Pain in the lower abdomen during early pregnancy: are there any after IVF, at night? Aching, periodic, pulling sensations, as with menstruation. Causes and treatment. Feelings in early pregnancy

11.09.2019

The first trimester is the most important period in the entire nine months of pregnancy. It is at this time that all the internal organs of the fetus are laid. The heart, kidneys, liver, lungs and brain all develop within twelve weeks, and any negative impact at this point can adversely affect the development of the child.

The well-being of the baby is largely determined by the state of health of his mother. Every pregnant woman would like to spend the first trimester in peace and comfort, without worrying about anything. Unfortunately, it was at this time that many expectant mothers complain of various kinds of discomfort in the lower abdomen. Pain, unpleasant tingling, and other sensations can seriously complicate the early stages of pregnancy. What happens and why does the stomach hurt during this period?

Causes of lower abdominal pain in early pregnancy

Experts identify several conditions that lead to the appearance of unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen:

The threat of termination of pregnancy

In this condition, the pain will be pulling, radiating to the lower back and groin area. Painful sensations are strong or moderate, persist for a long time and do not disappear after rest or a night's sleep. This condition in early pregnancy can lead to spontaneous miscarriage. According to statistics, 80% of all abortions occur before 12 weeks, and they are almost always preceded by pulling pains in the lower abdomen. Often, these symptoms are accompanied by bloody discharge from the genital tract, which indicates the onset of detachment of the chorion (fetal site). The threat of termination of pregnancy is a serious condition, therefore, for any incomprehensible pain in the lower abdomen, a woman should definitely consult a doctor.

Separately, it should be said about such a phenomenon as periodic toning of the uterus. In early pregnancy, this condition also makes itself felt with moderate pain in the lower abdomen. You should not be afraid of this. The uterus, like any muscular organ, contracts from time to time, but this does not always lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

How to distinguish norm from pathology? Periodic toning of the uterus, not associated with the threat of termination of pregnancy, is never accompanied by bloody discharge. Severe pain in this condition is not observed. The state of health of the expectant mother remains normal, and only slight stretching in the groin and lower back is only slightly disturbed. At the same time, painful sensations do not last too long and quickly disappear after rest or a change in body position. This situation does not require any treatment and is considered normal during pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which the ovum is attached outside the uterus. Usually, the embryo remains on the walls of the fallopian tubes, less often in the ovaries or in the abdominal cavity. In this condition, the pain is localized in the lower abdomen on only one side. Symptoms of the disease appear at a period of 6-7 weeks - it is at this time that the embryo, which has attached to the fallopian tube, becomes cramped in it. The tube ruptures, which is accompanied by bleeding into the abdominal cavity and severe pain in the lower abdomen. The general condition sharply worsens, weakness, dizziness, chills appear, body temperature rises.

An ectopic pregnancy can be recognized with ultrasound examination... Also, a gynecologist may suspect this pathology when examining a patient. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition for a woman. When the first signs of illness appear, you should immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance to your home.

Bowel disease

Any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can be the cause of sudden pain in the lower abdomen. With colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), pain is usually localized to the left and is accompanied by bloating and flatulence. Constipation can lead to painful sensations - a common problem among expectant mothers. Finally, various food poisoning accompanied by diarrhea can also cause pain in the area below the navel.

Ordinary overeating can also cause painful sensations, especially when eating spicy, salty and fried foods. In this case, the pregnant woman clearly associates her condition with the previous meal and can even say which particular product caused the ailment. As a rule, such pains go away on their own within a few hours without special treatment.

Inflammation of the urinary tract

Cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder, can lead to pain in the lower abdomen. Against the background of pregnancy, the immunity of expectant mothers decreases, and this naturally leads to an exacerbation of many diseases. This is how cystitis occurs, which, if untreated, can lead to the development of pyelonephritis and other complications. In addition to abdominal pain, cystitis is characterized by painful frequent urination. In rare cases, an increase in body temperature and the appearance of chills are possible.

Surgical diseases

Acute appendicitis, cholecystitis, peptic ulcer and other pathological conditions often occur during pregnancy. In many cases, in women, pain in these conditions is localized in the lower abdomen and is mistaken for inflammation of the uterus, appendages, or pathology of pregnancy. The surgeon will be able to make an accurate diagnosis after examining the patient. Do not delay contacting a doctor if you suspect any of these diseases.

What to do if your stomach hurts in early pregnancy?

Every expectant mother should know: pain in the lower abdomen is a reason to immediately consult a doctor... It is not always possible to determine at home what is happening with the expectant mother. An accurate diagnosis can be made only after an in-person examination by a specialist, as well as during an ultrasound examination. If it is not possible to immediately get an appointment with a doctor, you need to call an ambulance to your home or go to the nearest paramedic point.

