An irritable uterus during pregnancy

First of all, we need to understand what an irritable uterus is as there is no information present about it on the internet. During pregnancy, women experience regular but sharp contractions in their uterus. The condition in which these contractions do not produce any change in the cervix is known as an irritable uterus, also IU. These contractions are like the Braxton Hicks, but not exactly alike, but might be stronger and more frequent. They are sometimes considered normal, and at times not normal. Its abnormality or harm depends upon the symptoms and the severity of symptoms that you are experiencing. The contractions that occur during the irritable uterus might be annoying or fearing at times, but they are unlikely to harm your baby.
Cause of an irritable uterus
The specific cause of the irritable uterus is still unknown. As said earlier, there is not enough information present on the internet about it even. Also, different women have different reasons for developing an irritable uterus. But with the help of a few pieces of research work and from the experience of the irritable uterus by the women, we have managed to list a few possible causes of this condition. The following are considered to cause an irritable uterus during pregnancy in women:
- Severe dehydration
- Stress or anxiety
- Untreated infections
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Lifting heavy objects
- Strenuous exercise
- A full bladder
- Sexual intercourse
- Harsh physical activity
- Constipation
- Orgasmic disorders
How can sex and masturbation trigger the contractions in the uterus?
The semen from the penis contains some chemicals that trigger the contraction in the uterus. Moreover, any kind of sexual activity, including masturbation and intercourse increases the production of oxytocin. Oxytocin induces contractions in the uterus, which can worsen the preexisting pain due to the irritable uterus.
Symptoms of an irritable uterus
Just like the causes of an irritable uterus, its symptoms may vary from woman to woman. Different women may feel different symptoms of this condition. Sometimes, the symptoms may be mild, and extremely intense at others. Here is a list of some symptoms of the irritable uterus that women may experience during pregnancy:
- Management Pain in the stomach
- Lower back pain
- In the lower abdomen
- Frequent contractions in the uterus
- Strong contractions in the uterus
- High levels of stress
- Dehydration
- Tightness of belly
As said before, the condition of the irritable uterus may feel like Braxton Hicks contractions, but these are not the same. Irritable uterus contractions occur far more often and are more painful than Braxton hicks. Also, they tend to be more regular in terms of time intervals. It can cause the belly to become tight, which prevents the woman, even from standing or walking. It makes the pain even worse and lasts for a couple of hours.
What happens if an irritable uterus prolongs and remains untreated?
The condition of an irritable uterus is basically nothing to worry about as these go away on their own after some time. But if the condition prolongs and then remains unchecked, it may cause real uterine contractions which can cause early labor. Early labor means that the baby would be needed to deliver before time, which is also known as preterm labor or premature delivery. However, the chances of an early delivery are extremely rare, yet it is not impossible.
Prevention of uterine irritability
You can prevent the uterine contractions that you are experiencing by following a few techniques. Some of them are listed below:
- Ensure that you are getting sufficient rest and sleep. Try to stay in bed most of the time and avoid movement.
- Take the medications that your doctor may have prescribed you. Make sure that you do not miss them.
- Do not take it on your nerves. No need to worry. It usually does not harm the woman or the baby, but exceptional cases are always there. Most of the time, it goes away on its own.
Diagnosis of IU
If you continue to experience the symptoms of the irritable uterus without any pause, keep in mind that these symptoms can worsen. You can further experience the following:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Even worse and frequent painful contractions
- Leakage of amniotic fluid
- Decreased movement of the fetus
If you tend to face any of the symptoms stated above, seek your doctor or health care provider’s assistance as soon as possible. Keep a track of your uterine contractions, when they occur, how often they occur, how long they last, and everything else related to it. Tell your doctor about it and he or she will see whatever should be done for you.
