Any discomfort or irritation in the stomach during pregnancy makes you worried about the safety of the unborn child. But you do not have to worry if you have a little trouble because abdominal pain is usually the result of mild discomforts that occur in pregnancy.

(Read more – Problems in pregnancy and abdominal pain in pregnancy)

Here are the reasons for stomach pain in pregnancy, treatment and when to go to the doctor – 

  1. Is it normal to have stomach ache during pregnancy
  2. Why does pregnancy cause stomach ache
  3. Treatment of abdominal pain in pregnancy
  4. When should you go to the doctor if you have abdominal pain in pregnancy
  5. Round ligament pain during pregnancy

Is it normal to have stomach ache during pregnancy

Sometimes abdominal pain and cramps during pregnancy are not harmful. Pain in the second and third trimesters due to pain in the first trimester, constipation, increased blood flow to the uterus, pain after meals and Braxton-Hicks contractions and stretch in the uterine bones (Round ligaments) It is possible.

(Read more – Constipation in pregnancy)

Stomach  ache in  first  trimester  :

It is common to have abdominal pain or discomfort in the first trimester, especially in early pregnancy. It is a part of the changes that occur in your body during pregnancy, which are experienced by your body in response to the baby’s womb for the next 40 weeks. Sometimes, stomach ache is a warning that what you are eating is not digesting properly, which is causing stomach cramps. Even during this time, orgasm can also cause abdominal pain.

Abdominal  pain in  second  trimester  :

If you are not bleeding with abdominal pain in the second trimester, it is usually not a cause for concern as there is a possibility of miscarriage. Less than one in 100 women have a miscarriage in the second quarter. If the cramps are accompanied by too much bleeding, go to the doctor immediately.

Abdominal  pain in the  third  trimester  :

Apart from Braxton hicks contractions, it is not common to have severe pain around the abdomen. If so, these contractions are usually a sign of premature labor. Other symptoms of premature labor are bursting of the water bag, pain around the pelvis, decreased fetal movements, lower back pain and contractions. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately.

If you are feeling stomach ache after 37 weeks, then confirm other signs of childbirth as well if you are experiencing vaginal discharge, water bag rupture, contractions, etc.? If none of these symptoms are felt, then there is nothing to worry about. Back pain, possibly due to the child’s changing head position, is due to pressure arising around the pelvic area.

(Read more – Home remedies for stomachache)

Why does pregnancy cause stomach ache

It is normal to have slight abdominal pain at the beginning of pregnancy. However, if the pain is intensifying and persistent or you are experiencing intense cramps and bleeding, then you should see a doctor. Following are some of the causes of abdominal pain in pregnancy which are not worrisome:

Pain in  round  ligaments  :

As the uterus enlarges, the round ligaments (two large ligaments that extend from the uterus to the genitals) stretch, causing lower abdominal pain. When you suddenly change your position, the pain may be sharp or very sharp. These symptoms usually disappear after some time. If the pain is unbearable, you can take pain relief by asking a doctor.

Gas  and  constipation:

Due to increased levels of progesterone hormone during pregnancy, there are complaints of stomach gas and constipation. When progesterone levels rise, the gastrointestinal tract slows down and food is digested slower than normal. As a result of which problems of gas and constipation arise.

You can get relief from this problem by drinking more water, eating fiber-rich food and exercising regularly.

Braxton  Hicks  contractions:

Braxton Hicks contractions are mild, rather they are called “exercise contractions”. You will feel some contractions similar to the contractions of labor. However, when you change the position, they will melt or become quiet.

Dehydration is the main reason for these contractions, so drink enough water to avoid them. If the contractions are felt for a long time, contact a doctor.

Uterus  to  proceed:

Due to enlargement of the uterus, your intestine slides slightly, which increases the problem of nausea etc.

To eliminate the discomfort, you should keep eating something. Eat small amounts of food. Exercise regularly. Get enough rest and empty your bladder regularly.

(Read more – Vomiting and nausea in pregnancy)

Orgejm  of  the  pain:

Pain during and after orgasm is quite common during early pregnancy. No need to worry about it as it hurts very lightly. Abdominal pain is usually due to normal contractions or increased blood flow to the pelvic region.

Common  Discomforts:

Apart from the above harmless causes, stomach problems due to stomach virus, uterine fibroids, kidney stones, sensitivities to a particular food, etc. can cause stomach problems.

However, not all causes are harmless nor can they be ignored. Some can also cause serious complications.

(Read more – How many days after the period do pregnancy test)

Pregnancy  in  abdominal  pain  is  a  serious  reason –

The following serious complications require immediate medical attention to avoid any risk to you and your child:    

Ectopic  pregnancy ( first  and  second  trimester):

One in 50 pregnancies experience ectopic pregnancy, with implantation of the egg outside the uterus, especially in the fallopian tube. As a result, there is intense pain in your lower abdomen and you start bleeding between the sixth week of pregnancy and the tenth week of pregnancy.

