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Pregnancy

Stitches- should I be concerned?

6 replies

Bekki · 08/06/2003 19:20

This is probably nothing but I'm having a lot of problems with muscle cramp (stitches) across my belly. I have experienced similiar problems with my first pregnancy but that was only occuring when I walked too quickly. This has been going on for over a week and I really think I'm going to have to give up work much earlier than I wanted too. My job involves being on my feet all day and come 2 o'clock the muscle cramp on my stomach has me doubled over and I can't walk. I'm 27 weeks and I haven't seen my midwife/doctor for 6 weeks should I move my next appointment closer or is there some way I can ease this cramping myself? Also I was wondering whether it could be hurting my baby as hes normally very still and placid but once the cramping gets more intense my baby is very restless. Any advice please as I'm really struggling to get from a to b at the moment. Thanks.

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leese · 08/06/2003 19:32

Bekki - probably tour baody's way of telling you you should slow down. Things are very different with a second pregnancy - you're not able to rest as much as with the first for a start. Being on your feet all day must be taking its toll at 27 wks
Does your tummy tighten when you get a cramp? Braxton Hicks are common at this stage in pregnancy, but should be painless (tho' some find the tight sensation uncomfy). What is the cramp like if you have an easier day - say at a weekend when you may not be on your feet all day? Do you think it is the strain of standing so long causing the problem? If so, it really is natures way of telling you to take it a little easier, so you should listen. If this means having to leave work earlier, then do it!
You could try some gentle exercise like swimming or Ante Natal yoga to see if this helps too. I would also advise a midwife check up soon - 6 wks is a long time to go without being seen. When are you due your next appt? Would not think this sensation is hurting your baby at all - for example Braxton Hicks contractions can sometimes cause babies to react and get a little restless, as they react to the squeezing sensation. This isn't harming them in the slightest tho'.

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leese · 08/06/2003 19:33

Forgive spelling!

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pie · 08/06/2003 19:36

Round ligament pain can be made worse my movement. During my first pregnancy it was so bad that I had to be checked I wasn't in labour, I have it again this time round, but know what it is, and I certainly find that when I'm tired or doing to much it has me in the foetal position. Could you have round ligament pain?

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Demented · 08/06/2003 23:42

I had stitches like these during my second pregnancy, they were usually far worse if I was out and about shopping or had done too much housework (I'm a SAHM) but were better when I put my feet up. Is there any chance you could have a bit more time sitting down at work, a slight change of duties or be allowed to do some of your standing work sitting down (if this is possible of course). Hope you are more comfortable soon.

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morocco · 09/06/2003 12:02

I also had this pain sometimes during my pregnancy when I was overtired or had been working v hard. I think in my case it must have been because of this - nature's way of telling me to slow down. My doctor gave me a sicknote and I took a week off work - could you do this? You might have to ask your gp rather than wait for them to suggest it though.
Have you had a workplace assessment done? Now could be the time. It might make your employers think more about how they can make your life easier - maybe even just a chair to sit on!
I have no idea about your work situation and whether you would like to do this but you could also consider not starting your maternity leave early but instead convincing your gp to sign you off sick a few weeks early. Oh I'm such a skiver as you can tell!

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Bekki · 15/06/2003 21:41

Hi just wanted to say thankyou for your advice. I haven't been able to reply sooner due to just sheer exhaustion. As soon as my son is in bed I'm fast asleep. The stitches got a lot worse and I did end up sitting down at work which made me feel very lazy but it was necessary. I also had an emergency appointment with my midwife last week as I couldn't walk and it turns out my pelvis has widened! The advice for this was rest and to stand up straight! Its one thing or another at the moment so I'm asking for more help from my mother-in-law, husband is still useless though. One things for certain though I need a car. Thanks for your advice its nice to have mumsnet as reasurrance.