Why does everything hurt during pregnancy? What kind of pain in the lower abdomen should alert an expectant mother?

All women who are expecting the birth of a baby and worry about his life would like to know why the stomach hurts during pregnancy. During the period of gestation, a representative of the fairer sex feels discomfort or pain: in the lower part of the not yet grown tummy. This can happen due to changes in hormone levels, an increase in the size of the abdomen, and exacerbation of chronic diseases. If your stomach hurts, it is difficult to understand exactly what happened inside the body. You need to visit a gynecologist. Below we describe what can cause pain during pregnancy.

Why does the lower abdomen hurt during pregnancy: obstetric pain

Pain syndrome in the lower abdomen when a woman is pregnant can be divided into obstetric and non-obstetric. The first group includes pain that develops when there is a threat of miscarriage, as well as with pathology, fertilization outside the uterus, or with placental abruption. Non-obstetric pain develops due to abnormalities in the digestive system, sprained ligaments and muscle tissue, displacement of organs and the need for surgical intervention.

When there is a threat of miscarriage, the lower part pulls, it aches, the lower back also hurts, it also pulls.

Another sign of a possible miscarriage is bleeding. This pain syndrome usually does not respond in other parts of the pregnant peritoneum. Without therapy, cramping pain develops, the blood flow becomes more abundant, the cervix becomes shorter, and miscarriage or premature delivery occurs. Create unpleasant painful sensations in the lower part of the peritoneum of a pregnant woman, the body can be overloaded, for example, if you pump your abs often and hard in the morning. A stressful situation, infection or pathology of the child’s development can also lead to pain. An ectopic pregnancy is the attachment of a fertilized egg outside the main female organ.

Tubal pregnancy is often diagnosed as an abortion or uterine tube rupture. Abortion is characterized by severe cutting or cramping pain in the lower abdomen, usually one-sided. The attacks are short-lived and occur with spotting blood. When there is no attack, the mother is in a good mood. Uterine tube rupture does not occur early stages, and when it is already 8-12 weeks, and it is characterized by severe contracting spasms, even to the point of fainting, and symptoms of blood flow in the peritoneum. A standard sign of pain during pregnancy outside the uterus is that it radiates to the anus, lower limb, under the rib, or to the collarbone area. It can also hurt due to early placental abruption. This pathological condition can develop both during pregnancy and during delivery.

The reasons for this pathology are as follows:

Injury;
Severe gestosis;
Arterial hypertension;
Shortened umbilical cord.

During the separation of the placenta, severe pain develops in the abdomen, and symptoms of intrauterine hypoxia and blood flow develop. There are no external blood compartments. The uterus is tense, it hurts, itches, there is swelling and discomfort. In severe cases, the fetus may die. Therefore, if your stomach hurts suddenly, you should call emergency help.

Can the lower abdomen hurt during pregnancy: not obstetric pain

These problems can arise due to non-compliance with proper dietary nutrition (as a result, intestinal torsion and colitis). Also, pain of this nature can develop if there was a heavy meal or the woman moves little after conception.

Due to hormonal imbalances, pregnant women often develop:

Constipation;
Intestinal dysbacteriosis;
Bloating.

Pulling pain often occurs when the second trimester of pregnancy is already underway and may be accompanied by symptoms of poisoning, heartburn/belching. In severe cases, the pregnancy may be terminated. Pain may develop due to sprained ligaments/muscles. At the beginning, when the first trimester begins, changes begin in the uterus, it changes size, and the load on the ligaments that hold it increases. In addition, due to the increase in the size of the uterus, the pelvic organs are displaced. The abdominal muscle tissue is also under load, it stretches. Pain syndrome in in this case weak. The pain is aching, but sometimes it can sting a little.

If the belly is very large, a navel hernia may form (resolved after childbirth).

In the last trimester, minor divergence of the pelvic bones occurs, which can also lead to mild pain. The need for urgent surgery may also develop in women carrying a child. Diagnostics surgical pathology, it’s not an easy matter, especially in the last weeks of gestation. The nature, signs, strength and impact of the pain syndrome depend on the type of pathology. In cases of “acute abdomen,” dyspepsia develops. It's important to take action. Treatment should be carried out by a doctor.

