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Ask A Midwife

Q. I woke up with bad cramps today. I am 21 weeks and so far had a normal pregnancy. The cramps have turned into a dull ache. Is this normal?

Tammy

A. Dull cramping can be caused by lots of things. Having sex can do it, as well as just being dehydrated. However, there are also more serious things to consider, such as a bladder infection, vaginal infection, or preterm labor. It is important to be seen by your health care provider, and be sure everything is okay. Especially if this persists, you need to call your provider.

Pat Sonnenstuhl is a semi-retired nurse midwife with over 30 years of experience in health care (first as an RN, then as an ARNP, CNM). She has experience with hospital nursing/midwifery and home and birth center midwifery.

Two areas of special interest to her are GBS and nutrition.

She is about empowerment, and helping folks find their own answers, what is right for them, not what is right for her. But, she wants you well informed.