Treatment for lower abdominal pain will depend on the underlying cause. With a threatening or incipient miscarriage, drugs are prescribed to prolong the pregnancy until the due date. For this purpose, hormonal agents (progesterone preparations) in tablets or in suppositories can be used. Antispasmodics are used to relieve painful sensations("No-shpa", drotaverine, papaverine). A good effect is seen with the use of magnesium preparations ("Magne B6", "Magnelis" and others). To improve the general condition and increase immunity, expectant mothers are advised to drink a course of multivitamins developed specifically for women in an interesting position.

Ectopic pregnancy, as well as acute surgical pathologies (appendicitis, cholecystitis), can be cured in only one way - on the operating table. The sooner assistance is provided to the expectant mother, the higher the likelihood of maintaining health and avoiding the development of complications. In case of severe diseases of the intestines, kidneys and bladder, accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition, a pregnant woman is hospitalized in a specialized department.

When pains in the lower abdomen appear, the expectant mother should not panic. First of all, you need to calm down and even out your breathing, change your body position and get comfortable. You can stand under a warm (not hot!) Shower, drink an infusion of valerian or motherwort. It is impossible to take painkillers without a doctor's prescription - some of them negatively affect the fetus and can cause congenital malformations. If these measures do not help, and the abdominal pain intensifies over time, you need to consult a gynecologist or surgeon.

In the article we will tell you why the lower abdomen aches during pregnancy. You will learn what to do in such cases and how you can prevent it.

Why does the lower abdomen ache during pregnancy

Aching pains in the lower abdomen can have different causes.

Expectant mothers throughout the entire period of pregnancy may be bothered by pain in the lower abdomen. This phenomenon can be associated with both natural physiological processes and designate various pathologies, diseases of the mother or fetus.

Let's look at what such pains can mean at different stages of pregnancy.

At the initial stages, some discomfort and slight pulling pains can be one of the signs of pregnancy.... The uterus is stretched, which is why the stomach aches at 6 weeks of gestation. In this case, the pain has a pulling or cramping character and soon releases.

If the stomach aches like before menstruation during pregnancy, constantly hurts in the lower abdomen in the early stages, you must urgently consult a doctor. This can signal such diseases and pathologies:

genitourinary infection;
ectopic pregnancy;
miscarriage;
inflammatory process in the fallopian tubes;
hypertonicity of the uterus.

At week 10, the expectant mother has a 2 visit to the gynecologist according to the schedule. During this period, a woman may also complain of abdominal pain. Under the influence of hormones and in connection with the growth of the fetus, the ligaments holding the uterus soften and stretch. This can be accompanied by occasional pulling pains on the sides of the abdomen and in the groin area. If the lower abdomen aches at the 10th week of pregnancy, while the pain is accompanied by bloody discharge, this may indicate a threat of miscarriage.

The same symptoms occur if the stomach aches at the 12th week of pregnancy.

In the 2nd trimester, if the pregnancy is proceeding normally, most often women do not complain of painful sensations. Now the fetus is still not large enough to cause inconvenience to mom. The uterus is constantly growing, it has not yet reached the size when it begins to put pressure on the internal organs.

However, some expectant mothers complain that the lower abdomen aches at the 15th week of pregnancy. If there are no other unpleasant symptoms, then this means that the muscles of the uterus are very stretched. This, in turn, can cause mild pain that does not threaten pregnancy. Do not panic prematurely, the woman's body is preparing for the upcoming birth, so stretching the muscles of the uterus is quite normal.

The threat of miscarriage during this period is significantly reduced, but pain can occur for the following reasons:

physical stress;
stress, nervous exhaustion;
movement of the baby inside the uterus;
problems in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, constipation.

In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the woman's body begins to intensively prepare for the upcoming birth.... Already at this stage, the expectant mother periodically has training contractions, which can lead to abdominal pain. Also, if the lower abdomen aches at 34 weeks of gestation, this may indicate a number of problems:

genitourinary infection;
premature birth;
placental abruption.

Placental abruption is accompanied by bleeding. Sometimes it can be internal, and the blood does not come out through the genital tract, it collects in the abdominal cavity. In this case, the woman develops sharp abdominal pains. In this case, urgent hospitalization is required.

Does the lower abdomen ache at 35 weeks of gestation? What does this mean:

training fights;
fast delivery.

If the pain disappears within 15-20 seconds, it means that your body is preparing for the upcoming childbirth with the help of contractions. If the time between contractions starts to shorten, pack your things and go to the hospital.

If the lower abdomen aches at 36 weeks of gestation and at the same time pulls the lower back, but the pain is not strong, then this is a sign of the norm. You should rest, change your body position. If the pain persists even after a long rest, you need to see a doctor. These symptoms may indicate the development of oligohydramnios. If the pulling pain in the abdomen is accompanied by vaginal discharge, this indicates premature birth, which is undesirable at this time.

Within a week, the stomach begins to sink. The child is almost fully formed, breathes independently and is able to digest food. The fruit has already taken up a permanent position. Almost all children are already upside down by this time. It is quite normal for the stomach to ache at 37 weeks of gestation. A pulling, slightly painful sensation in the lower abdomen is a harbinger of an impending birth.