When does your stomach hurt during early pregnancy?

Every representative of the fairer sex during the period of bearing a child worries if she unexpectedly gets a stomach ache in the first month. The reasons for the unusual condition are different for each trimester.

The first trimester is the period from the onset of conception (at conception, the countdown begins) until the 13th week.

It is during this period that the embryo develops all the organs important for a full life. Pain in the lower abdomen early stage pregnancy can develop as a result of various factors that affect the woman’s condition and create a danger to the fetus.

Reasons that can provoke sad consequences in the initial stages may include:

Genetic disorders;
Infection of the genital organs;
Inflammation;
Lack of progesterone;
Chronic pathologies of women;
Hormonal disbalance;
Poisoning with toxic substances;
Malformation of the genitourinary system;
Endometriosis.

Risk factors during fertilization, when pregnancy begins, provoking ailments below and increasing the threat of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy the following - treated infertility, use of hormonal contraceptives, inflammation of the genitourinary system, previous ectopic pregnancy, malformations of the reproductive organs, clamping or ligation of the oviducts, the presence bad habits and central nervous system disorder.

When your lower back hurts or severe pain in your abdomen develops, you should not wait for a consultation with a gynecologist, but go to the emergency room immediately. Since this may mean that the pregnancy has begun, or there is a threat of fetal rejection.

Pulls in the stomach during early pregnancy: what to do

If colitis and pain are treated, medications should be excluded. If you feel pain in the lower abdomen, with the permission of your gynecologist, you can drink No-shpa, Metacin, valerian or motherwort.

If the pain is not severe and does not flow through the blood, a woman can sometimes relieve the condition on her own:

Change your position or do light exercises.
It is important to drink a normal amount of water. Dehydration can periodically cause pain in the short term.
A pregnant woman should eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and dairy products. You should say no to carbonated drinks. Food should be normal, not causing heaviness.
The child feels nervous, and in the future these negative emotions can affect his central nervous system.

Using aromatherapy, walking in the air, relaxing baths, gymnastic exercises, a good night's sleep and massage will help you achieve harmony with yourself and stabilize your emotional background on days when your stomach hurts or a woman is anxious. Medicines that eliminate spasms or sedatives can only be taken if the benefits of the drugs outweigh the risk to the baby. The doctor prescribes the treatment; he knows how many medications to prescribe and which ones.

Reasons: why the stomach hurts during early pregnancy

Pregnant women sometimes find it difficult to determine their own sensations in the first trimester and they wonder why there is colitis in the stomach. Doctors admit a slight tingling sensation due to the fact that the uterus is contracting. In these situations, doctors advise you to relax and lie still.

In the first trimester, colic or pain may develop for the following reasons:

Blood rushed to the uterus and other organs;
Muscle tissue/ligaments are stretched;
The uterus has enlarged.

When colitis lasts for a very long time, it is right to visit a gynecologist or at least call him. In these situations, pregnant women complain of throbbing pain. Colic and pain especially bother primiparous women.

If your lower abdomen hurts in the first trimester of pregnancy: dangerous symptoms

The appearance of severe pain and worsening of the condition is a reason to go to the clinic or call a doctor home. This does not mean when the stomach is bloated and bursting with gases, but unbearable pain that occurs in parallel with the symptoms.

Symptoms:

Heavy bleeding;
The stomach constantly cramps, the woman feels pressure and pain in the pelvic area;
Abdominal cramps during the day and at night;
Cramping pain (last trimester);
The woman begins to experience pain and burning when urinating;
A pregnant woman vomits;
Temperature increased;
Severe migraine;
Development of calf cramps;
Dizziness and fainting;
Itchy skin or severe allergies;
When you sit down, the pain radiates to your side, leg, collarbone.

Why does your stomach hurt during pregnancy (video)

The appearance of lower pain in a woman carrying a baby is not always a pathology that threatens the expectant mother and child. But the period of gestation is a period when you need to be especially careful about your health. If you are worried, and in order to protect yourself and your baby from various kinds of complications in the future, you don’t need to let everything take its course. It should proceed under the supervision of a gynecologist.

