During pregnancy, the lower abdomen hurts on the left and right: why does pain occur in the early and late stages, what should I do? Why does the lower abdomen hurt during pregnancy - all the alarming symptoms and causes of abdominal pain in pregnant women What if the stomach hurts during pregnancy

Date of writing: 12.04.2022

Reading time: 29 minutes

Why does it hurt, ache, prick the stomach, lower abdomen during pregnancy. Why do pregnant women have a stomach ache like during menstruation.

Pregnancy is, in any case, stress for the female body. His reaction is hard to predict. Some people tolerate their new condition perfectly, while others may experience various problems, including pain in the abdomen.
The reasons for the appearance of such pains in expectant mothers are different, and if they arise, you must, of course, consult a specialist who will help establish their true cause.

The first month of pregnancy and in the early stages, the stomach hurts like during menstruation: causes

From the moment of fertilization of the egg and up to the birth itself, processes occur in the body of the expectant mother that can give painful sensations. And although these feelings are not very pleasant for the expectant mother, neither she nor the baby is in danger.

The fertilized egg moves towards the uterus and settles in it. A fertilized egg, penetrating into the endometrium, irritates or slightly damages the mucous membrane of the uterus or even a small blood vessel. This causes slight pain, similar to those that occur before the onset of her menstruation.
Later, in the first month of pregnancy, the hormonal background of a woman changes dramatically. In particular, progesterone is actively synthesized, which is responsible, among other things, for preparing the endometrial layer so that the fertilized egg is fixed in it, and the pregnancy is carried out normally. It may also cause some pain in the uterine area.
In the same period, the woman's ligaments gradually stretch in anticipation, the state of the spine changes, as changes in the center of gravity of the body occur. After all, the uterus, together with the embryo in it, not only becomes larger, but also changes its position in the nutria of the body. Its bottom rises higher relative to the organs, respectively, the ligaments holding the uterus are stretched

Pain over the pubic bone shortly after conception may accompany the attachment of the embryo to the wall of the uterus.

Ectopic pregnancy

If a woman in the early stages constantly hurts under the navel, pains that increase in intensity, radiating to the leg, hypochondrium, rectum, the gynecologist, first of all, will send her for an ultrasound scan to make sure that the fetal egg is where it should be, in uterine cavity.

Necessary exclude ectopic pregnancy, which happens if the fertilized egg has not completed its passage to the uterus, but has attached itself outside its cavity - in one of the fallopian tubes, the cervix, etc. The fetal egg grows and develops, bursting the fallopian tube. Pain develops. In the end, if this process is not stopped at the start, an overgrown fetal egg, exceeding the diameter of the fallopian tube, can break it.

An ectopic pregnancy is a serious obstetric and gynecological problem and threatens a woman's health with organ rupture and internal bleeding.

The threat of miscarriage

IMPORTANT: A future mother can also get sick in the lower abdomen due to the threat of a miscarriage

The tone of the uterus increases, which provokes detachment of the fetal egg and its expulsion
At the same time, the pregnant woman aches and pulls over the pubic bone, gives to the lower back. She develops bloody discharge - from slight, pinkish, to bright red-scarlet
If there is a suspicion of a threat of spontaneous abortion, the only solution here is an ambulance and hospitalization. While waiting for the arrival of an ambulance, the woman should be at rest

Cyst of the corpus luteum

Pain in the internal genital organs in a pregnant woman may appear due to a cyst of the corpus luteum.

The corpus luteum is a temporary organ that produces progesterone, its function is to maintain pregnancy, the formation of the placenta.
Sometimes it happens that the corpus luteum grows, its dimensions do not correspond to the norm.

This condition is called a corpus luteum cyst. The cyst of the corpus luteum does not pose a particular threat to the pregnant woman, however, it can give not strong and not sharp, but pain localized in one place. With a corpus luteum cyst, a pregnant woman is recommended to rest and some changes in the behavioral regime, which the gynecologist will tell her about.

Relapses of chronic diseases

There is a tendency that during the period of bearing a child, expectant mothers exacerbate those diseases that they chronically suffered from before pregnancy, and from which the lower abdomen hurts.

Chronic diseases of the abdominal organs during pregnancy often relapse.

For example, if before she became pregnant, a woman had diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or the genitourinary system, then they can become aggravated during pregnancy or due to violations of the regimen.

Appendicitis

IMPORTANT: Appendicitis is another possible cause of abdominal pain in a woman who is expecting a baby.

Improper nutrition

Uncomfortable sensations are not necessarily associated with an "interesting position." Everyone knows the whims of future mothers in food when you want a cake, and after it - half a jar of pickles, then - sweets, and after them - shrimp. Such sharp jumps in nutrition provoke a violation of intestinal motility, flatulence, and the onset of pain. In order for the discomfort to go away, a woman needs to more or less balance her diet.

VIDEO: Why does my stomach hurt in the early stages of pregnancy?

Why does my stomach hurt at night during pregnancy, like during menstruation?