38 week of pregnancy is the period when a child can be born without fear for his life. These days, false contractions are becoming much more intense, and some women panic at the same time. As in the previous week, you should not be afraid if the lower abdomen aches at the 38th week of pregnancy - very soon you will become a mother, and the baby will let you know about it.

If your belly hasn't dropped in the last 14 days, it will happen in the last week before giving birth. If the stomach aches at 39 weeks of gestation, and the pain radiates to the lower back, this indicates that childbirth is very soon.

What to do if your stomach aches

Pain in the abdomen can accompany a woman throughout the entire period of bearing a child. In some cases, this is the norm. But if the abdominal pain does not go away for a long time and is accompanied by bloody discharge and a general deterioration in the woman's condition, you need to consult a doctor to find out the reason.

If the pain becomes sharp and very noticeable, call an ambulance immediately. This, depending on the duration of pregnancy, can mean a threat of miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, a frozen fetus, detachment of the amniotic sac, premature birth or exacerbation of chronic diseases in the mother.

Abdominal pain can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

dizziness;
weakness;
fainting;
bloody vaginal discharge;
bleeding.

The doctor will conduct a thorough examination and find out if there is a threat to the fetus. In some cases, drastic measures may be needed: surgery, hospital treatment, etc. If you seek medical help on time, doctors will be able to provide you with the help you need and keep your pregnancy.

Some expectant mothers come with complaints that the right side of the lower abdomen aches during pregnancy. On the right side of the abdomen are the liver, gallbladder, part of the intestines, and the right side of the diaphragm. Such pain may indicate diseases of these internal organs or inflammation of appendicitis.

When the left side aches during pregnancy, it may indicate problems with the stomach, pancreas, spleen, bowel loops, and the left side of the diaphragm.

Prevention of aching pain

Do not forget to rest, observe the daily routine

If you turned to the doctor with a complaint that the lower abdomen aches during pregnancy, and he did not reveal any serious abnormalities, then you should reconsider some of your habits and diet.

Review your diet... Eliminate spicy, fried, and smoked foods from your menu. Choose light meals that contain protein (white meat, lean fish, nuts). Remember to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Be sure to observe the water regime. Do not get carried away with carbonated drinks and coffee.
Limit physical activity... This does not mean that you have to lie in bed all the time. If the doctor did not find any threats to your health and the life of the baby, you need to walk more in the fresh air, engage in gentle sports. Well suited for women carrying a baby, gymnastics for pregnant women, yoga, swimming.
Do not take hot baths under any circumstances.... Even foot baths can trigger the loss of a child in the early stages.
Don't forget about healthy sleep... Sleep during pregnancy should be at least 9 hours. It is also advisable to take a short nap.
Pay attention to your psycho-emotional state... Don't be nervous about trifles. Avoid stress and mental stress. If you have a stressful job, try to take maternity leave early. This is allowed by law, you need to contact a gynecologist, he can help in opening a sick leave for pregnancy before 7 months.

If your stomach aches during early pregnancy, and the examinations do not confirm any danger, do not worry. Your body adjusts to a new, unusual state for it. Here once again it is necessary to remind about proper nutrition and lifestyle.

In the later stages, with aching pain in the abdomen, you need to take more rest breaks. Change position: if you were standing, sit down, if you were lying on your right side, roll over to your left. Take deep breaths. It is better to take courses for expectant mothers, which teach the basics of breathing exercises.

For more information on abdominal pain during pregnancy, see the video:

What to remember

Now you know why the lower abdomen aches during pregnancy. In most cases, this is the norm. However, if the pain persists for a long time, discharge or other painful sensations appear, see your doctor.
We told in what cases the lower abdomen and lower back ache at 38 weeks of gestation. Such pains are harbingers of the approaching birth. At this time, you no longer need to worry that labor activity began prematurely. There is no threat to the baby's life at all, his organs are fully formed. The child can already breathe and digest food on its own.

In the early stages of pregnancy, women often experience various painful sensations - lower back and abdomen may hurt.

Such symptoms should be treated with special attention, since the threat of miscarriage increases directly in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Painful discomfort near the abdomen occurs due to an increase in progesterone.

To find out if the stomach hurts during pregnancy due to physiological factors or because of a dangerous pathology, you need to find out the recommendations of a specialist.

Abdominal pain during early pregnancy

All pregnant women want the period of gestation to proceed without complications and not give cause for concern. But, the most common complaint among women in position is a pulling or aching pain in the lower abdomen.

The complaint is extremely popular, so you need to understand when such discomfort during pregnancy is a pathology and needs immediate medical intervention, and in which situations it will be of a physiological nature and require only following general prescriptions.

Of course, pains in the lower abdomen appear at various stages of pregnancy, but most often women note their formation in the early stages of this period.