Abdominal pain during pregnancy bothers every woman and literally drives her into panic. But gynecologists assure that there are many physiological factors that can provoke abdominal pain during pregnancy. Doctors differentiate pain according to the stage of pregnancy - in the first and second trimester and at later.

Table of contents:

Abdominal pain during early pregnancy

During pregnancy, the lower abdomen hurts most often in the early stages, and a distinction is made between obstetric and non-obstetric pain. In the first case, the syndrome in question can be caused by physiological characteristics of the body, ectopic pregnancy, premature placental abruption, and spontaneous abortion. Non-obstetric pains are those that are the result of pathologies developing in organs other than the reproductive system.

A woman should not worry if in the early stages of pregnancy her lower abdomen hurts as follows:

A nagging, low-intensity, periodically occurring pain in the lower abdomen, localized either on one side or affecting the entire abdomen - this indicates a sprain of the ligaments that support the uterus.
The pain is spasmodic in nature, characterized by constancy and lack of intensity - this occurs due to hormonal changes in the body.
Spasms of very low intensity with the release of a minimal amount of blood from the vagina - this usually occurs 10-15 days after conception and only means that the fertilized egg has attached to the wall of the uterus, and the embryo is already beginning to develop. note: spasms can be only on the left or only on the right side of the abdomen, the location of the pain depends on which wall of the uterus the fertilized egg is attached to.

If a woman has an ectopic pregnancy, then the pain syndrome will have characteristic features:

stitching pain piercing the entire abdominal cavity;
attacks of pain appear on the principle of contractions - they are strong and frequent;
bleeding or brown spots appear on the underwear - this depends on whether the uterine (fallopian) tube has ruptured or is limited to a tear.

note: with an ectopic pregnancy, some women, in addition to abdominal pain, experience severe cramps in the lower back. The pain can last for several days, up to a month, but an ectopic pregnancy always ends in the death of the fertilized egg, rupture of the fallopian tube and surgical intervention.

In the early stages of pregnancy, abdominal pain may appear due to disturbances in the functioning of the intestines - due to hormonal changes in the body, it begins to function “sluggishly”, waste products move through the intestines slowly, hardening and causing constipation. In addition, a woman may be bothered by increased gas formation and, as a result, bloating of the intestines - this also causes pain.

Pregnancy is quite a serious “test” for the body and in the case of previously diagnosed inflammatory processes of a chronic nature internal organs Abdominal pain will certainly occur. With adnexitis (inflammation of the ovaries), pyelonephritis (kidney pathology), cystitis (inflammatory process in the bladder), the pain syndrome will be characterized as unstable, pulling and wave-like. note: abdominal pain during pregnancy due to chronic inflammatory diseases is never accompanied by bleeding.

Diagnosis of abdominal pain in early pregnancy

If pain in the abdomen, even of a mild nature, appears in the early stages of pregnancy, a woman should immediately consult a doctor for examination, consultation and treatment if necessary. The gynecologist will definitely refer the patient with the following complaints for a thorough examination:

ultrasonography pelvic organs - will help identify pathological changes in the structure of the uterus, detect neoplasms (for example, fibroids) and ectopic pregnancy;
computed tomography is a more accurate diagnostic method that not only gives an idea of the clinical picture, but also differentiates pathologies and determines the benign/malignant nature of tumors;
laboratory testing of blood and urine - it is possible to identify inflammatory processes outside the reproductive system.

Naturally, at the first appointment, the gynecologist collects data on the woman’s sexual development (when her first period began, whether there were any menstrual irregularities) and previously diagnosed diseases. Of no small importance when diagnosing abdominal pain during pregnancy are data on previously performed instrumental and/or vacuum abortions, spontaneous miscarriages and surgical interventions for ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment

If abdominal pain during pregnancy in the first or second trimester has an exclusively physiological etiology, then the gynecologist will not prescribe any treatment. But dynamic monitoring of the woman’s health must be carried out - any pain syndrome can result in bleeding and miscarriage/spontaneous abortion.

If chronic inflammatory or infectious diseases are detected, therapy will be prescribed that will not affect intrauterine development fetus

When diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy, surgical treatment and a long course of rehabilitation using hormonal drugs and sanatorium treatment are indicated.

