The term ‘Mittlelschmerz’ refers to:
A. varying degrees of abdominal pain during ovulation
B. pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy
C. lower abdominal cramp during pregnancy
D. intermittent uterine contractions during labor
Correct Answer: A. varying degrees of abdominal pain during ovulation
👉 A brief, one-sided lower abdominal pain that occurs during ovulation.
Explanation :-
• Mittelschmerz is a German word meaning “middle pain”, because it occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, around day 14 in a 28-day cycle.
• It is caused by follicular rupture and release of the ovum from the ovary.
• Pain may last from a few minutes to a few hours, sometimes up to 1–2 days.
• It is usually mild and may be associated with light vaginal spotting.
Common features
Feature Description
Time of occurrence Mid-cycle (ovulation period)
Location One side of lower abdomen (right or left)
Cause Follicle rupture and peritoneal irritation
Duration Short-lived
Significance Indicates ovulation
Clinical importance
Helpful for women tracking fertile days when trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy.
Correct Statement
Mittelschmerz indicates ovulation pain due to follicular rupture.
Other Options Details:-
Here is a detailed explanation of each option:
A. Varying degrees of abdominal pain during ovulation
- This refers to Mittelschmerz, a German term meaning “middle pain.”
- It occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle (about day 14 in a 28-day cycle).
- Caused by rupture of a mature ovarian follicle and release of the ovum.
- Pain is usually on one side of the lower abdomen, mild to moderate, and lasts from a few minutes to a few hours (sometimes up to 1–2 days).
B. Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy
- A type of musculoskeletal pain occurring during pregnancy.
- Felt around the pelvic joints, hips, groin, lower back, or buttocks.
- Caused by relaxation of pelvic ligaments due to the hormone relaxin, and increased weight/pressure on pelvic bones.
- May worsen with walking, standing, turning in bed, climbing stairs, or prolonged sitting.
C. Lower abdominal cramp during pregnancy
- Common in early or late pregnancy.
- Usually due to stretching of ligaments, uterine expansion, or gas and constipation.
- Often described as dull, pulling, or cramp-like pain, similar to mild menstrual cramps.
- Normal if mild and without bleeding, but severe cramps may require medical attention to rule out complications such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
D. Intermittent uterine contractions during labor
- These are true labor pains.
- Caused by rhythmic uterine muscle contractions to help dilate the cervix and push the baby out.
- Pain begins as intermittent cramping in the lower abdomen or back, becoming regular, stronger, and closer together.
- Eventually leads to delivery of the baby.
Summary Chart
Option Description Occurs During A Ovulation pain (Mittelschmerz) Mid-menstrual cycle B Pelvic joint/muscle pain Pregnancy C Mild cramps or stretching pain Pregnancy D True labor contractions Labor and birth
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)