Painful discomfort in the abdomen is varied both in personal perception and in its location, in the strength of manifestation.

Painful sensations appear in a calm state and after various physical activities. Pain can form in one place or give to other places.

Symptoms

In many situations, the stomach hurts in the early stages of pregnancy due to the fact that the body of the expectant mother is going through various changes in order to prepare itself for the further period of gestation and the birth itself.

Usually, such pains are not very severe - many women make parallels with stretching during pregnancy.

But in a situation where the stomach hurts very badly or discomfort is associated with the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor:

painful sensations in the lower abdomen are not dull, but sharp and growing, do not go away after taking a lying position;
discomfort in the form of contractions of varying intensity;
nausea and gag reflex, disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, decreased appetite;
various spotting;
concentration of pain in various parts of the abdomen, which become more intense in the process of pressing.

This, of course, is not a physiologically normal state and in any situation is a harbinger of dangerous pathological processes inside the human body.

In this case, you should consult your gynecologist as soon as possible.

And when bloody discharge appears, a pregnant woman should immediately take a horizontal position - it is forbidden to go to specialists herself. An ambulance should be called immediately.

Causes

When the stomach hurts in the early stages of pregnancy, this is a dangerous signal for any woman, which should make her listen to her own feelings.

By strength and location, it is possible to establish whether there is a risk to the health of the expectant mother or fetus.

Properly administered therapy can help prevent potential adverse effects, although most of the time, you just need to calm down and give your body some rest.

There are a lot of provoking factors for the formation of painful discomfort in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy.

Physiological nature of pain

Mostly, the stomach hurts in the early stages of pregnancy due to physiological reasons.

Such painful sensations, usually, are not capable of causing much discomfort, are practically invisible, and are not characterized by a tendency to intensify. At certain points, not only the stomach hurts, but also the lumbar region.

Many women in a similar position ask the question, why does the stomach hurt in early pregnancy?

The initial discomfort can appear several days after conception, when the expectant mother does not assume about her position.

At this stage, the embryo enters the endometrium. The smallest damage to the mucous membrane, and in some situations and blood vessels, can provoke discomfort or even minor bleeding.

A woman rarely focuses on this kind of pain, since they are extremely similar to ordinary premenstrual syndrome.

In the first weeks of pregnancy, the stomach hurts due to the following circumstances:

Hormonal adjustment. Decrease in certain functions in the work of the gastrointestinal tract due to muscle relaxation during the growth of hormones. This becomes a provoking factor in the formation of pain. Discomfort of a similar origin in the lower abdomen is characteristic during pregnancy and needs only prevention to eliminate it.
The consequences of toxicosis. The abdomen in particular hurts during the gag reflex, refusal to eat. In this situation, all possible measures are aimed at eliminating the toxic state. The menu and methods for preventing toxicosis depend on the personal characteristics of the female body. In the process of constant vomiting, you should seek recommendations from a doctor who prescribes inpatient treatment.
Unbalanced diet. A pregnant woman should normalize her nutrition and exclude products that upset the stomach from the menu.
Stressful situations and psycho-emotional shocks. The stomach hurts until the source of nervous experiences is eliminated. As a prophylactic agent, Valerian can be taken (in tablets or drops).
Food intoxication. It is associated with fever, gag reflex and stool disorder. In this situation, therapy is needed without delay, since poisoning can harm not only the woman, but also the fetus.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. A similar group of diseases can manifest itself in various digestive disorders, stool disorders and general tone of the pregnant woman. The risk group may include women who suffered from diseases that are associated with the gastrointestinal tract before carrying the fetus. Strict dietary nutrition and complete therapy will be the key to eliminating painful abdominal discomfort.

When the stomach hurts in the early stages of pregnancy, it is advisable to visit a specialist, because in more dangerous situations, the syndrome can be very similar to the above symptoms.

Pathological nature of pain

Often, in addition to physiological reasons that affect the appearance of pain in early pregnancy, there are pathological factors.

Each of them is dangerous and requires proper attention. Otherwise, the consequences can be dire.

Frozen pregnancy

In certain situations, due to various provoking factors, the formation of the fetus is stopped, and it dies.

Of course, in such a case, the body will begin to reject it, which will provoke uterine contractions, and, as a result, painful discomfort in the lower abdomen. They are able to be of an acute nature, may intensify, often associated with bleeding.

Ectopic pregnancy

Such a diagnosis as an ectopic pregnancy is no less dangerous for the expectant mother and fetus. In certain situations, the fetus is not able to get into the uterus, but is fixed in one of its tubes.

Soon he will reach a certain size, which will exceed the diameter of the fallopian tube, and he will begin to expand it. A similar process provokes unpleasant sensations.

This phenomenon is characterized by a large number of signs: discomfort is concentrated in a certain place, during the rupture of the organ, intense bleeding occurs, acute pain, nausea, gag reflex appear, dizzy, fainting.

Should not rupture as repair of the fallopian tube is likely to be impossible.