If there is pain due to bloating or constipation, a woman will be advised to adjust her diet, replacing fatty, “heavy” foods with more easily digestible ones.

Abdominal pain in late pregnancy

If your stomach hurts during late pregnancy, this may indicate some physiological reasons:

Constipation, increased gas formation, disturbances in diet and meal schedule. During pregnancy, the intestines are already exposed to pressure from the growing and increasing weight of the uterus, and if a woman neglects simple rules nutrition, the pain will be constant. Feature pain syndrome due to intestinal dysfunction - short-term spasms that appear 20-30 minutes after eating and disappear after the end of the digestion process (maximum hour).
Stretching of the ligaments that support the uterus in the desired position. At the very beginning of pregnancy, the ligaments are just beginning to stretch, but in the later stages they experience more severe pressure. For such pain there is a certain characteristic: aching, radiating to the lower back, aggravated by sudden movements and coughing/sneezing.
Too much tension in the abdominal muscle tissue. This also occurs due to the growing uterus and the increasing weight of the fetus.

But often pain syndrome that appears in late pregnancy can signal the development of pathological conditions:

There is an exacerbation of chronic inflammatory processes in the pancreas (pancreatitis), kidneys (pyelonephritis), and bladder (cystitis). But in this case, the pain will be sharp, prolonged and pressing, they are always accompanied by hyperthermia (increased body temperature), signs of intoxication of the body may appear (nausea, dizziness, vomiting, weakness).
Begin premature birth. A similar development of events is possible at any stage of pregnancy, but if in the first trimester a miscarriage first manifests itself as bloody discharge, then in the third trimester it all begins with abdominal pain. It will be pulling, aching and encircling (passes to the lumbar region). Immediately after the onset of pain, the woman also notices vaginal discharge, which can have a different structure and shade - from pink-transparent to scarlet, viscous or watery.
Premature placental abruption. In the process, the placenta is separated from the wall of the uterus - blood vessels are torn, which causes severe pain and bleeding. Early placental abruption can occur due to abdominal trauma, after excessive physical strain, with diagnosed late toxicosis or persistently high blood pressure.
Stagnation of bile has formed in the gallbladder. This pathology develops due to increased production of the hormone progesterone - it is responsible for relaxing the uterus, preventing miscarriage or premature birth. But one of the side effects“This effect is the relaxation of the smooth muscles of nearby organs - the gallbladder suffers most often. The muscles of this organ are relaxed, the release of the required amount of bile when food enters the stomach does not occur, and the result is stagnation of bile, abdominal pain localized to the right. The pain syndrome is unstable, spasmodic in nature, accompanied by nausea and a bitter taste in the mouth.
Uterine rupture. This can happen if there is an existing scar on a hollow organ - for example, abdominal surgery was previously performed or a previous birth ended in a caesarean section.

Diagnostics

If in the late stages of pregnancy a woman experiences abdominal pain, then this is a reason to visit a gynecologist outside of the examination schedule. The doctor begins the diagnosis with a deep study of the woman’s life history and illnesses - for example, if there are chronic pathologies in the anamnesis, then it is worth immediately conducting a profile examination. The next stage is an ultrasound examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes. The doctor will be able to detect problems in the uterus; with timely treatment, it will be possible to diagnose the onset of untimely placental abruption or the onset of premature labor.

In case of an emergency (the woman is in severe pain, there are bleeding, the patient’s condition deteriorates sharply, she loses consciousness), surgical intervention is indicated for the pregnant woman without prior examination. By conducting caesarean section it becomes possible to save the life of the fetus and the health of the mother.

Treatment

note: If you experience sharp, intense abdominal pain during pregnancy, accompanied by bloody discharge from the vagina, you should immediately seek professional help. You should not go to a gynecological clinic or maternity hospital on your own - from the first minutes of this condition, medical support is necessary.

If your stomach hurts for physiological reasons, you can take the following measures:

adjust your diet by eliminating too fatty, spicy foods, giving up spices and sauces;
establish a clear schedule for eating - snacking, eating cookies/cakes/chips in front of the TV or reading a book should be excluded;
get rid of constipation - eat prunes, dried apricots, drink low-fat kefir at night;
lead an active lifestyle - passivity in late pregnancy leads to stagnation of bile.

