal os needs cervical stitch for reinforcement which is removed just before delivery. I hope you will take quick action to report to the Obstetrician. Dr. Nishikant Shrotri