Risk of miscarriage

The stomach hurts in early pregnancy and when there is a risk of miscarriage. This process involves the detachment of the ovum. Depending on the intensity with which it passes, different symptoms are likely.

It includes sharp pains that prevent you from concentrating on anything else, which can intensify in the lower abdomen, as well as bleeding (from smearing pink discharge to intense purple).

Discomfort and bleeding can be independent and joint symptoms.

In the process of identifying such symptoms, you need to immediately call an ambulance. Then you need to take a horizontal position and at rest await the arrival of doctors.

Don't panic. Timely started therapy will make it possible, usually, to maintain the pregnancy. It is permissible to take 2 No-shpy tablets.

Corpus luteum cyst

The corpus luteum is considered one of the temporary organs that form inside the female body in order to maintain pregnancy. It is formed at the site of rupture of the follicle.

Its main task will be the production of progesterone in the early stages of pregnancy - until the completion of placenta formation.

In certain situations, this organ is formed improperly, fluid accumulates inside it and it reaches uncharacteristic dimensions.

In this case, we can talk about a cyst of the corpus luteum. Usually, for the pregnancy itself, it rarely carries a threat and effectively copes with its purpose.

A similar condition can manifest itself as unpleasant pulling sensations in the lower abdomen. Mostly, painful discomfort is localized in a specific area.

Such a pathology basically does not need any intervention, however, it will not be superfluous to conduct a thorough diagnosis, since there are certain prescriptions for women who have a similar disease.

Non-gynecological factors

Abdominal pain is sometimes not associated with gynecological problems at all. Such diseases as pyelonephritis, appendicitis and others, often become provoking factors of unpleasant sensations.

They can develop on their own, or they can form directly during the period of bearing a child.

Also, common bloating is attributed to the root causes of painful sensations in the lower abdomen. In the early stages, gastrointestinal upset is a very common cause.

In this situation, you only need to balance your own diet, saturate it with vitamins.

If you have stomach discomfort early in pregnancy, don't panic. You need to calm down, determine exactly where the pain is located and visit a doctor as soon as possible.

If the sensations are not intense, there is no bleeding and other unpleasant symptoms, then it is possible to get to a medical institution on your own or to call doctors optimally and not endanger your life and the life of the fetus.

Prophylaxis

Measures to prevent pain discomfort in the lower stomach at an early stage of pregnancy include:

A rethinking of the menu that promotes proper digestion and absorption within the body.
Fractional food.
Fasting is prohibited.
Reception of water in the right amount.
Elimination of stressful situations.
Regular walks outside.
Timely therapy of gastrointestinal diseases.
Timely expert advice.

Prevention helps to provide assistance in many situations of a physiological nature, however, with prolonged pain, it is optimal to find out the doctor's recommendations.

Painful discomfort in the lower stomach during early pregnancy is extremely popular. The provoking factors are different.

Some of them do not cause adverse consequences for life, others are capable of provoking serious complications. Therefore, if there is the least suspicion and discomfort, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist.

Many women who have recently learned about their situation are interested in the answer to the question of whether the stomach hurts in the early stages of pregnancy, its first weeks, and whether it is normal. Let's consider the situation in more detail, we will give an exhaustive answer.

Does your stomach hurt in the early days of pregnancy?

It is worth noting that such manifestations should not bother a woman. However, some expectant mothers still face them.

The reason may lie directly in the ongoing implantation. As you know, it is observed approximately 7-10 days after fertilization. At the same time, some expectant mothers note the appearance of soreness in the lower abdomen: the pain has a pulling, mild character, very similar to the one that is sometimes noted before menstruation. At the same time, small bloody discharge from the vagina may be observed, - the result of a violation of the integrity of the uterine mucosa at the time of the insertion of the ovum into it. Their volume is small, their duration rarely exceeds 1 day.

Answering the question of women whether the stomach can hurt at the beginning of pregnancy, doctors, first of all, pay attention to the restructuring of the hormonal system that begins in the body. Such pains are of low intensity, intermittent, and are relieved by the intake of antispasmodics.

What could lower abdominal pain indicate?

If it says whether the stomach should hurt during pregnancy, then it is unacceptable to regard this symptom as a sign of gestation. Normally, a woman should not experience this. Therefore, if pain occurs and you know that you are pregnant, you must inform your doctor.

A pulling pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy always causes fear and horror in women in position. Yes, losing a pregnancy, especially a long-awaited one, or getting critical complications fraught with developmental disorders of the baby is a sad prospect.

And sometimes it is very difficult even for a specialist to figure out what is the cause of such a symptom and how dangerous it is.

Therefore, pregnant women with such manifestations must necessarily talk about this complaint to the gynecologist. And the doctor, in turn, must examine the patient and exclude the pathological course of pregnancy.

The doctor will purposefully interview the future mother about the nature of the pain, its intensity, and exact localization. Be sure to clarify what the pregnant woman herself connects with the appearance of pain.