Abdominal pain during pregnancy should not lead to panic - just calm down, visit a gynecologist to find out the cause of the syndrome and follow all the recommendations and prescriptions of specialists. According to statistics, stomach pain is more common during pregnancy due to physiological changes in the body, which are not pathological and do not threaten the life of the fetus and the woman.

You will get more information about abdominal pain during pregnancy by watching this video review:

Tsygankova Yana Aleksandrovna, medical observer, therapist of the highest qualification category.

Abdominal discomfort is the most common complaint among pregnant women, and while it may be harmless, it is most often a sign that a serious problem exists. Remember that persistent and severe abdominal pain should never be ignored! Below we will talk about the most common reasons why discomfort in the abdominal area occurs, but do not try to diagnose it yourself!

If you experience abdominal pain or cramps and notice spotting (or bleeding), fever, chills, watery vaginal discharge, weakness, discomfort while urinating or nausea (and vomiting), or if the pain does not go away after resting , do not delay calling your doctor!

Serious problems causing abdominal pain in pregnant women

1. Ectopic (ectopic) pregnancy – a pregnancy pathology that occurs when a fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus, often in one of the fallopian tubes. This condition can cause cramps and other symptoms in early pregnancy. If left untreated, ectopic pregnancy becomes extremely life-threatening for a woman.

If detected, immediately consult a gynecologist:

abdominal or pelvic pain or tenderness;
vaginal spotting or bleeding (blood may be red or brown, flow heavily or sparingly, constantly or intermittently);
pain in the lower abdomen or side, intensifying during movement and physical activity;
pain in the intestines or shoulder, accompanied by cough.

If you are bleeding heavily or have signs of shock (such as fast heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or pale, clammy skin), call an emergency ambulance!

2. Miscarriage – loss of pregnancy during the first 20 weeks. As a rule, spotting or vaginal bleeding is the first, after which a few hours later (sometimes after a few days) it begins stomach ache during pregnancy.

Vaginal bleeding may be light, moderate, or severe. The nature of the pain varies from cramping or constant, mild or sharp, and the pain can be localized not only in the abdomen, but also radiate to the lower back or cause a feeling of strong pressure in the pelvis.

Contact your gynecologist if you are diagnosed. If you have severe pain or heavy vaginal bleeding, you should be hospitalized immediately to continue your pregnancy.

3. Premature birth – the appearance of true labor contractions (uterine contractions that smooth or dilate the cervix) before the woman reaches the 37th week of pregnancy.

Call your gynecologist if you notice any of the following symptoms during the second or third trimester:

an increase in the amount or change in the type of vaginal discharge (if it becomes slimy, watery or bloody - even if it is just pink or bloody);
vaginal bleeding (blood discharge);
pain in the uterus, reminiscent of menstrual cramps in nature, or the presence of more than four contractions within an hour (and even in cases where they are not painful);
increased pressure in the pelvic area;
pain in the lower back, especially before you have not had pain in the back and lower back.

4. Placental abruption is a life-threatening condition in which your placenta partially or completely separates from your uterus before your baby is born.

Sometimes placental abruption causes sudden bleeding that is noticeable to the naked eye, but often the bleeding is not noticeable at first glance, or you may have light bleeding or notice minor traces of blood in your underwear. You may also notice the passage of amniotic fluid mixed with blood.

Usually, when a placental abruption occurs, a woman first of all feels that she has pain in the uterus or frequent contractions and back pain. In addition, when the placenta is separated, the uterus may contract (hypertonicity), and the uterus constantly remains in this state. You may also notice a decrease in your child's activity. Immediate medical assistance in this case is mandatory!

5. Preeclampsia – a set of pregnancy complications that cause changes in the blood vessels, which can affect most of a woman’s internal organs, including the kidneys, liver, brain and placenta. Preeclampsia is diagnosed if you have very high blood levels after the 20th week of pregnancy. arterial pressure and there is protein in the urine. If not, the woman’s condition rapidly deteriorates and can lead to death.

Symptoms of preeclampsia may include swelling of the face or puffiness around the eyes, swelling of the arms, and excessive or sudden swelling of the legs or ankles. This fluid retention in the body can lead to rapid weight gain.