If the expectant mother does not have chronic diseases and there were no pathologies associated with bearing a child, in principle, she should not have pain, especially such aching and cramping, as during menstruation.

Pain can occur due to the reasons described above, or when:

overwork

prolonged stay of a woman in one position

However, there is a real reason to call an ambulance or at least call your doctor if:

a woman painfully feels like a shrinking, pulling and aching lump in the lower abdomen
if the discomfort increases both at rest (at night) and after physical overload

The cause of such sensations may be a cramping contraction of the uterus during an impending or initiated spontaneous abortion.

IMPORTANT: If the uterus is in hypertonicity, it is tense and hurts, regardless of the time of day. Women often experience similar sensations in the first days of menstruation. Starting from the second half of pregnancy, such a pathological preliminary condition must also be monitored by a doctor.

Why does the lower abdomen hurt during pregnancy?

Discomfort in the lower abdomen in a woman who is expecting a baby often occurs when:

the uterus grows with the embryo in it
tense abdominal muscles
the growing uterus changes its position relative to other internal organs - the muscles and ligaments that support it can stretch
violation and changes in the diet of a pregnant woman
disruption of the digestive tract, constipation occurs
there is a threat of spontaneous abortion or premature birth
the embryo implants outside the uterus
extragenital inflammation occurs

Why does the stomach hurt on the left during pregnancy?

If a pregnant woman has pain on the left side of her abdomen, an urgent consultation with a doctor is needed.

In the abdominal cavity and pelvic area of a woman, there are a large number of internal organs held by a corset of muscles and ligaments. This explains the fact that if pain occurs, it can not only spread over the stomach, but also be localized in one place or another.

If it hurts on the left, then it is most likely given by one of the overstretched ligaments that support the grown uterus. Often enough to rest or change the position of the body to feel good.

There is a possibility of pain syndrome due to inflammation of the organs in the pelvis and abdominal cavity:

left ovary
left appendage
Bladder
left kidney

If the embryo inside the uterus is attached to the left, this sometimes leads to some pain discomfort in the woman due to spasms.

IMPORTANT: In any case, it is best to ask your doctor about your specific individual reason for such pain.

Why does the stomach hurt on the right during pregnancy?

Pain on the right side of the abdomen during pregnancy should be taken more seriously.
The reasons for it may be:

The fertilized egg is attached to the uterus on the right side, which causes painful spasms in the pregnant woman
Overstretching or pinching of the muscle and ligaments that support the pregnant uterus
The child moves in the uterus on the right side, his tremors for the mother can sometimes be painful for her
The fertilized egg implanted in the right fallopian tube (some symptoms of this: pain in the right abdomen, bleeding, weakness of the woman)
Appendicitis
Infringement of muscles and ligaments, adhesions
Right cyst rupture
Inflammatory processes in the internal organs

Why does the stomach hurt like during menstruation during pregnancy at 15-16 weeks?

At 15 - 16 weeks from conception, toxicosis, if it was, disappears. The fruit is actively developing. In a pregnant woman, in the absence of pathologies, it can hurt in the lumbar spine due to the increased load on it. The natural cause of pain, similar to menstrual, may be the growth of the uterus and the restructuring of the musculoskeletal apparatus associated with it.

Why does the stomach hurt during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester at 20-21 weeks?

In the middle of pregnancy, the belly of the expectant mother may hurt, again, due to natural causes. But it can also signal varying degrees of serious problems with bearing a baby.

Physiology can be explained if the lower abdomen of a woman is slightly ill and hurts:

occasionally
when changing the position of the body
overexertion of the abdomen, back or legs

Perhaps there is a threat of placental abruption or spontaneous abortion if:

pain syndrome increases
the pain doesn't go away for a long time
it radiates to the lower back
discharge appeared

In the second trimester, the expectant mother can be tormented by painful uterine hypertonicity.

Why does the stomach hurt during pregnancy at 30-31 weeks?

At 30 - 31 weeks of pregnancy, the weight of the baby in the womb, and, accordingly, of the woman, increases. The load on her spine, organs and joints also increases.
During this period, the stomach should not hurt, except perhaps if a woman ate something wrong and irritated the intestines, causing flatulence.

Why does the stomach hurt like during menstruation during pregnancy at 33 weeks?

Overwork, physical overload and training contractions are the causes of abdominal pain in expectant mothers in the last two months before giving birth.

Perhaps the uterus began to shrink and there is a risk of premature birth.
Also, training contractions can give some soreness. To make sure that everything is fine, it is better to contact the gynecologist leading the pregnancy, or call an ambulance.

Why does the stomach hurt during pregnancy at 35-36 weeks?

If during this period the stomach not only hurts, but also there is a feeling of its petrification, then the tone of the uterus increases, which can lead to premature birth.

Why does the stomach hurt during pregnancy at 37-38 weeks?

