During Pregnancy Causes Of Pain In Abdomen

By Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta on April 16, 2022

Pregnancy Causes Of Pain In Abdomen

It is common for expecting mothers to experience pain in abdomen. However, it is very important for pregnant female to have knowledge about causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy so that she knows when she we needs to consult a doctor or report in emergency. In our article, we will discuss the causes of pain in abdomen during pregnancy and treatment but first let us have a brief discussion over the abdominal problems during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Causes Of Pain In Abdomen

Abdominal Problems during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the time when the female body goes through lots of changes. Her uterus expands with the growth of the baby due to which the abdominal organs shift and her ligaments stretch in order to adjust according to these changes. This is why little degree of abdominal pain is normal during pregnancy. In most cases, mild-to-moderate pain during pregnancy is completely harmless and is mostly due to stretching of ligaments, indigestion and constipation. These are not serious conditions and there is nothing to worry. However, a pregnant woman should not always take pain in abdomen lightly especially if abdominal pain accompanies nausea,vaginal discharge and fever. This is why it is very important for a pregnant female to be able to distinguish between what kind of abdominal pain is an alarming sign.

What Are The Causes Of Pain In Abdomen During Pregnancy

There are many potential causes of pain in abdomen during pregnancy. However, in most of the cases nothing is serious. Below are the several causes of pain in abdomen during pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy –

Ectopic pregnancy is one of thepotential causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy. The condition occurs when the fertilized egg gets implant anywhere outside the uterus typically in one of the fallopian tube. The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include Pain in abdomen or pelvic region, tenderness, bleeding or vaginal spotting, pain getting worse during physical activity, coughing or passing bowel and pain in the shoulder tip. In addition, in some cases there may be a sign of shock such as dizziness, pale skin, faintness and racing pulse.

Miscarriage–

Miscarriage during first trimester is common. The very first symptom of miscarriage is vaginal bleeding followed with abdominal pain a few hours or few days later. Pain of miscarriage is similar to menstrual cramps but is rhythmic and stronger. Some females also experience pain in lower back or pelvic pressure.

Preterm labour –

In preterm labour a female starts having contraction before 37 weeks of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman experiences increase in the vaginal discharge or change in the type of discharge during second or third trimester she should report this to her doctor. Get yourself checked by your doctor if you experience increase pressure in pelvic area, low back pain, spotting or bleeding, menstrual like cramping or more than 4 contraction in an hour.

Placental abruption –

Placental abruption may be defined as complete or partial separation of the placenta from the uterus. If this happens before the baby is born, it is serious. The symptoms of placentation abruption may include obvious or sudden bleeding, back pain, frequent contraction and uterine tenderness. In case you notice a decrease in the activity of baby immediately, see your doctor. Approximately a baby moves 10 times in 2 hours. If you do not feel, your baby’s movements consult your healthcare provider soon.

Urinary tract infection during pregnancy –

Expecting mothers are more susceptible to urinary tract infection. The symptoms include the pain and burning during urination, pain and discomfort in lower abdomen, uncontrollable and frequent urge to pass urine and foul smelling or cloudy urine. If there is high fever with chills, shaking, sweat, nausea and vomiting and possibly there is blood in urine this maybe sign that infection has spread to the kidneys.

Pre-eclampsia –

It is a condition where the pregnant female after 20 weeks of pregnancy has high blood pressure and there is protein in urine. The other symptoms include abdominal pain, headache, nausea and vomiting if pre-eclampsia is severe.

Please note not all pain in abdomen during pregnancy is serious. Common causes of harmless abdominal pain during pregnancy includes constipation, indigestion, gas, and bloating. During second trimester of female may experience round ligament pain which is stabbing and sharp dull pain due to the stretching of pelvic ligaments. After pregnancy female may also experience Braxton Hicks contraction that are irregular and infrequent.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta: Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.