If preeclampsia is classified as severe, the woman complains of severe tenderness or pain in the upper abdomen, blurred vision (spots before the eyes, blurred vision), severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. If you have signs of preeclampsia, call your doctor immediately!

6. Urinary tract infections – pregnancy itself makes the expectant mother more susceptible to urinary tract infections, in particular kidney infections.

With a bladder infection, the first symptoms are discomfort, pain or a burning sensation when urinating. Subsequently, the woman notices that she (most often in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone) or experiences pelvic discomfort; a frequent or irresistible urge to urinate even though there is very little urine in the bladder, or urine that smells bad or contains traces of blood. Call your OB/GYN if you notice any of these symptoms, as untreated bladder infections can lead to kidney infections and precipitate labor.

Signs that the infection has spread to the kidneys include fever, chills or excessive sweating, pain in the side (under the ribs) or lower back, nausea with vomiting, and blood or pus in the urine.

7. Other reasons – Many other reasons can cause abdominal pain, regardless of whether you are pregnant or not. Some of the most common causes of abdominal pain are appendicitis, hepatitis B, diseases of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder disease, food poisoning, kidney stones, fibroids (fibroids in the uterus), pancreatitis and intestinal obstruction.

Pancreatitis and gallbladder disease are often the result of gallstones, which are common accompaniments of pregnancy. Fibroids can grow during pregnancy and cause abdominal discomfort. The pressure of the growing uterus on the injured intestinal tissue leads to its obstruction, which is most often diagnosed in the third trimester.

Harmless causes of abdominal pain in pregnant women

Abdominal pain in a pregnant woman is not always a signal of the presence of serious problems with health. For example, you may notice minor cramping during or immediately after orgasm. While these contractions are mild and short-lived, they are completely harmless and are normal if they do not bother the woman. But remember, if you are unsure about the safety of what is happening, or the pain is severe and persistent, do not take risks and consult a gynecologist!

Here are some non-serious reasons why:

1. Flatulence and bloating – You will be much more likely to experience pain from increased gas and bloating due to hormones that slow down your digestion during pregnancy, as well as the pressure that your growing uterus puts on your stomach and intestines.

2. Constipation – is another common cause of abdominal discomfort in expectant mothers. Problems with bowel movements are caused not only by the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the rectum, but also by the influence of pregnancy hormones, which slow down the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Sprain – pain from spraining the ligaments that support the uterus, usually short-term, sharp, stabbing (or, in rare cases, long-lasting and dull) is felt by a woman in the lower abdomen (most often on both sides) or in the depths of the groin, starting from the second trimester of pregnancy. It occurs when the ligaments that support the uterus in the pelvis thicken to support the growing organ. Usually the pain goes away after a short rest (if this does not happen, or the pain intensifies, call your doctor!).

4. Braxton Hicks contractions – After the middle of pregnancy, a woman may from time to time begin to notice tension or contractions of the uterus. Until the 37th week, these contractions should be rare, irregular and practically painless.

Contact your obstetrician/gynecologist if your contractions are accompanied by lower back or abdominal pain, if you experience more than 4 contractions in an hour (even if they are not painful), if contractions occur at regular intervals, or if you have any other signs of preterm labor.

If your pregnancy has reached the 38th - 40th week, then the appearance of contractions may indicate that labor has begun.

How can a pregnant woman relieve abdominal pain?

We will share with you a few tips to combat abdominal discomfort caused by non-serious reasons:

change your body position or do some simple physical exercises (for example, bending your torso to the sides), especially if the pain is caused by increased gas formation;
take a warm bath (but not hot!!!) or shower, or place a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on the painful area;
Drink plenty of fluids - dehydration can cause Braxton Hicks contractions.

If your abdominal pain is caused by Braxton Hicks (or ) contractions, it may be helpful to simply lie down and rest for a while. Rest can also help you focus and identify the symptoms and reason why you have .

It is very common for a woman to experience pain in the abdomen or back while expecting a baby. Why does your stomach hurt? There are many reasons that cause these sensations.

Is it normal to feel stomach pain during pregnancy?