At 37 - 38 weeks, the expectant mother's stomach may hurt for quite understandable reasons. Her body is preparing for childbirth, the cervix begins to gradually open. This process is accompanied by cramping aching pains. At this point, you need to relax, take a comfortable position or take a shower.

Drawing pains in the lower abdomen at 38 weeks means that the uterus is preparing for childbirth, coming into tone and relaxing.

Why does my stomach hurt during pregnancy at 40-41 weeks?

The pregnancy period has come to an end, and if a woman has a stomach ache, she may have contractions. Contractions may be minor at first, with significant intervals of time between them. Then they become more frequent, and the period of time between them is reduced. Giving birth soon!

VIDEO: Signs of the beginning of childbirth. When is it time to go to the hospital?

The state of a woman during pregnancy changes in an unpredictable way. Girls in position can experience a lot of unusual sensations, and quite often the lower abdomen hurts in pregnant women. Do not be afraid and panic, this will only aggravate the condition of the expectant mother and baby.

It is worth remembering that in most cases this condition is physiological in nature and does not pose a danger. But sometimes such pain can warn of the development of pathologies during pregnancy, so a young mother should know all the subtleties of this unpleasant sensation. And it is very important not to hide this condition from the specialist who leads the pregnancy, since it can indicate very serious violations and even indicate the possibility of losing a child.

Firstly, there are different types of pain, and secondly, the week of pregnancy in which the girl encountered this sensation is important. This is what the doctor evaluates during consultation in cases of such complaints.

When pain in the lower abdomen is a safe symptom

Since from the very beginning of the conception of a baby in the body of a woman there are many changes that are imperceptible at first glance, pain can be observed, which should not be considered a pathology at all.

Thus, the body simply signals an unusual state.

Harmless causes of pain may include:

In the early stages, this sensation may be a sign that a fertilized egg is being introduced into the tissues of the uterus. This process is called implantation of the fetal egg, and after a few days the pain disappears.
Unstable functioning of the digestive system that occurs due to pregnancy. In this case, the girl often experiences a feeling of bloating in the abdomen and difficulty defecation (constipation). The consistency and color of the stool also change. These symptoms also go away without treatment after the body gets used to the presence of the embryo.
At the end of the first trimester, the uterus becomes larger and changes its position. This is what causes pain. Stretching of the muscle tissue can cause this condition.
Increased production of the hormone progesterone, which helps form the birth canal during pregnancy, can also cause abdominal pain because it makes the ligaments and joints more elastic. The action of the hormone extends to the uterus, which causes characteristic pain.
At a later stage of pregnancy, somewhere in the third trimester, the cause of this phenomenon may be the impact of the baby's legs or arms. When the baby has grown up, his movements can cause pain if he sharply pressed on any internal organ. This happens especially often when the mother's bladder is full.

Only a specialist after examination and examinations can affirmatively say that the cause is harmless. A woman should not wait and hope that everything will pass by itself. If you remain silent at the first sign of violations, you can provoke a lot of complications that are unsafe for the health of the mother and child. Therefore, it is better to immediately tell the doctor about the discomfort than to ignore the problems and bring the situation to a critical one.

Abdominal pain during pregnancy as a signal for the development of pathologies

Carrying a baby is a rather long and difficult process for the body of any woman. And, unfortunately, not everyone goes through it without pain and various deviations. If a pregnant woman has a pain in the lower abdomen, then you should immediately assess the possibility of the presence of such disorders as:

Uterine hypertonicity is the most common cause. This condition is quite dangerous, it requires monitoring by doctors and treatment. The uterus becomes inelastic, which makes it difficult for the baby to fit properly in the womb and can lead to miscarriage. Pain in the abdomen in this case is also accompanied by a pulling pain in the lumbar region.
Frozen pregnancy, when the baby loses viability in the womb. Often in this case, there is an increase in body temperature, nausea and vomiting, and the symptoms that accompany pregnancy disappear.
An ectopic pregnancy is also accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen. This means that the embryo does not develop within the uterus and in the tubes. If you do not see a doctor in a timely manner, this can lead to rupture of the tubes, which has quite serious consequences for the woman's body and can greatly complicate further attempts to become pregnant.

Such conditions are often accompanied by smearing discharge of various colors and consistency, this is a sure sign that you need to immediately contact a specialist. Such conditions can lead to irreversible consequences, so you can not hesitate, you must immediately fix the problem under the strict supervision of doctors.

Exacerbation of chronic diseases

In the first stages of pregnancy, a woman's immunity decreases so that the body does not reject the embryo. This can lead to an exacerbation of chronic diseases. Also, this phenomenon may occur as a result of an increased load on all organs and systems, since during this period a woman needs to cope with ensuring the vital activity of two organisms.

In this case, the intensity and type of pain can be very diverse. Despite the fact that these conditions do not directly affect the girl’s ability to bear a child, they can indirectly cause a violation of the development of the baby or a sharp deterioration in the mother’s condition and her inability to fully spend the period of pregnancy and childbirth.

