Abdominal pain during pregnancy

Let us first know that having a stomach ache is not a serious matter.

Is it normal to have abdominal pain during pregnancy?

It is normal to have abdominal pain in pregnancy. The problem of abdominal pain and cramps in the first trimester, second trimester and third trimester persists for the pregnant, but there can be different reasons behind the abdominal pain that occurs during each trimester. While constipation and rapid blood flow can cause abdominal pain in the first trimester, abdominal cramps caused by Braxton Hicks contractions can cause pain in the second and third trimesters.

If your pregnancy is going well then it is normal to have slight abdominal pain, cramps and cramps, but if this pain is severe and unbearable, then a doctor should be contacted.

Let us now know how many types of pain there can be in the stomach.

Different types of abdominal pain during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you may experience abdominal pain in many places. Sometimes this pain can be sharp, sometimes mild. Sometimes the pressure of the organs present in the body can also cause abdominal pain. Below we are telling about these types of stomach pain.

• Pain in the upper part of the abdomen: This can be a pain between the lower part of the ribs and the navel.
• Pain in the left side of the upper abdomen: This is the pain between the lower part of the ribs and the navel, such as the spleen, the end of the pancreas, the lower ribs on the left side, the left kidney, the large intestine, and a part of the stomach, etc.
• Pain in the right side of the upper abdomen: This is a pain from the right nipple to the navel. On this side there are organs like liver, lower part of lungs, kidney, due to which sometimes this pain can occur.
• Pain in the lower abdomen: This is a pain that occurs below the navel. This pain can be due to some medical problem.
• Pain on the left side of the lower abdomen: This is more common than pain in the lower right side. The reason for this can be the structure of the lower part of the kidney, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and bladder.
• Pain on the right side of the lower abdomen: This can be a pain in the lower right side of the abdomen. This pain can be mild as well as sharp. This pain can sometimes spread to the left side or even the back side.

Let us now look at some common causes of abdominal pain in pregnancy.

Common causes of abdominal pain in pregnancy

The problem of abdominal pain is certainly very troublesome in pregnancy. In such a situation, it is important to know about the reasons behind it.

Round ligament pain: As the uterus grows in pregnancy, the round ligament ie ligament starts to stretch. This mostly happens in the second trimester. Usually, this pain can be sharp on movement, but if the pain is unbearable, then the doctor should be contacted immediately.

Gas and Constipation: Due to the increase of progesterone hormone in pregnancy, the digestive system starts to weaken, due to which there may be problems of gas and constipation. Due to this also stomach pain occurs. To get relief from this, you should eat fiber rich food and drink more and more water.

Braxton Hicks contractions: This mostly occurs in the second and third trimesters, due to which a feeling of contraction in the abdomen. This contraction can last from 30 seconds to a minute.

Enlarged uterus: The growing uterus can also cause abdominal pain during pregnancy. Due to this, problems like nausea can also occur.

Pain during orgasm: Abdominal pain can also occur due to reaching orgasm during intercourse in pregnancy. This is not a cause for concern, as a very mild pain is felt during this time.

Apart from this, kidney stones, stomach virus, uterine fibroids or any kind of food sensitivity can also cause abdominal pain.

In the next part of the article, you will know what are the main reasons behind this pain.

Serious causes of abdominal pain in pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy: In this stage the embryo attaches itself to the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. Women who have this often have abdominal pain.
Urethral infection: UTI can also be a cause of abdominal pain during pregnancy. In such a situation, problems like burning or nausea may occur during urination.

Appendicitis: Appendicitis is a serious condition during pregnancy. It is also difficult to diagnose. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain.

Symptoms of Premature Labor: If contractions start before the 37th week of pregnancy, then it can be a symptom of premature labor. This contraction can happen more than four or five times in an hour. During this you may feel abdominal pain (pain like menstruation), vaginal bleeding. In this situation a doctor should be contacted immediately.

Gallstones: At the same time, pregnant women who have stones in the gall bladder, they also have the problem of abdominal pain.

Miscarriage: The death of the fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy is called miscarriage. During this, vaginal bleeding can occur, which can cause abdominal pain for a few hours to a few days. Most miscarriages happen in the first trimester, but miscarriages can also happen in the second trimester for certain reasons.

Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia can occur in the second trimester of pregnancy. This is due to high blood pressure and increased protein content in urine. In preeclampsia, the unborn baby does not get enough oxygen and blood. When this happens, symptoms like abdominal pain, severe headache, difficulty in breathing and swelling of the face can be seen.