For example, pain in the lower abdomen can occur after physical or emotional stress, strong experiences. You may feel pain even when you cough, sneeze, or take a deep breath.

Since pulling pains can also occur with the pathology of organs adjacent to the uterus, the specialist will clarify whether there is a connection between these symptoms and the work of the intestines or urinary system.

Causes

Above, I have listed an incomplete list of situations in which pregnant women can get stomach ache. But these are not causes, but external manifestations, symptoms of these reasons. The reasons themselves will be discussed below.

Among the causes of pulling pain in the lower abdomen, two groups can be distinguished - physiological and pathological.

Physiological reasons can be called the reasons that naturally arise in the body of all, without exception, women carrying a child. After all, the woman's body during this period undergoes a lot of changes.

For example, the enlargement of the uterus itself can already cause discomfort in the lower abdomen.

This is a completely natural change. As a rule, it does not entail any negative consequences for the organism of the expectant mother and baby. Although it naturally creates discomfort. Such pains pass by themselves and do not require any treatment.

Pathological causes include those changes in the woman's body in position that can lead to a deterioration in the health of the mother or fetus. And here it is important not to miss a dangerous situation and seek help from a specialist in time.

Yes, pulling pain in the lower abdomen, especially in the early stages, may be associated with some physiological processes in the body of a pregnant woman. But it is not at all necessary that she will appear.

Painful sensations at the beginning of pregnancy in a certain physiological situation may or may not be. Each woman begins and ends pregnancy in her own way. All processes are individual.

It is worth mentioning here the pain threshold, the level of which is different for each person. That is, each person feels pain in his own way.

For example, women with a low pain threshold are more susceptible to any soreness, discomfort, and abdominal stretching. At the same time, women with a high pain threshold do not pay attention to irregular monotonous pulling pain in the lower abdomen.

So, let's move on to the physiological changes in the body of a pregnant woman, which can provoke pain in the lower abdomen in the early stages of pregnancy.

With the onset of pregnancy, the shape of the uterus changes from pear-shaped to ovoid. The blood supply to this genital organ also increases, which can provoke stretching in the lower abdomen.

On the seventh day after conception, the fertilized egg (zygote), having descended the fallopian tube into the uterine cavity, seems to drill a place for itself in the uterine wall in order to fix itself there. However, sensitive women may experience pain similar to menstrual pain.

In some cases, this may be accompanied by scanty bloody or bloody vaginal discharge, which women can perceive as the onset of menstruation ahead of time.

During pregnancy, hormones change, which helps to relax the muscles and ligaments, especially the pelvic floor muscles.

The hormone progesterone contributes to muscle relaxation. It is also called a hormone that preserves pregnancy, since it prevents excessive tonic contraction (hypertonicity) of muscles in the body of a pregnant woman. This also applies to the muscles of the main muscular organ - the uterus.

Under the influence of progesterone and another important substance, relaxin, there is a loosening of the ligaments of the joints, the cartilage of the joints of the pelvic bones.

The pelvic bones diverge slightly, adjusting to the increasing load of the weighty uterus. The volume of the pelvis increases, which makes it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal.

But at the same time, not only the muscles of the uterus relax, but also the muscular layer of the intestine. This leads to disturbances in intestinal motility in pregnant women. As a result, flatulence or unstable stools (either constipation or diarrhea) are frequent companions of pregnancy.

Such phenomena, as a rule, always make themselves felt by symptoms of distention, heaviness and stretching of the lower abdomen.

Consequently, discomfort in the lower abdomen in pregnant women may not always be associated with changes in the pelvic organs.

Physiological changes causing pain in later stages

The fact is that this time is characterized by the most intensive growth and high physical activity of the baby. The uterus also grows intensively and is highly overstretched. In addition, the muscle fibers of the uterus react by contraction to the motor activity of the fetus.

As a consequence of the action of all these processes in combination, a rare non-intensive stretching of the lower abdomen in the middle of pregnancy and in later stages takes place.

And this is found in expectant mothers quite often. In late pregnancy, starting from about the 37th week, a short and moderate pulling pain in the lower abdomen is considered quite normal.

So the woman's body is already preparing for childbirth. The uterus begins to contract periodically. The so-called training contractions appear.

This stage of "training" or, in other words, "warm-up" is very important in the process of preparing for childbirth. After all, childbirth is not a spontaneous process, as it might seem at first glance. The start of labor occurs in stages and not quickly.

If the gestation is more than 37 weeks, the pregnancy is considered full-term. Therefore, when, at such a time, the pulling pain grows and turns into cramping, it is time to get ready for the hospital.

How to distinguish the physiological causes of pulling pain in the lower abdomen?

To do this, it is necessary to carefully listen to the nature of the pain, to trace its connection with other signs of dysfunction of internal organs (for example, intestines).

Obviously, no two pregnancies are the same. Each of its stages proceeds in a different way. But there are several signs of pulling pain in the lower abdomen that does not require medical intervention.

