Pregnancy is an exciting time, and your body is going through lots of changes. Unexpected symptoms or brand new discomfort can be worrying. Here’s a breakdown of the common and less-common causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy and when you should talk to your doctor about it. Show
Common Causes of Pregnancy Abdominal PainAs your body goes through significant changes, sometimes you’ll feel uncomfortable. As your baby grows, you carry more weight in your belly, and your other organs are pushed out of the way. This can lead to some common causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy that are easily managed and will likely go away on their own: Digestive problems. Your baby puts a lot of pressure on your stomach and intestines, especially in the second and third trimester. Digestive pain in your stomach may be anything from gas to bloating to constipation. If your pain seems to be linked to when you eat, then focus on drinking lots of water and adding more fiber to your diet. Strained muscles. Most women gain anywhere from 25 to 35 pounds during their pregnancy to support their baby. This weight, combined with the effects of your hormones on your muscles and ligaments, can easily lead to strained muscles in your back, sides, and abdomen. Muscle strain pain generally feels tender and sore and stays in the area of the pulled muscle. Cramping. Just because you aren’t having periods while you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you won’t have cramps. Your uterus is stretching dramatically, and especially in your first and second semester, you may feel cramps as it adjusts. These cramps will feel like an aching or stabbing pain like menstrual cramps, but they will often be relieved by heat or go away on their own. Braxton Hicks contractions. Your body will sometimes practice for true labor with Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as “false labor” pains. They are generally much milder than true labor, they are irregular, and they tend to start strong and then get weaker. Braxton Hicks contractions can be uncomfortable or painful, but they will stop on their own if you change position or move around. Most causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy are nothing to worry about, but some causes of abdominal pain need medical care right away. If you suspect you may be facing one of the following problems, get medical assistance immediately. Appendicitis. Appendicitis is an infection of your appendix, which can happen even during pregnancy and needs immediate treatment. Appendicitis causes:
Gallstones. Your gallbladder helps you digest fatty foods. When you’re pregnant, hormones and your digestive system can affect your gallbladder, causing you to develop gallstones. These stones will cause:
Gallstones may go away on their own, or they may require medical treatment. Talk to your doctor if you get any of these symptoms. Preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a dangerous condition that’s only found in pregnant people. Your body reacts to being pregnant by developing high blood pressure. Your blood pressure can get so high that it may damage your liver and kidneys. The best treatment for preeclampsia is delivering your baby. Signs of preeclampsia include:
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. Miscarriage. If you get severe pain on the right side of your lower stomach and spotting, you may be having a miscarriage. Anywhere from 10% to 20% of women have miscarriages after finding out that they’re pregnant. Once a miscarriage has begun, it cannot be stopped. If you’re spotting, having red bleeding, or passing clots, then a miscarriage is possible. Talk to your doctor immediately. When to Worry About Abdominal Pain During PregnancyMinor causes of abdominal pain generally go away on their own after a little while, especially if treated with heat pads. But in some cases, pain is a sign of an emergency. Reach out to your doctor immediately if you experience:
Your doctor is there to help you. If you’re concerned about any symptom you have, contact your them for help. Is it normal to have lower back and abdominal pain in early pregnancy?It is very common to get backache or back pain during pregnancy, especially in the early stages. During pregnancy, the ligaments in your body naturally become softer and stretch to prepare you for labour. This can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis, which can cause back pain.
How does your lower stomach feel in early pregnancy?Lower abdominal pain is normal during pregnancy and is most common between 18 and 24 weeks. Your growing uterus is pulling and straining the muscles that support it. You may feel sharp pains or just a mild pulling sensation. It often occurs when you cough, sneeze, stand up, sit down, roll over, or during sex.
What pains are normal in early pregnancy?Cramps, a bit like period pains, are very common in early pregnancy. These are usually caused by changes in your hormones and by your growing womb. Sometimes stomach pains in early pregnancy can be a sign of something more serious such as: ectopic pregnancy.
When should I worry about lower back pain in early pregnancy?Know when to consult your health care provider
Keep in mind that back pain during pregnancy might be a sign of preterm labor or a urinary tract infection. If you have back pain during pregnancy that's accompanied by vaginal bleeding, fever or burning during urination, contact your health care provider right away.
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