Conditions that can cause abdominal pain during pregnancy include:

Cholecystitis is a disease of the gallbladder, which is accompanied by sharp pains in the right side of the abdomen. Also, the girl's body temperature rises sharply and vomiting appears. In addition, bitterness in the mouth may occur.
Gastritis can also worsen during pregnancy, since squeezing the stomach during the birth of a new life in the uterus can make it difficult to remove gastric juice, which provokes a relapse of the disease. In this case, in most situations, the pain spreads to the upper abdomen, and only sometimes it is transferred to its lower part.
Pyelonephritis, inflammation in the kidneys, often occurs due to the fact that the excretion of metabolic products from the organs is difficult. The condition is characterized by aching pains, as during menstruation, which are given to the lower back. Inflammation can pass without an increase in temperature, but simple tests will immediately show the presence of this pathology.
Cystitis is a disease of the bladder, dangerous for the spread of infection through the reproductive tract, which can lead harmful microorganisms directly to the child. This disease is accompanied by painful and frequent urination. Blood impurities in the urine may also be observed.
Acute appendicitis. The situation occurs when the organ is inflamed, and this requires emergency medical attention, often surgery. In a woman, such an ailment is accompanied by a prolonged attack of pain, which changes intensity, while the temperature rises and vomiting begins.

All these diseases are considered severe and dangerous for both the mother and the baby. They need serious attentive therapy, which is mainly carried out in a hospital. Often doctors have to use drugs that are strong enough to keep a woman's ability to bear a baby. But it is not worth hoping that it will be possible to recover from these diseases on your own.

Without the attention of a doctor, ailments will develop and provoke new deviations.

At the time of bearing a baby, the proper functioning of each organ is important, so it is necessary to monitor the general state of health. In preparation for pregnancy, a woman needs to be examined qualitatively and, if possible, solve health problems.

These tips can only be used after consultation with a doctor and a clear understanding that there are no pathologies and chronic diseases, since if there are any, the doctor prescribes a certain treatment and gives specific recommendations on nutrition and lifestyle. In some cases, for example, it is necessary to minimize movements throughout the pregnancy and follow a strict diet in order not to provoke an exacerbation of diseases.

But if abdominal pain appeared due to non-dangerous physiological causes, then several important recommendations should be remembered:

You shouldn't overeat.
You need to spend at least 4 hours a day outside.
It is important not to forget about measured walking in the morning and evening.
It is necessary to eat light foods that reduce the burden on the digestive organs, kidneys and liver.
You don't even need to take any drugs vitamin complexes without a doctor's prescription.

All this will help strengthen the body and give it the resources to cope with such a difficult task as bearing a child. If there are no pathological factors at the heart of the pain, then it will pass within a few weeks.

After giving birth, a woman can completely forget about these unpleasant sensations. The main thing is to carefully monitor your health and changes in the body. It is worth listening to your body, and it will tell you what violations it has. Modern gynecology and obstetrics, in turn, have a large arsenal of tools to make pregnancy as comfortable and painless as possible.

If a pain in lower abdomen during pregnancy- the reasons can be associated with natural changes in the body of the expectant mother, and with various diseases in which you should immediately contact the antenatal clinic.

Causes of pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

Basically, such pain is quite normal, and they vary depending on the timing of pregnancy.

Why does my stomach hurt in the first days of pregnancy?

A fertilized embryo enters the uterus after a few days and attaches to the mucous membrane. In this case, pulling pains may occur, which after a few days pass on their own. Occasionally, the pain may be accompanied by a small amount of spotting spotting lasting 1-2 days.

At ectopic pregnancy(ovarian, tubal) pain also appears in the lower abdomen or in, at the site of attachment of a fertilized egg. But unlike the normal beginning of childbearing, the pain does not go away over time, but becomes stronger.

And if you do not go to the antenatal clinic in time and do not identify this pathology, in the future there will be a rupture of the fallopian tube. In this case, there is a sharp pain, the state of health quickly worsens, there is a threat to the life of the woman herself. Urgent surgical intervention is required.

Pain in the lower abdomen in the first trimester

With the onset of pregnancy in the body of a woman there is an increase in the level of hormones. Among them, progesterone can be noted, which slows down the rate of digestion of food. Due to this, the fetus receives a greater amount of various nutrients.

During this period, food preferences in pregnant women begin to change, appetite increases, and toxicosis occurs.

All of these factors are the cause of indigestion, which may cause bloating, constipation, and as a result, the appearance of pain in the lower and center of the abdomen.

Pain in the lower abdomen during the second trimester

The growing fetus and the growing uterus affects the nearby internal organs, shifting them in different directions, causing abdominal pain during pregnancy.

During this period, the main burden falls on the intestines, because. a growing uterus makes it difficult for food to pass due to compression of its departments.

There is a violation of digestion, there is constipation, bloating, leading to the appearance of various pain sensations.

In addition to these reasons, it pulls the lower abdomen during pregnancy and due to stretching of the muscles of the uterus and ligaments that hold it.