As said earlier, an irritable uterus does not often lead to labor, but your doctor will possibly perform specific tests and ultrasound to examine your cervix closely. The doctor may perform a fetal fibronectin test if he or she senses anything related to preterm labor. If it comes out to be negative, then you do not need to worry. But in case it results in a positive, get ready to be going into labor in the next two weeks. It is possible that you are recommended to be hospitalized for a few days. Following tests may be recommended to you other than the fetal fibronectin test by your
Healthcare provider:
- Ultrasound to examine uterus and cervix
- Test to examine vaginal secretions
- Monitoring of the frequency, duration, and intensity of your uterine contractions
What is liver cancer?
The abnormal growth of cells in your liver is liver cancer. Your liver lies on the right side above your abdomen and stomach, just below the diaphragm. The liver is responsible for filtering the blood that flows in the body by converting the minerals and nutrients into chemicals that are ready to use. The liver also removes waste products and toxins from the blood and purifies it.
Basically, cancer occurring in other parts of the body and then spreading to the liver is more common than cancer developing in the liver. This type of cancer is known as metastatic cancer and is named after the organ from which it began. For example, if cancer started in the colon and spread to the liver, it would be called metastatic colon cancer.
Types of liver cancer
Cancer that lives in the liver may have several types such as:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
- Hepatoblastoma
Causes of liver cancer
There are a number of causes of liver cancer that may include:
Infections and diseases
It is possible that infections such as chronic hepatitis and other underlying diseases cause liver cancer.
DNA mutations
Sometimes, mutations may occur in your DNA that can change the metabolism. As a result, the cells may begin to grow abnormally and eventually develop into a mass of cancerous cells; tumors.
Factors that increase the risk of liver cancer include:
- Chronic infections with Hepatitis B or C virus
Any chronic infections with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) can significantly increase your chance of developing liver cancer.
- Cirrhosis
This is a permanent liver condition in which a scar forms on your liver tissue. It worsens with time increasing your risk of developing liver cancer.
- Liver diseases
A number of liver diseases such as Wilson’s disease, alpha -1-antitrypsin deficiency, tyrosinemia, and hemochromatosis can increase your risk of liver cancer.
- Diabetes
If you are suffering from diabetes, you have a greater chance of developing liver cancer as compared to those who do not have diabetes.
- Accumulation of fat in the liver
If your liver has accumulated fat, you have an increased chance of liver cancer.
- Intake of aflatoxins
Aflatoxins are basically produced by molds that may grow on crops that are poorly stored. If you intake foods that are made out of these contaminated crops with poisonous aflatoxins, you are most likely to get liver cancer.
- Excessive intake of alcohol
If you are drinking more than moderate amounts of alcohol regularly for a longer period of time, it may cause irreversible damage to your liver and thus increase your chances of developing liver cancer.
- Exposure to chemicals
Long-term exposure to various chemical substances such as arsenic, vinyl chloride, and herbicides can cause liver cancer.
- Use of Synthetic steroid
If you are a long-term synthetic steroid user, know that your chance to acquire liver cancer increases.
- Your gender
You are more likely to get liver cancer if you are a man.
- Weight
If you have more weight or are obese, you are more likely to get liver cancer.
Symptoms of liver cancer
The symptoms of liver cancer are usually not experienced by people in their early stages. But after they appear, the symptoms of liver cancer may include:
- Loss of weight and appetite
- A constant feeling of nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Pain in the upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen
- Swelling and tenderness in the abdomen
- Weakness
- Adrenal Fatigue
- Swelling in legs
- Itchiness in body
- Yellowing of white areas in your eyes
- Night sweats
- White feces
- Loss of sexual desire
- Confusion and anxiety
- Development of skin lesions
Please visit your doctor as soon as you notice any of these signs or symptoms. It is always better for a cancer patient to get diagnosed in the early stages so that it can be prevented from spreading and becoming problematic. Detecting cancer early can also help to ensure an effective treatment.
Reference post article link: https://www.articleritz.com/an-irritable-uterus-during-pregnancy/