Yes. Spasms and other pain in this area most often occur due to pressure from the fetus on the muscles, joints and veins. While you're expecting your baby, your ligaments that connect your bones will stretch. During movement, this may lead to mild pain on one side of the abdomen or on both sides at the same time. Most often, women note discomfort on the right side, because the growing fetus stretches the uterus precisely in in this direction. It is quite easy to make sure that the pain occurs precisely because of the ligaments. You need to sit down, relax, and if the unpleasant sensations disappear, then the problem is just in the ligaments. In case of severe pain, a warm bath or lying on your side helps. A gentle back massage will also ease your condition.

If you feel unwell and have a stomach ache

Perhaps the pain has a completely different reason that is not related to your situation. It could be appendicitis, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, gallbladder problems, or uterine fibroids you never knew you had. It is worth asking your gynecologist for advice on what to do in this case. But go to the hospital immediately if you also have the following signs:

burning and pain when urinating;
unusual;
spotting or bleeding;
vomit;
fever;
chills.

If your stomach hurts in the first trimester of pregnancy

As a rule, this is a normal condition in the first weeks. But sometimes, in combination with other symptoms, pain may indicate. Unfortunately, such cases have been happening frequently lately. The main reason is that the fetus does not develop properly. What are the features of early miscarriage:

Feel. Spasmodic pain in the lower center of the abdomen, bleeding tion.
Deadlines. Can happen any time before 12 weeks of pregnancy.
What to do? Call your gynecologist or ambulance for consultation. Sit or lie down. Relax. In case of heavy bleeding (more than one pad per hour), you should urgently go to the hospital emergency department.

Sometimes pregnancy can develop outside the uterus. This pathology is called ectopic pregnancy. Unfortunately, this embryo cannot be saved in any way and an urgent termination of pregnancy is necessary. This is a serious condition and occurs in 1% of cases. Features of this pathology:

Feel. The pain is of a cramping nature, which is localized on one side, but during the contraction it spreads to the other part of the abdomen. Watery bleeding is quite dark in color.
Deadlines. Usually from 4 weeks to 10.
What to do? Call an ambulance immediately. Treatment in this case should be started immediately.

Pain in the second trimester

In most cases, discomfort in the abdominal area is this period are not dangerous. But there is a small chance that this could be a late miscarriage. This condition is very rare, even compared to early miscarriage. Features of late miscarriage:

Feel. Contractions and bleeding.
Deadlines. Between 12 and 23 weeks
What to do? If you are bleeding light color, call your gynecologist or emergency room for advice. If there is heavy bleeding, go to the hospital immediately.

If abdominal pain occurs in the 3rd trimester

The 3rd trimester for a pregnant woman is the home stretch before meeting her baby. Pain in the abdominal area may indicate training contractions before childbirth. But very rarely it can indicate premature birth. Even if premature labor has begun, this does not mean that the child will definitely be born now. Sometimes, until the water breaks, it's just a false alarm. Peculiarities :

Feel. Pain in the pelvic region, lower abdomen, back. Cramping sensations. There may be diarrhea, leakage of amniotic fluid.
Deadlines. Between 32 and 37 weeks.
What to do? Call your doctor, emergency services, or a loved one. If you moved away amniotic fluid or they started to leak a little, you need to go to the maternity hospital as quickly as possible.

If you're experiencing abdominal pain after 37 weeks of pregnancy, it means you're in the early stages of labor. At this stage, contractions should not cause you concern, because the body is preparing for the upcoming birth.

Attention! This article contains general information only and is not intended to substitute for advice from a qualified professional.

Abdominal pain during pregnancy: how to identify the causes of what is happening. The degree of danger of this phenomenon for mother and child. What measures need to be taken? How to help your body at home?

Abdominal pain during normal pregnancy

Often, a pregnant woman experiences discomfort in the abdominal area due to stretching of the muscles that support the uterus. The fetus gradually grows, the uterus also increases. As a result, the pressure on the ligaments increases significantly. You may notice discomfort when you cough or sneeze. The pain is sharp in nature, but it quickly passes after a short rest in a comfortable position. Such complaints do not threaten the child’s life at all and are considered normal.