Pain in the lower abdomen, characteristic of the third trimester

Before childbirth, the uterus increases to its maximum values. The woman feels her heaviness, the moving fetus causes discomfort.

The uterus presses on the bladder, increasing the urge to urinate. If it is impossible to visit the toilet, there are stabbing and pulling pain sensations that spread to the perineum and disappear after urination.

In late pregnancy, for such symptoms, it is important not to miss the onset of childbirth, and when they become a clear periodicity, immediately go to the maternity hospital.

Pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy caused by pathologies

They can occur in any period of pregnancy, both in connection with diseases of the internal organs, and for other reasons.

Uterine hypertonicity

It occurs due to contractions of the uterus, causing discomfort and discomfort, similar to pain before menstruation. When the uterus is in good shape, oxygen deficiency may occur, which is a threat to the fetus.

Causes of occurrence:

Various inflammations
Hormonal imbalance
Abortion
uterine fibroids

The symptoms are:

Tense lower abdomen
Drawing pain radiating to the lower back

Thrush

It occurs due to a decrease in the body's defenses, in which infection with a fungus can occur and an inflammatory process occurs.

Symptoms:

Itching of the genitals
White curd-like discharge
Sour smell

cutting pain

As a rule, it occurs when digestion slows down or constipation occurs.

But during the bearing of a child, the risk of the appearance or exacerbation of such diseases of the digestive tract as:

Appendicitis
Dysbacteriosis
pancreatitis
Intestinal obstruction

These pathological conditions can lead to the appearance of acute, cutting or stabbing pain. It is almost impossible to get rid of them on your own, a visit to the attending physician is required.

Sharp pains in the abdomen during pregnancy can be a symptom of an inguinal hernia (tear or divergence of the abdominal muscles). In this condition, acute pain occurs, which is aggravated by the movement of the fetus or the tension of the abdominal muscles.

This condition is very dangerous, you need to seek qualified medical help.

It's a dull pain

Debilitating, aching pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy can be the result of a variety of pathologies, primarily exacerbated gynecological diseases of a chronic nature.

These include:

Salpingitis
Adnexitis (inflammation of the uterine appendages)
Salpingoophoritis

Similar pains can be caused by:

uterine fibroids
Growing cyst (cystoma) of the ovary,
Other pathologies of the reproductive organs

If the lower abdomen aches during pregnancy, the reasons may be:

Misplacement of the placenta
Started abortion
Premature placental abruption

These pathologies pose a threat to the life of the fetus itself, can adversely affect the health of a woman in position.

These symptoms should not be ignored!

Pain in the right side of the lower abdomen

Pain caused by problems with:

Digestion
Appendicitis
Right uterine appendages
Right ureter (quite rare)

Pain in the left side of the lower abdomen

May occur due to:

flatulence
constipation
Inflammation of the right uterine appendages.

The pain is nagging, unpleasant, and can be sharp.

Treatment of abdominal pain during pregnancy

The appearance of such pain should be a reason to visit a gynecologist. Self-treatment is unacceptable, because. can endanger the life of the unborn child, and there will be negative consequences for the woman herself! After all, only a doctor can assess the current condition of a pregnant woman, and according to the accompanying symptoms, with additional research, make the correct diagnosis.

Therefore, with the appearance of ailments, frightening symptoms, abdominal pain during pregnancy, it is imperative to visit the antenatal clinic.

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes a lot of changes aimed at adapting it to bearing a fetus that grows rapidly, exerting pressure on non-surrounding internal organs. Quite often during this period, doctors have to hear that the stomach hurts during pregnancy, and this naturally frightens a woman. Such a problem can be both a natural reaction of the body to changes in it, and a symptom of serious problems when urgent help is required.

Pregnancy can bring some inconvenience for a woman in terms of well-being and discomfort. In fear for the baby, the expectant mother begins to worry acutely, which only aggravates the situation. It is necessary to understand all the risks in advance and be prepared for the presence of problems, then nervous fears will not interfere with labor, and the doctor will help solve the problem.

Abdominal pain in women during pregnancy

Abdominal pain during pregnancy is quite common, it can also be due to natural causes, and be negative, but before panicking and worrying for no clear reason, you should listen to your feelings and make an appointment with a doctor. It will not be superfluous, since nerves must be protected, but it is worth understanding some points yourself.

Types of abdominal pain during pregnancy

Painful sensations can be observed in each of the trimesters of pregnancy and be localized in different parts. The following types appear most often:

Sharp pains in the groin and pubic area in the early stages (in the first trimester, the presence of pain in the pubic area can be negative. You should immediately consult a doctor);
Pain in the pubic area in the later stages (during this period, such pains are considered normal if they are pulling and move from the pubis to the femoral part. This happens because the body is preparing for childbirth. In case of pain when lifting the leg up from a lying position, consult a gynecologist );
Feeling of tension in the abdomen (it is considered normal if the pregnancy is going well, in the case of the effect of a “hard stomach”, there may be pathologies);
Soreness when pushing a child (the activity of a child in the abdomen can be unpleasant for the mother, but if you can calm the baby, there is nothing to worry about. And if the pushes are too strong, you should consult a doctor to check for hypoxia (oxygen starvation).