Women who have had an earlier pregnancy pregnancy or who have been diagnosed with endometriosis, appendicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) have an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Other causes of abdominal pain are tumors and abnormalities in the fallopian tubes, multiple miscarriages in the past, use of intrauterine devices (such as copper tea) or contraceptive pills such as progestin.

Miscarriage ( first  and  second  quarter):

Termination of pregnancy before reaching the 20th week is called miscarriage. Vaginal bleeding is the first symptom of this and also causes abdominal pain for a few hours or a few days. The pain may be mild or severe and you may have cramps. You may also feel lower back pain and pressure in the pelvic region.

Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester and sometimes in the second trimester. Sometimes, it is difficult to tell which is causing the pain, implantation, or enlargement of the uterus. The difference in pain and cramps that occur during miscarriage can be based on bleeding, which lasts for a few days.

Contact a doctor if you notice symptoms of miscarriage.

Preterm  delivery ( second  and  third  trimesters) :

If you experience contractions of labor before the 37th week of pregnancy, you are in a pre-term state of preterm labor. This results in persistent abdominal pain (similar to menstrual cramps), vaginal bleeding, increased pelvic pressure, and decreased fetal movements. If you feel the above symptoms then you should get your doctor checked immediately.

Placenta  to  rupture ( the second  and  third  quarter):

It usually occurs in the third trimester when the placenta itself separates from the uterus. Symptoms include rapid and severe abdominal cramps, bleeding (without clots) and contractions. Sometimes a rupture of the placenta requires a woman to have a caesarean delivery immediately.

If you experience any of these symptoms, try to get immediate medical attention. This problem also occurs due to high blood pressure, drug addiction etc. or the rupture of the placenta in the past.

Pre- eclampsia ( second  and  third  trimester):

Pre-eclampsia can occur at any time in the second half of pregnancy. There are signs of high levels of protein in the urine or high blood pressure. This is why doctors check blood pressure during a prenatal visit.

During pre-eclampsia one experiences symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, severe headache, difficulty in breathing, changes in eye sight, swelling on face, eyes, hands, feet and ankles and rapid weight gain. If you suspect that you are suffering from pre-eclampsia, you should see a doctor.

(Read more – Pregnancy inflammation)

Urinary  tract  infection:

If you ignore a urinary tract infection during pregnancy, it can cause abdominal pain and discomfort, such as burning and bleeding during urination and lower body pain. If you are experiencing fever, sweating, nausea, or cold with the above signs, you may also have a kidney infection.

In this case, you may need immediate treatment. The good thing is that UTI can be treated with antibiotics.

Appendicitis:

Appendicitis is a serious condition in pregnancy and it is also difficult to diagnose. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, etc. are all symptoms of appendicitis. All these are similar to the symptoms of pregnancy and this is why it becomes difficult to diagnose. Although appendicitis causes pain in the lower right part of the abdomen. You will feel it a little more during pregnancy because the pain of appendicitis reaches the bottom of the liver or abdomen.

(Read more – loss of appetite in pregnancy)

Cystic  in  calculus:

You are more likely to have stones in your gall bladder if you are over 35 years old, an overweight woman, or in your family or something like this has happened to you. You may have severe pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, and below the back and right shoulder.

(Read more – Pain in pregnancy)

Treatment of abdominal pain in pregnancy

If you experience slight pain, you can use the following simple tips to get relief from it:

(Read more – Food for pregnant woman)

  1. Warm up the painful area with a bottle of hot water, or take a bath with warm water.
  2. Exercise regularly to relieve gas pain.
  3. Rest as often as possible to get rest.
  4. Drink plenty of water or liquids.
  5. Eat fiber-rich foods such as bran, fruits and vegetables.
  6. Eat but little food again and again.

(Read more – Making Gas in Pregnancy) 

When should you go to the doctor if you have abdominal pain in pregnancy

If you have severe abdominal pain or cramps, do not hesitate to get a doctor’s examination. Contact the doctor immediately in the following circumstances:

  1. Experiencing severe pain with bleeding or spotting during the first trimester. (Read more – Pregnancy bleeding)
  2. Abdominal pain with or without blood.
  3. Headache, vomiting, nausea and dizziness.
  4. Severe swelling or edema in hands and feet.
  5. Burning and pain during urination.
  6. Fever or chills.
  7. Changes in vision such as light sensitivity, blurred vision, temporary blindness or flash lights.
  8. Feeling four contractions in about an hour. It can be a sign of premature delivery.

If you have stomach ache during pregnancy, you do not have to be afraid or worry. It can also be caused by gas formation, but you cannot ignore the constant pain at the same time. Take care and contact the doctor if necessary.

(Read more – Constipation in pregnancy)