Pain may also be caused by the growth of the uterus. In this case, you will experience discomfort in the upper abdomen. The enlarged uterus begins to squeeze the digestive organs, gallbladder and liver. This problem can be dealt with at home without the use of any medications.

Pain in the right side of the abdomen may appear due to the special position of the fetus in the uterus. Unpleasant sensations intensify when the child moves. The pain may be accompanied by symptoms such as heartburn and bloating.

Normal pregnancy can also be accompanied by pain

Risk of miscarriage

Pregnancy failure can occur at any stage. The main symptom is cramping pain in the lower abdomen. You could experience similar sensations with premenstrual syndrome, but with the risk of miscarriage, the pain increases significantly. It can radiate to the lower back and hips. In most cases, pregnancy failure is also accompanied by discharge from the genitals. They can be from light brown to dark red. Many girls mistake these symptoms for the beginning of the menstrual cycle and find out about pregnancy in the later stages (4-5 months).

Ectopic pregnancy

This situation can threaten your health and life. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants in one of the fallopian tubes rather than in the uterine cavity. As the fetus grows, the pain intensifies. As a rule, unpleasant sensations appear on one side.

Often this condition is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Abdominal pain is quite sharp. There may be bloody vaginal discharge. Symptoms appear between 4 and 7 weeks of pregnancy. The main task is to confirm the diagnosis in time and prevent rupture of the fallopian tube. Surgery is mandatory.

Premature placental abruption

This phenomenon can occur for a number of reasons. First of all, you should be wary of abdominal injuries, physical fatigue, and manifestations of hypertension. Severe pain is accompanied by uterine bleeding caused by rupture of blood vessels.

Surgical disorders

Often the cause of abdominal pain is a disease such as appendicitis. Unpleasant sensations in the area of the right hypochondrium should lead you to suspect cholecystitis or inflammation of the gallbladder. Cystitis may be indicated by pain that intensifies as the bladder fills. A woman experiences particular discomfort when going to the toilet. In some cases, the cause of pain is sexually transmitted diseases.

Have you noticed pain that radiates to the tailbone, hips, perineum? The most common reason for this phenomenon is hormonal disorders and severe stress. Perhaps you just need a little break from your usual surroundings.

The stomach may hurt due to stress and hormonal imbalances

A hiatal hernia is a serious anomaly that can occur in a pregnant woman who is obese. With this disease, part of the stomach can enter the chest cavity through a hole in the diaphragm. Stress, smoking and coughing can lead to this hernia. In addition to pain in the upper part of the stomach, the girl experiences discomfort in the chest area.

Errors in nutrition

Poor nutrition often leads to spasms of the digestive organs. Women's taste preferences often change. In order not to harm the child and yourself, try to control yourself as much as possible. Do not overuse sour, spicy and sweet foods. Otherwise, you will disrupt your metabolism and cause dysbacteriosis. Naturally, under no circumstances should you allow yourself to drink alcoholic and carbonated drinks.

What to do for abdominal pain during pregnancy?

If you notice unpleasant symptoms, immediately go to the doctor. If acute unbearable pain occurs, call an ambulance. The doctor will conduct a thorough examination of the body and find out whether there is a threat to the fetus. In some cases, radical measures may be necessary: surgery, hospital treatment, etc. If you apply for medical care in time, doctors will be able to provide you with the necessary assistance. Remember that you are responsible not only for your own health, but also for the life of your child!

How to help yourself?

If during the examination the doctor does not reveal any serious violations, and discomfort continues to bother you, try to reconsider your own lifestyle. We recommend that you use the current recommendations:

Try to fill your diet fresh fruit and vegetables. Don't forget to eat dried apricots and prunes: they prevent constipation. Don't forget about the optimal water regime. Remember also about the dangers of overeating.

Take short baths (5-10 minutes). The optimal water temperature is no more than 37 degrees.

Special gymnastics for pregnant women will help relax muscles and relieve discomfort. You can find exercises on the Internet. Also today there are many courses for expectant mothers.

If you notice abdominal pain during pregnancy, do not rush to take medications without a doctor’s prescription. We have named only the main reasons for the occurrence of unpleasant sensations. Only an in-person examination will allow an accurate diagnosis to be made. Be careful! We wish you an easy pregnancy without unnecessary hassle.