Causes of abdominal pain

Pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy can be both natural and require emergency care. The first category includes the following points:

Minor pulling sensations at 2-3 weeks, when a fertilized egg is implanted in the wall of the uterus;
Sharp short-term pain. Aggravated by sudden movement or heavy lifting, in the first trimester due to muscle stretch and tissue softening;
Unpleasant sensations in the third trimester due to the movement of the child;
Drawing pains from muscle tension and uterine growth in last trimester. As well as a slight discrepancy between the pelvic bones and training contractions.

To improve the condition when the stomach hurts for natural reasons during pregnancy and the intervention of a doctor is not required, follow the following rules:

Walk down the street more often;
Avoid overwork and high physical exertion;
Do special exercises for pregnant women;
Use a bandage in the later stages;
Try to get enough sleep (a pillow for pregnant women helps a lot with this).

A good way to relieve discomfort is to be in the elbow position for 10-15 minutes (you can do this several times a day). This is worth doing if the stomach hurts during pregnancy and the help of a doctor is not required,

When is medical attention needed?

Pulling or sharp pains in the lower abdomen during pregnancy may indicate serious problems (if in doubt, it is better to play it safe and consult a doctor for advice). To prevent problems, it is important to know the following main symptoms when an urgent call to a doctor for help is required:

Aching pains in the lower abdomen and in the lumbar region, which are accompanied by bloody discharge. In this case, you need to call an ambulance. Since in the absence of adequate treatment, pain can take on a cramping character and there is a risk of spontaneous miscarriage.
Sharp pains in the abdomen with simultaneous dizziness may indicate the presence of an ectopic pregnancy. It is determined during an ultrasound examination (most often this problem occurs for a period of 5-7 weeks).
If the stomach hurts very sharply and severely in the lower part during pregnancy, then this may indicate premature detachment of the placenta in the uterus. The cause of the latter can be any injury, preeclampsia or a number of other pathologies. In this case, you need to call an ambulance. It may be necessary to induce labor and stop possible internal bleeding.
Sharp cramping pains in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, in which it, together with the uterus, becomes hard for a while. We are talking about increased uterine tone, which is dangerous at any stage of pregnancy. This is due to the deterioration of the blood supply to the raft, which leads to a lack of supply of nutrients and oxygen. Here it is important to consult a doctor who will prescribe therapy to reduce tone, and, if necessary, refer you to hospital for inpatient treatment (treatment includes taking antispasmodics, hormonal and other drugs).

Also, complaints that the stomach hurts during pregnancy may be due to the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. As well as internal organs. Usually a woman knows about them in advance. To prevent problems, it is advisable to undergo a general examination before conception. If necessary, treatment of existing diseases.

What are practice bouts?

If during the 38th week pregnancy is accompanied by pulling pains, not of a strong nature, this means that contractions are approaching. Doctors often call such sensations the harbingers of the imminent birth of a baby. They are accompanied by:

The abdomen drops a little;
the fetus may be slightly slowed down;
breaks the lower back;
weight gain stops;
discharge may be streaked with blood;
the mucous plug is separated;
increased state of fatigue;
emotions can be unstable.

These sensations are like training for childbirth, and they can be a little painful. You should not worry about them, as this is a moral and physical preparation for the birth of a child. At 38 and 39 weeks, childbirth may begin, after such training, but if this does not happen, you should not panic, the child may be born at 40 weeks or later.

Checklist for abdominal pain during pregnancy

In the event that the pain continues to accompany you, this checklist will help. What you need to do to ease the discomfort:

Choose a comfortable position.
Try to relax and get some rest. Set aside 30 minutes to find the most comfortable position.
Could something be causing the pain? Whenever you go to the toilet, do you tense up? What did they eat? Were you not overworked?
Look carefully: do you have any unnatural discharge (yellow, brown, gray or other shades, what is their consistency?)

Time to see a doctor

If abdominal pain is accompanied by one of these factors, you should go to the doctor for an appointment:

The discharge changed color and began to smell unpleasant.
If there is pain when going to the toilet.
The pain in the lower back is too severe and does not go away after rest.

We call an ambulance

If bleeding occurs or discharge is accompanied by a considerable amount of blood.
With regular contractions and severe pain.
The pain in the abdomen becomes stronger and does not go away within half an hour after rest.

Sometimes abdominal pain during pregnancy can take you by surprise. Don't worry, it will only hurt more. Feel free to follow the checklist. If there are deviations from the norm, dial a doctor or call an ambulance. Modern medicine can eliminate problems and help you give birth to a healthy baby.

