Stomach hurts during pregnancy: when you need to be alarmed. When a doctor is urgently needed. When the fetus may be at risk

Pregnancy for a woman is a special period in her life. It is not surprising that any sensations of pain in the abdominal region are perceived with special attention and anxiety.

After all, pain can signal that not everything is in order in the female body.

Every woman wants to give birth to a healthy child. And when there is pain in the abdomen, her excitement is understandable. The reasons for the appearance of pain during gestation are different.

They can appear from the weight gain of a pregnant woman, from the food she eats, but there are other problems as well. Why does a woman have a pain in her lower abdomen, here is today's topic of conversation.

Why can a pregnant woman have pains down the abdomen?

If the lower abdomen hurts during pregnancy, this may be a signal of an infection in the bladder or a violation of the digestive system.

It is important for a pregnant woman to take all the necessary measures on time, as an abortion may occur.

If the pain in the lower abdomen turns from acute into cramping, begins to repeat at regular intervals, with a noticeable frequency, urgently call an ambulance.

Only after the diagnosis of ultrasound can be found out the nature of the stabbing pain in the lower abdomen in pregnant women.

These symptoms may indicate an increased tone in the uterus, detachment of the ovum or placenta.

Thanks to ultrasound, you can see the condition of the fetus, after which the doctor will be able to find the correct treatment tactics. Pregnancy requires special attention.

In the later period of pregnancy, cardiotocography is usually used, it allows you to find out about the condition of the unborn child and see the cramping contractions of the uterus.

Why pulls the lower abdomen in a pregnant woman

  1. If the lower abdomen hurts in the early stages, this may indicate the beginning of the onset of pregnancy. The painful sensations of a woman in these moments are reminiscent of pain during the menstrual cycle. In the uterus, there are processes of enhanced hemodynamics. This is due to the rush of blood to the uterus. Such symptoms do not give any complications during pregnancy. But the consultation of a supervising physician should be mandatory in order to foresee undesirable consequences.
  2. Drawing pains in the lower abdomen at this time may not be a cause for alarm. Since this is a normal process, it is associated with a growing child. During the entire pregnancy, the ligaments responsible for the correct location of the uterus and playing a role for its support are under intense stress. And the closer to childbirth, the greater the weight of the child, the more the ligaments are loaded.
  3. Due to the strong tension of the ligaments, pain occurs. They can increase or decrease as the movements are made, from an elementary cough and sneeze. This pain is quickly passing, it is sharp and palpable. Lower abdominal pain can appear from intense physical exertion. In this regard, during this period, they need to be reduced.
  4. Old diseases associated with gynecology can be a consequence of pain in the lower abdomen. This pain is inherent in diseases of the ovaries or other diseases of the genitourinary system. In order to prevent the development of the inflammatory process, try to contact a specialist with this problem. After examination, he will prescribe a safe but effective treatment.
  5. At the same time, it is impossible to exclude the quite often occurring during this period disorders associated with digestion processes, frequent constipation that provoke pain in the lower abdomen.
  6. During pregnancy, pain in the lower abdomen can give an attack of appendicitis, intestinal obstruction and pancreatitis. If a pregnant woman has lower abdominal pain with the presence of nausea, vomiting, fever, do not waste time, this situation is quite serious, urgently call an ambulance.
  7. A pregnant woman should not listen to anyone's advice: knowledgeable girlfriends, grandmothers, take as a basis information on treatment read on the Internet. You should never take medication on your own to relieve pain! Any wrong step of self-treatment taken during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage and other serious consequences related to the health of the woman and child.
  8. A pregnant woman can ache in the lower abdomen from the contracting muscles in the uterus. This process usually occurs in the late stages of pregnancy, and if you put your hand on your stomach at these moments, you can feel that it becomes harder. The process is natural and not life threatening.
  9. The cause of pain in the lower abdomen in pregnant women can often be improper and poor-quality nutrition. Excessive food intake results in an additional load in the intestines. During pregnancy, he already experiences an uncomfortable state from being squeezed by his uterus. If it hurts for this reason, the pain usually quickly and stops when the digestion process in the body ends. In order not to experience such pain, women should monitor their diet and try not to overeat and drink fluids (within reasonable limits!).
  10. The types of spontaneous abortions can be different. And perhaps the pain that arose in the lower abdomen appeared in connection with the termination of pregnancy. It is dangerous to wait until it gets better, you agree to better discuss a plan of further action with a specialist. Of course, not every pain is a signal of a miscarriage or another possible health problem. But timely medical assistance will help maintain the pregnancy and solve, possibly, a serious problem.

Why does it hurt in the lower abdomen in the early stages of pregnancy in women?

In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman experiences a strong feeling of nausea. When vomiting occurs, flatulence and spasm in the intestines usually occur.

This does not pose a danger to the course of pregnancy and for the mother herself. But if this process intensifies, then a problem may arise. In this situation, mandatory control and specialist advice.

In the early stages, not all women experience pain and discomfort. But with an increase in the duration of pregnancy, due to an increase in the abdomen, it will not be possible to avoid these unpleasant moments.

All women are familiar with the feeling that "the stomach is pulling." The baby grows and develops inside the mother, which leads to an increase in the size of the uterus.

If the pregnant woman is involved in sports and has elastic muscles in the front of the abdominal wall, then they can cope and support the growing belly.