Rupture of the placenta: The placenta is a life-supporting sac, which protects the baby. When this sac begins to move from the uterus, then abdominal pain occurs. This mostly happens in the third trimester. Sometimes in this situation, the doctor has to take the decision to perform a Caesarean delivery of the pregnant immediately. This is usually due to high blood pressure or placental abruption.

Let us now find out when abdominal pain becomes a problem during pregnancy.

When can abdominal pain during pregnancy become a matter of concern?

Here we will tell every quarter when it can become a matter of concern. In these situations, the woman should contact the doctor immediately without delaying much:

1. First Quarter
Miscarriage: Miscarriage early in pregnancy is common. If there is a problem like severe pain and cramps in the abdomen during the early weeks of pregnancy, then it can be a symptom of miscarriage. Therefore, one should immediately contact the doctor.
Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus is called an ectopic pregnancy. This is a serious condition in which abdominal pain is severe. It starts from one side and spreads throughout the abdomen. In such a situation, a doctor should be treated as soon as possible.

2. Second Quarter
A slight abdominal pain in the second trimester is not a cause for concern. The risk of miscarriage in this trimester is low, but the risk remains. If between the 12th week to the 24th week there is bleeding with a sharp twist in the stomach, then without delay the doctor should be contacted.

3. Third Quarter
There can be many reasons for abdominal pain in the third trimester of pregnancy. First of all, now the time of delivery is approaching, due to which the body is becoming flexible. Apart from this, the biggest concern during this time is premature delivery. If the pregnant woman is about to give birth prematurely, then during this time there may be severe pain in the lower abdomen, mild abdominal cramps and diarrhea. If this happens, a doctor should be contacted immediately.

Abdominal pain treatment during pregnancy

Precautions need to be taken in case of abdominal pain in pregnancy. During this, it is normal to have mild pain, which is not a cause for concern. At the same time, if this pain is getting worse for a long time, then the doctor should be contacted without being careless. For the time being, below we are telling some tips to get relief from this pain, which can be useful for pregnant women:

• Putting a hot water bottle on the part of the stomach where there is pain can be relieved by compressing it. Take care that this water is not boiling.
• As we mentioned, gas and constipation can be the cause of stomach pain. Therefore, eat fiber-rich food to get relief from them.
• Do not exhaust yourself and rest as much as possible. Taking rest will give relief in stomach pain.
• Do not eat any such food item, which causes gas in the stomach, such as cabbage, okra, beans and potatoes etc.
• Drink about eight to ten glasses of water throughout the day and consume fruit juices.
• Instead of gathering food in one go, eat four to five meals gradually. This will make it easier for you to digest.
• After knowing about the treatment, let us see when you should visit the doctor.

Let us now see what is the treatment to get relief from abdominal pain in pregnancy.

When to see a doctor if you have abdominal pain during pregnancy

If you have severe abdominal pain during pregnancy, do not delay in contacting the doctor. If any of the following symptoms appear, contact your doctor immediately:

• If in the first trimester, severe and persistent abdominal pain is accompanied by white water, bleeding or spotting.
• Nausea or dizziness with abdominal pain.
• Swelling in hands and feet.
• Feeling of burning or pain while urinating.
• Feeling like a fever or having an unseasonal chill.
• Having more than four contractions in an hour. This can be a symptom of premature labor.

As we mentioned, it is normal to have abdominal pain in pregnancy, for which there is no need to worry. Still, it is better to be careful. Therefore, you should discuss this pain with your doctor from time to time, so that the doctor can catch the problem in time and give the right treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have stomach pain during pregnancy for any other reason?
Yes, many types of abdominal pain are common during pregnancy, such as abdominal pain due to bloating, abdominal pain due to Brexit Hicks contractions, pain due to gas and constipation. Usually such pain is not a cause for concern, but if the pain is severe and unbearable, then the doctor should be contacted immediately.

What should I do if I feel unwell and have abdominal pain?
You do not necessarily have to have abdominal pain due to pregnancy. Problems like appendicitis, kidney stones, UTI, ovarian cysts, gas and constipation can also be behind this. In such a situation, first of all it is important to find out the causes of stomach pain. Even if you do not feel well, it is necessary to get a checkup done by the doctor, because nothing can be taken lightly during pregnancy. The doctor will examine the causes of feeling ill and stomach pain and take proper treatment.

After reading this article, it can be said that mild abdominal pain during pregnancy is not a cause for concern. Yes, if the pain is sharp and persistent, then the doctor should be seen without delay. Also, by paying attention to food and health, this problem can be avoided during the whole pregnancy. So, if you are also pregnant, then take care of yourself and protect yourself from any kind of problem. Stay connected with us for more such information related to pregnancy.