Pregnancy obliges a woman to be organized and very responsible. Only in taking care of her health and psychological comfort, the expectant mother will be able to grow a new life within herself. That is why, during all nine months of the intrauterine life of a baby, it is so important to pay attention to the slightest alarming “calls”: physical and psychological discomfort, pain, heaviness, etc. For example, almost all future mothers. How dangerous is it for the woman and the fetus? What do these feelings indicate? We will try to answer these and other questions in the article.

An unpleasant feeling of discomfort in the lower abdomen can be an indirect hint of pregnancy with a delay in menstruation. Almost always the pain has a pulling and aching character. After fertilization, the egg enters the uterus and begins to penetrate into its wall, on average, a week after conception. At the moment of attachment of the embryo to the inner surface of the uterus, a woman may feel spasmodic pain and notice a slight vaginal discharge. Doctors assure that these symptoms at the very beginning of the long nine months are natural.

Pain in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy: normal or pathological?

The fact that with the appearance of a little man under the heart of a woman, various painful sensations begin to annoy her, without too much doubt, can be taken as a variant of the norm. To verify this, it is enough to analyze what changes occur in the female body after conception.

The appearance of an embryo stimulates a number of physiological metamorphoses in a pregnant woman. Here are just a few of the more obvious ones:

perestroika hormonal background, on the basis of which the uterus and breasts begin to increase in size.
An increase in the volume of blood in the body.
Changes in blood chemistry.
Increase in heart rate.
Expansion of the area of blood vessels in the chest and lower abdomen.
Softening of the ligaments and muscles of the abdomen in anticipation of heavy loads. As pregnancy progresses, they begin to stretch and thicken.
Displacement and compression of the pelvic organs.
Decreased activity of intestinal motility, the appearance of colic and constipation.

Obviously, some of these changes are directly related to the appearance of pain.

The most active perestroika processes go up to the 16th week of pregnancy. And this time is not easy for the expectant mother: she is constantly overcome by drowsiness, nausea, heartburn, increased sweating, and constipation. In addition, periodically during pregnancy of this period, the lower abdomen and lower back hurt. All these sensations are associated with the characteristics of the growth and development of the fetus, and therefore are considered the norm. And what happens in the body of a future mother if she is worried about pain in the lower abdomen in late pregnancy? Naturally, such sensations can greatly excite a woman, so you must definitely find out why this happens and whether special treatment is required in such a situation.

Why pulls the lower abdomen during pregnancy

The reasons why painful contraction of the muscles of the uterus occurs are obstetric and non-obstetric.

Obstetric pain refers to symptoms caused by spontaneous abortion or placental abruption. The factors causing the appearance of non-obstetric pain are prosaic: colic, constipation, flatulence, sprains and muscles, divergence of the pelvic bones due to heavy load. When a woman pulls and hurts her lower abdomen during pregnancy, it is very important to quickly find out whether this is due to a physiological disorder or due to overload.

Consider the factors that provoke the appearance of painful discomfort in the lower part of the abdominal cavity in the expectant mother:

Transformation of ligaments due to pregnancy. In the first weeks after conception, the female body is just beginning to adapt to its new status: the round ligaments located on the sides of the uterus come into tone. The uterus itself begins to gradually shift to take its place in the center of the small pelvis. This process, undoubtedly, manifests itself in the form of painful discomfort in the lower abdomen. It is noted that the lower abdomen in early pregnancy hurts mainly in women who used to have painful periods.
Softening and increased mobility of the joints, as a result of which the woman has a “duck” gait and the lower abdomen hurts from the first weeks of pregnancy.
Tone of the uterus. With the onset of pregnancy, the uterus, being a large organ that consists exclusively of muscle tissue, begins to contract periodically. As a result, during pregnancy it may seem to a woman that the lower abdomen hurts like during menstruation, but in fact this is nothing more than a state of increased uterine tone. Most often, tension of this kind is observed in the first and last trimesters.
Excessive physical activity: running, standing for a long time, lifting weights. In the last months of pregnancy, such frivolous acts will cause not only a pulling pain in the lower abdomen, but also premature birth.
The psychological state of the expectant mother. It is often difficult for a pregnant woman to get used to a new role under the influence of hormones. She cannot control the emotions she is experiencing and does not know how to suppress the feeling of nervousness and irritation inherent in the early stages of the "interesting" position. This insecurity and lack of self-control generates muscle tone and pain in the lower abdomen.
Digestive problems. The pressure of the uterus on the intestines, especially in late pregnancy, weakens the activity of the digestive system and causes a whole range of disorders - flatulence, colic, constipation. Naturally, this condition leads to the fact that the expectant mother suffers from pain and heaviness in the lower abdomen.
Diseases of a gynecological nature often lead to the fact that during pregnancy, vaginal discharge appears and the lower abdomen hurts.
Abdominal pain may appear on the basis of non-obstetric disorders: appendicitis, inflammation of the pancreas, intestinal obstruction. During pregnancy, such problems require immediate correction by treatment prescribed by a qualified specialist.