These include:

The pain is not constant, not intense, monotonous, and not cramping or sharp.
The pain disappears after a short rest in a horizontal position.
The pain does not increase and does not interfere with the daily affairs of a woman (does not abruptly violate her usual way of life).
At the same time, there is no bloody or bloody discharge from the vagina.
There are no other signs of dysfunction of internal organs. For example, there are no signs of a digestive or urinary disorder (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, general malaise, urinary disorder).
Taking one No-shpa pill or another antispasmodic (if there are no contraindications) firmly relieves the pulling pain in the lower abdomen.
Apart from pain, there are no other signs of impaired well-being.

That is, there is no drop in blood pressure, heart palpitations, increased sweating or cold clammy sweat, clouding of consciousness, or light-headedness. These signs are manifestations of dangerous pathologies that require urgent medical intervention (for example, rupture of the fallopian tube during an ectopic pregnancy).

Pathological causes of pulling pain in the lower abdomen

In this block of the article, we will consider the causes of the so-called obstetric pain associated with abortion, ectopic pregnancy, etc. Let's also talk about the causes of pulling pain associated with any surgical pathology of pregnancy (appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, etc.).

Obstetric pain: how to recognize and how to be examined?

A pulling pain in the lower abdomen may indicate an ectopic pregnancy. With an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo is not fixed in the uterine cavity, as usual, but in the fallopian tube itself.

Much less often, but there are cases when a fertilized egg can be implanted even in the abdominal cavity.

With an ectopic pregnancy, a woman in such cases is worried about regular severe pain. One-sided localization of pain is characteristic (from the side of the attached embryo in the fallopian tube).

The pain usually increases as the embryo grows. Pain often worsens with pressure or exertion. Irradiation of pain in the lower back, anus or legs is also characteristic.

By the fifth to seventh weeks of pregnancy, the embryo occupies a significant part of the fallopian tube. Therefore, at this time there is a real threat of rupture of the tube and massive bleeding.

There are spotting bloody discharge from the vagina. At the same time, symptoms of general malaise join: dizziness, headache, weakness, blood pressure decreases.

With an ectopic pregnancy, the test is positive, but the content of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the blood is reduced. In the diagnosis of this condition, ultrasound helps.

With early diagnosis, it is possible to save the fallopian tube by performing a timely operation. But an ectopic pregnancy from the point of view of its continuation is always doomed to failure.

The threat of termination of pregnancy

With the threat of termination of pregnancy, a woman is worried about pulling pains in the lower abdomen, which do not subside even in a calm state. Any physical activity causes increased pain.

The appearance of spotting of varying intensity is characteristic. The woman feels general weakness, lethargy. Often there is darkening or "flies" in the eyes, dizziness. In late pregnancy, these symptoms may be accompanied by cramping pains.

This condition requires urgent care, you need to urgently contact a medical facility.

Hospitalization with the threat of termination of pregnancy is required. Do not try to avoid it, as both the child and the mother need constant supervision and complex treatment.

The emergence of the threat of termination of pregnancy is often caused by nervous strain, physical exertion, stress, infectious diseases, changes in hormonal levels.

Often, the threat of termination of pregnancy is preceded by uterine hypertonicity. Women, in addition to pulling pain, feel a sharp tension in the uterus. They describe this feeling as if their stomach is “stiff”.

This symptom should not be treated without due attention. After all, the increased tone of the uterus can provoke a miscarriage.

With timely detection and competent therapy, this pathology has a favorable prognosis.

Frozen pregnancy

Another reason for pulling pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy is a frozen pregnancy. The reasons why the embryo stops developing may be disruptions at the gene level, hormonal imbalance, and the wrong lifestyle of the parents. There is also a high risk of embryo freezing during artificial insemination.

There are so-called critical periods in the course of pregnancy, when the embryo is especially vulnerable. There are several of them: first, it is 3-4 weeks of pregnancy, then - 8-11 weeks and 16-18 weeks of intrauterine development.

Sometimes women with a frozen pregnancy may have no complaints at all. But more often there is some kind of discomfort or periodically there is a pulling pain in the lower abdomen.

Diagnosis of this condition consists in conducting an ultrasound examination.

The diagnosis of a frozen pregnancy is confirmed if the baby's heartbeat is not detected during an ultrasound scan.

Also, to confirm the diagnosis, the level of hCG in the venous blood of the pregnant woman is determined. With a frozen pregnancy, there is no increase in the concentration of this hormone in the blood.

Premature placental abruption

Premature placental abruption can occur at any stage of pregnancy. The causes of placental abruption can be trauma, sudden changes in blood pressure, an infectious disease, physical activity, emotional stress, a short umbilical cord of the fetus.

With premature placental abruption, a woman feels sharp or cramping pains in the lower abdomen. In order to somehow alleviate the condition, a woman often takes a forced position. That is, she tries to find the most comfortable position and stay in that position for a long time.

