What causes pain after laser ablation at 17 weeks of pregnancy?

Hello,

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I read your query and understand your concern. I think you should relax and think positively. The laser ablation suddenly causing pain so late, at 31 weeks, could not be the cause. Laser ablation is a non-invasive method where the Nd-Yag laser is targeted on the vessels crossing over from one baby to another. There is no damage to tissue other than the specific site where the vessels cross. Now after so many weeks, the area would have fully healed. This pain could be due to the overdistention of the uterus. Your uterus will be distended to full 40 weeks size already. Being a young girl of 19 years, hopefully, this is your first pregnancy, the uterus is new to this stress of distention. If you are not comfortable, have a consultation with a sonologist and have a scan to evaluate the growth of both babies. You can have a prophylactic Steroid injection (if your sugars are normal). This will improve the lung maturity and reduce the chance of Intraventricular hemorrhage, in case you deliver prematurely. Other possible causes for the pain are

1. Mild urinary infection. If you have burning or frequent micturition- have lots and lots of water and keep urinating more frequently. If significant will need antibiotics

2. Constipation has lots of watery food, high fiber food, do not take too much bed rest, have strolls now and then.

3. Babies may be moving into their comfortable position- just relax- once settled, the pain will resolve on its own.

4. Any recent unfamiliar exertion- abdominal muscle pain- has local fomentation. Avoid painkillers not good for the baby after 32 weeks- the risk of PDA.

From the history you have given, I have put in a few facts and possibilities. I hope I have been of help to you, do write back if you have any more queries.

Thank you.