If during pregnancy the stomach hurts, then this always causes excitement and fear in the future mother. Pain can be of different strength and intensity. They indicate both natural (physiological) changes and pathological processes that occur in the female body. Pain is divided into:
- acute and chronic;
- sudden and constant;
- cramping;
- aching;
- stitching;
- cutting;
- oppressive;
- and others.
For proper diagnosis, the localization and strength of pain is important.
Early abdominal pain
Why does a stomach ache during pregnancy begin? This is an extremely common phenomenon, the causes of which are varied. Some of them are physiological in nature and are not dangerous for both women and the unborn baby, while others are pathological and require medical attention. In the first case, the causes of pain are caused by:
- The introduction of eggs into the endometrium. Minor damage to the mucous membrane or blood vessel can cause pain, which the woman practically does not pay attention to.
- In the first four weeks of pregnancy, pain is associated with a restructuring of the hormonal background and an increase in progesterone concentration.
- Why does lower abdomen hurt during pregnancy? This is due to a shift in the center of gravity of the body, sprain and other changes that occur in the body of the future mother.
All of the above reasons are natural and do not require medical attention. Next, consider the pain in the early stages caused by pathological factors.
Frozen and ectopic pregnancy
It happens that the fetus stops in development and dies. This is called a frozen pregnancy. The female body begins to reject it, causing a contraction of the uterus. Acute pain in this case is concentrated in the lower abdomen. In addition, bleeding occurs.
During an ectopic pregnancy, the fetal egg does not enter the uterus, but is attached to the fallopian tube. As it grows, it soon exceeds the diameter of the pipe and bursts it. This condition is characterized by severe acute pain in the abdomen, and in case of a rupture of the tube, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, bleeding, and fainting appear.
In both cases, medical intervention is necessary.
Risk of miscarriage. Corpus luteum cyst
The next situation, when it hurts in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, is the threat of a miscarriage, that is, there is a detachment of the fetal egg. There is a very severe acute pain in the lower abdomen. Often, bleeding joins her. In such a situation, you need to call an ambulance crew.
To maintain pregnancy and the synthesis of the hormonal substance progesterone (until the end of the formation of the placenta) in the female body, a temporary organ called the corpus luteum is formed in place of the bursting follicle. In case of a failure in its development as a result of the accumulation of fluid, it becomes irregular in shape. This phenomenon is diagnosed as a corpus luteum cyst. As a result, a drawing pain occurs in the lower abdomen, localized, as a rule, in a specific place. This does not pose a great danger, but it is advisable to visit a gynecologist who will give advice and recommendations.
Non-gynecological diseases
If the stomach hurts during pregnancy, or rather, at its very beginning, then the pain can be triggered by the following pathologies:
- appendicitis;
- cystitis;
- pyelonephritis;
- bloating caused by an intestinal upset;
- and others.
These diseases occur both independently and during pregnancy. Thus, with pain in the abdomen in the early stages, you should not panic, but you should consult a doctor to find out the reasons and provide assistance.
Pain in the lower abdomen when walking
If the stomach hurts when walking during pregnancy, then this phenomenon may be due to natural causes, as a result of which the ligaments overexert:
- laugh;
- weight lifting;
- long walk;
- sneezing
- cough;
- wearing unsuitable shoes and, as a result, the center of gravity shifts.
The cause of pain with fetal growth lies in the tension of the muscles of the press. In the late term, the baby's weight is about three kilograms, which affects the spine of the future mother. Connective tissues in the third trimester in the pelvic area are gradually weakening, so the body is preparing for the birth of a baby.
Why does the lower abdomen hurt during pregnancy and is it possible to avoid this phenomenon when walking? It will not work to completely get rid of the pain, since its cause is physiological. However, there are several ways to facilitate it, which is especially true in the second and third trimester:
- supporting linen;
- clothes for pregnant women, thanks to special inserts the stomach is supported;
- comfortable shoes;
- alternation of work and rest;
- regular walks;
- light exercise;
- swimming.
Stomach ache during pregnancy: 2 trimester
This trimester is considered the calmest. An enlarged uterus does not exert strong pressure on the internal organs. The future baby also does not cause anxiety and discomfort. However, some women complain of abdominal pain. This phenomenon may be caused by the following reasons:
- stretching the muscles located around the uterus, if the pain is not strong, then this is not dangerous;
- overvoltage caused by stress or physical exertion;
- uterine irritation, which occurs as a result of the movement of the baby;
- violation of the digestive tract, as a result, there is increased gas formation, constipation;
- taking certain medications;
- periodic contractions of the muscles of the uterus.
In addition, acute pain may indicate appendicitis. Quite dangerous in the second trimester are pulling pains in the lower abdomen and the appearance of secretions of a red or brown shade. In any case, regardless of the cause of the pain, you should visit a doctor.