The uterus is very tense, it becomes painful. Inside the uterus, a vessel ruptures, as a result of which bleeding opens. Bleeding can vary in intensity. There is an increase in placental hematoma (bruising).

The main danger of placental abruption is fetal malnutrition (oxygen starvation). With a significant degree of detachment, there is a threat of intrauterine fetal death.

Thus, placental abruption is a reason for emergency hospitalization and, if the gestational age allows, operative delivery by cesarean section.

Quite often, a woman develops pulling pains in the lower abdomen that are not associated with the development of the fetus. But the conditions, which will be discussed further, are no less dangerous in relation to the health of the expectant mother and her baby.

Often, due to a decrease in immune defense, a pregnant woman develops various inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system or existing chronic diseases are exacerbated.

So, some infections, including those that are sexually transmitted, are exacerbated during pregnancy. They can also cause discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen.

To exclude acute or chronic inflammatory processes, a pregnant woman, when registering with a antenatal clinic, must undergo a full examination.

In pregnant women, various infections of the kidneys and genitourinary system are quite often observed. The most common infection during pregnancy that can cause pulling pain in the lower abdomen is acute cystitis (inflammation of the bladder).

With cystitis, in addition to pain, a woman is worried about frequent and / or painful urination, "false" urge or urination in small portions, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. The urine becomes cloudy due to impurities of protein, leukocytes, mucus, salts, and sometimes blood.

In this case, you cannot do without specific treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor for examination and treatment of this unpleasant ailment.

A pulling pain in the lower abdomen can also provoke digestive problems.

I have already written above about the relaxing effect of progesterone on the intestines. As a result, almost every woman suffers to one degree or another from disorders of the gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy (constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, heartburn, nausea).

There are drugs that help to normalize intestinal motility and fight against increased gas production. But only a doctor who knows all the nuances of the ongoing pregnancy has the right to prescribe them.

But any therapy to normalize the work of the digestive system will give only a partial result, temporarily extinguish the symptoms of the disorder. After all, the above-described digestive problems cause quite natural changes in the body of a pregnant woman (hormonal background).

Imagine what would happen if errors in the nutrition of a pregnant woman were added to these natural changes! That's right, the problems with pain will increase, and they will become more acute.

I deliberately focus on this point, because I know from experience that almost none of the pregnant women take seriously the doctor's recommendations about a healthy lifestyle.

Many justify themselves with the traditionally established stereotype that a pregnant woman should not deny herself anything. Like, the child needs, he demands.

Although, in fact, this is the most "proper nutrition" during pregnancy - it is not so difficult. You just need to not overeat, eat often, but in fractional portions, drink enough clean water, exclude fast food and unhealthy drinks. At the same time, no one encourages a pregnant woman to starve or limit herself in any foods.

A little distracted, let's return directly to the topic.

A pulling pain in the lower abdomen can be provoked by various surgical pathologies.

Often during pregnancy in women, the appendix becomes inflamed. At the same time, due to the displacement of the pregnant uterus of internal organs and intestines, appendicitis can not always be easily recognized by the localization of pain.

For appendicitis, aching dull pain is characteristic, usually in the right iliac region or slightly above. There is also an increase in temperature within 37-38 o C, nausea, more often single vomiting.

These signs are undoubtedly a reason for calling an ambulance and hospitalization.

I hasten to reassure you that the operation for this pathology will not affect the child's development in any way. But delay with such symptoms can lead to massive inflammation inside the abdominal cavity - peritonitis.

Rarely enough, but there are cases of intestinal obstruction in pregnant women. Pain with intestinal obstruction is sharp, cramping, diffuse, with clearly recurring attacks every 10-15 minutes (as a peristaltic wave goes through the intestines).

In this case, in addition to abdominal pain, there will be a delay in feces and gases. The abdomen is distended asymmetrically, appetite is reduced, there is a feeling of weakness. Over time, more formidable signs of pathology will appear, in particular, repeated indomitable vomiting, which leads to rapid dehydration of the body.

In case of intestinal obstruction, emergency surgery is indicated.

On a note!

To summarize, I will highlight several critical symptoms that urgently need to seek medical help.

Regular pains in the lower abdomen are sharp and growing.
The pains do not go away after resting in a horizontal position.
Cramping pains in the lower abdomen, regardless of their intensity.
Vaginal discharge (bloody, bloody, smearing).
Digestive system disorders (nausea, vomiting, stool changes).
Increasing pain with pressure in the place of painful sensations, regardless of the location of the pain.

Undoubtedly, there are a lot of reasons due to which the lower abdomen pulls during pregnancy. Probably, I was not able to describe all of them, I missed something. But this is not so important.

It is important that you draw the main conclusion from this article: in any case, you need to be attentive to yourself, listen to new sensations, so as not to miss a dangerous situation and seek medical help in time

And even if you even once again consult a doctor who monitors your pregnancy, for a frivolous occasion, than miss something serious.