If there are no serious internal disorders, the expectant mother experiences discomfort in the lower abdomen at the beginning (up to 8 weeks) and at the end of pregnancy (8, 9 months). The enlarged belly acquires a noticeable weight only after 7 months. From 3 to 7 months of bearing a baby, the woman's condition is stable, and the sensations are generally comfortable. If the expectant mother begins to experience strange pains in the lower abdomen, the nature of which is not clear to her, it is not worth delaying a visit to the doctor.

How to avoid pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

Sometimes it is enough for a future mother to adjust her diet and daily routine in a certain way in order to feel better.

Diet for pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

Rational nutrition will help to improve the functioning of the digestive system:

Eating green vegetables, fruits and nuts stimulates intestinal motility.
The presence of fermented milk products in the daily diet will keep the microflora in order and provide the body with a sufficient amount of enzymes to digest food. In addition, it is an excellent prevention of intestinal colic.
A reasonable drinking regime is the basis of the water balance. You can not drink too little or too much: every woman must find a middle ground for herself. An excess of water, as well as its lack, provokes the formation of edema in the body of a pregnant woman.
Refusal of fats, coffee, smoked foods, muffins and sweets will prevent the development of inflammatory reactions in the digestive tract and lead to a significant improvement in the well-being of the expectant mother.

Ideally, the diet of a pregnant woman should be simple and natural.

Physical activity from pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

Moderate physical activity during pregnancy is a necessary measure for targeted stretching of the muscles and ligaments of the perineum. Regular exercise prepares the body for childbirth. Here is an approximate complex that every pregnant woman can take note of:

Get down on your knees, spread them shoulder-width apart and sit between them on your buttocks. This is a classic perineal sprain pose. If physical fitness allows, the woman can slowly and carefully lower herself from this position onto her back - this position is known as the "fish".
Sit on a flat surface, bend your knees and pull your legs towards you, grabbing your heels. Now rest your feet against each other, and with your knees apart, try to reach the floor. This exercise is called "butterfly".
To relieve pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, a woman needs to learn how to relax and compress the muscles of the perineum. It is enough to master the following exercise: imagine that you really want to go to the toilet “in a small way”, but there is no opportunity to empty your bladder, so you have to endure it. To do this, you need to force your will to tighten the muscles of the perineum for 10 seconds, and then relax. Repeat the exercise several times in a row, it is especially important to do this when there is very little time left before the birth.

Walking for pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

Leisurely walks in the fresh air "disperse" the blood through the veins and stimulate the access of oxygen to all important organs of the female body and the placenta. On this basis, the elimination of toxins from the mother's body is accelerated. It has already been proven that the most severe pains in the lower abdomen during pregnancy torment women who lead a sedentary lifestyle, without bothering themselves with even minimal physical activity. Hiking should be present in the life of a pregnant woman regularly, and not from time to time.

Psychological state and pain in the lower abdomen

Expectant mothers, who are dominated by hormones for most of their pregnancy, react very emotionally to everything that happens around them. In anticipation of a baby, a woman can become irritable, whiny, explosive or touchy. To maintain an even psychological state and inner comfort, the expectant mother should try to keep all her experiences under control.

Everything in the human body is interconnected: the work of organs and systems is completely dependent on consciousness. In other words, thoughts, both positive and negative, are bound to be reflected in bodily sensations. Very often, such destructive emotions as anger, irritation, indignation, fear and panic provoke a sharp spastic contraction of the muscles of the face, limbs, abdomen and perineum. As a result of this reaction, the blood vessels that feed the fetus with oxygen and other beneficial substances are compressed. If this happens regularly, the baby receives a physiological injury due to prolonged oxygen starvation.

How to reduce the pain of sensations if it pulls the lower abdomen during pregnancy

If the expectant mother is sure that the pains that interfere with her are devoid of periodicity and do not tend to increase, that is, they are caused by physiological reasons, some measures can be taken to ease them:

a warm bath for 15 - 20 minutes - this will help relax the muscles and relieve spastic tension in the lower abdominal cavity;
rest in a prone or half-sitting position for 30 minutes;
regular wearing of a bandage, which will reduce the stretching of the abdominal muscles and thus get rid of pain in its lower part;
before visiting a doctor, you can take an antispasmodic drug that is not prohibited for use by pregnant women. Suitable No-shpa in the form of tablets or Papaverine in the form of suppositories. If after 1 hour after taking the medicine the pain does not go away, you can drink 1 more tablet, provided that the pain does not increase.

What pains in the lower abdomen should alert the expectant mother

When the expectant mother feels that her lower abdomen has begun to pull, she must necessarily take into account how intense these sensations are and how often they are repeated. Of course, the feeling of heaviness, which intensifies and develops into pain, should alert. It is also suspicious when the pulling pain becomes girdle, spreading to the lower back.

The most important symptom is the frequency of pain in the lower abdomen - if painful discomfort occurs with frightening regularity, this may warn of the onset of spontaneous abortion or premature birth. In this case, the pain may be accompanied by mucous discharge with blood clots. Then prompt measures must be taken to save the child.