Left lower abdominal pain
If the stomach hurts on the left during pregnancy, then many women panic. However, in most cases these are physiological pains. Their main reason is an intestinal upset. Correct the situation will help a properly selected diet, in which it is desirable to include:
- fiber fortified foods;
- rye bread containing bran;
- dairy products;
- dried fruits;
- various vegetables and fruits.
There should be small portions.
Pain in the lower left abdomen in the later stages is associated with pressure on the internal organs and sprain. To alleviate the condition, you need to rest more, abandon sudden movements, great physical stress and lifting weights.
At any time, sharp severe pains, which are characteristic of the following pathologies, should alert you:
- pancreatitis
- inflammation of the appendages, left ovary;
- intestinal obstruction;
- detachment of the placenta ahead of schedule.
The above conditions are dangerous for both the future mother and the baby. To stop the pain and alleviate the condition, medical attention is needed.
Pain in the lower right abdomen
The help of a doctor is necessary if a woman during pregnancy has a stomach ache on the right in its lower part, and also has the following symptoms:
- pallor of the skin;
- nausea;
- vomiting
- weakness;
- fever;
- general malaise;
- bleeding;
- dizziness;
- pressure reduction.
Pregnancy at risk
If your stomach hurts greatly during pregnancy, this is an occasion to seek qualified help at a health care institution. Often pains in the lower abdomen portend a miscarriage. Initially, the pain is characterized as pulling and recalls the discomfort that occurs with menstruation. It is localized in the center, and the region of the sacrum is also involved in the pain process. Provocateurs of such pain are overload of the emotional and physical plan. If you do not take medical measures, then the pregnancy will stop spontaneously. The nature of the pain will change to cramping. Pain in the second half of pregnancy is accompanied by tension of the uterus, then blood discharge is added. Such a clinic also requires medical intervention. To make and confirm the diagnosis, an ultrasound is prescribed. In the later stages - cardiotoxography (CTG).
Alarming symptom
Pregnancy is a provocative factor for the occurrence of pathologies of the abdominal organs, one of the signs of which is considered pain in the abdomen. This phenomenon is associated with the following factors:
- Changes in the hormonal plan contribute to a decrease in the motor activity of the ducts of the bile and pancreas, gall bladder, intestines. As a result, stagnation forms, leading to the active reproduction of pathogenic bacteria.
- Decreased immunity and slowed blood circulation in the internal organs provokes inflammation in the digestive tract. As a result of the displacement of internal organs, this process is able to quickly spread and cause peritonitis.
It should be noted that in pregnant women, the manifestation of such abnormal conditions has some features associated with the fact that the localization of pain changes in comparison with the usual signs of this disease. Therefore, timely access to a doctor is very important.
Sex during pregnancy
Does the stomach hurt at the beginning of pregnancy, and the nature of the pain is pulling? It is worth giving up intimacy, as there is a threat of miscarriage. If the future mother feels great, and the first trimester is calm, then sexual peace is canceled.
However, it should be remembered that the days on which menstruation usually occurred are considered dangerous. The female body, which is used to regular changes, is able to perceive uterine contractions as an impetus to the expulsion of the fetus. The next trimester is recognized as the most favorable in all respects, including for sex. Intimacy in the third trimester is completely dependent on the mood of the woman. There is no prohibition, with the exception of contraindications, for having sex during pregnancy.
Gynecologist's advice
If your stomach hurts during pregnancy, what should I do? With discomfort and pain in the abdomen, not associated with acute or chronic pathologies, to improve well-being, doctors recommend:
- Drink more fluids.
- Rest several times during the day, taking a horizontal position. Turn on nice music, relax.
- Take a shower using warm water.
- Provide a comfortable night's sleep.
- Monitor pressure. In case of any sudden changes in either direction, visit the attending physician.
- Avoid constipation. To do this, eat fiber-enriched foods, exercise, drink plenty of water. Medicines with a laxative effect should only be used when prescribed by a gynecologist.
- More walk in the fresh air. Hiking helps to more quickly remove toxins and toxins from the body, as well as supply organs and the placenta with oxygen.
- Avoid dehydration. Observe diet.
- Do yoga, exercise that is allowed for pregnant women. You can perform the Kegel complex.
- Try to avoid physical, moral overstrain, stress and various experiences.
- When training fights to alleviate the condition it is necessary: lie on your left side and take a comfortable position. Under the stomach, put a pillow or roller and lie down for several minutes in an elbow-elbow pose. In this case, counting to four, inhale deeply, and counting to six exhale. This simple exercise will help during labor pains.
- Visit the antenatal clinic regularly. Follow all the recommendations and instructions of the gynecologist.
Conclusion
Does my stomach hurt during pregnancy? This question is often asked by future young mothers. According to gynecologists, one of the most common complaints is precisely pain in the abdomen.
On the one hand, pain is a symptom of various anomalies, and on the other hand, its physiological reason is related to the restructuring of the body. For diagnosis, it is important to determine the nature and location of the pain. In any case, if there is discomfort in the lower abdomen, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist in the very near future. You should not engage in self-treatment, so as not to harm the baby and yourself.