Over time, if a woman becomes pregnant again, these muscles will be weakened after the first birth, usually leading to a sagging belly.

If a woman has narrow hips, then she feels that her stomach is pulling down. To make it easier for mom to endure pregnancy, doctors recommend getting a special bandage for pulling up.

Thanks to the bandage, the woman will avoid the stretching pain that appears from the heavy load of the stretched ligaments that help to hold the uterus.

A pulling pain can occur in the abdomen due to scars from previous operations from the removal of the appendix, cesarean section and other surgical interventions.

During pregnancy, every woman has a feeling of discomfort and pain. And this is not surprising, since a new life develops inside the mother's body, which, together with the mother, goes through certain stages of development.

In a woman's body, the position of internal organs changes, the pelvic organs move apart, muscle tissue and ligaments are stretched.

It was noticed that most often pain is experienced by pregnant women who have had their periods with pain. Every pregnant woman should know that during the period of gestation, it is necessary to be attentive to the intensity of pain.

In any case, if something is alarming, it is better to play it safe and seek advice from a leading specialist.

It is considered normal if pulling pain occurs in early pregnancy. But this applies to the norm only when it does not pull in the abdomen all the time.

Stitching, pulling pains in the lower abdomen appear with hypertonicity of the uterus. If the pain is mild, try lying down, relaxing, and calm down.

If the pain with discharge increases, call an ambulance immediately.

Due to a decrease in work in the gastrointestinal tract during this period, stool stagnation, gas accumulation, and constipation occur. All these phenomena lead to stitching pains in the intestines.

With sensations of stabbing and at the same time cramping pain in the right hypochondrium, we can talk about inflammation occurring in the gallbladder (cholecystitis).

In the first few weeks of pregnancy, a pulling sensation in the abdomen occurs due to the attachment of the embryo to the fallopian tube. This process can only be in one of the pipes.

And a pulling pain can be in the place where the embryo is attached. The pain is intense and may be constant. This is a dangerous ectopic pregnancy and a visit to a doctor should be immediate!

With a correct pregnancy, without complications, pulling discomfort is not so noticeable. The woman usually feels well and can lead a normal life. Why does it hurt in the lower abdomen in the last stages of pregnancy?

In the last weeks of pregnancy, it is difficult for women to get out of bed, it is difficult to move, and the bottom hurts.

The presence of pulling pain in the last weeks in the lower abdomen suggests that labor may soon begin. This pulling pain resembles prenatal labor.

Discomfort, a feeling of pain in the lower abdomen in the last weeks in a pregnant woman is caused by an increase in the size of the uterus. Since its size from the moment of conception of the child has become more than five hundred times.

At this time, the uterus rises high and is located under the rib cage, in this regard, it becomes difficult for a woman to breathe if the child is pushed, literally, under the heart.

When the child moves inside it, the nerve endings are infringed, squeezing the internal organs. From this, the lower abdomen hurts.

At this time, before childbirth, training contractions begin. Thus, preparations are underway for the main childbirth.

Usually the pain occurs at the top of the uterus and gradually descends to the lower part of it, this process is accompanied by its contraction.

Such preparation of the body is necessary for future labor. This is normal. At this time, it is better to be at home and not go on a long journey.

During pregnancy, it is better to be less in public places so as not to get infected with influenza and other viral infections, it is forbidden to get sick during this period. Use this time to prepare for the hospital.

If the training of contractions has become permanent, they become more frequent, and become painful and abrupt, labor may begin.

The onset of labor is confirmed by severe pain in the abdomen, discharge of amniotic fluid. If it hurts a lot, urgently call an ambulance!

Sometimes in the last stages of pregnancy, pain in the lower abdomen may indicate a stone coming out of the kidneys, pancreatitis, and an attack of appendicitis.

The doctor must take into account the long period of pregnancy and prescribe appropriate treatment. If the situation is serious, a caesarean section will be performed. The birth of a child ahead of schedule at this point is not dangerous.

This article is for informational purposes only. No information on the Internet can replace live communication with a doctor. Pregnancy is a crucial period in the life of every woman.

during pregnancy - a very common complaint. Each person during his life, certain unpleasant sensations in the abdomen are disturbed repeatedly. But during pregnancy when the stomach is the object of close attention and constant care, any trouble in this area is perceived with particular concern.

Stitching pain in the lower abdomen can be a symptom of a wide variety of diseases, and for a correct diagnosis it is necessary to clarify its characteristics. The pain can be acute, sudden onset, or persistent, chronic. Distinguish between cramping pain, when the attacks of pain increase, then decrease, and constant. Pain in nature is stabbing, cutting, aching, pressing, etc. Localization (location) of abdominal pain is very important. Pain in the upper abdomen is typical for diseases of the biliary system, stomach, duodenum, pancreas, and may be associated with heart or lung disease.

Pain in the navel most often indicates a disease of the small intestine.

: pregnancy is at risk!

In some cases sharp abdominal pain is a symptom of serious illnesses that require seeking qualified medical attention. Often, pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy is a symptom of threatened abortion. At the initial stage, preceding the miscarriage, pregnant woman may be disturbed by pulling pains in the lower abdomen, which in nature resemble painful sensations during menstruation. Usually, these pains are localized in the center, just above the bosom, often accompanied by pain in the sacrum, mucous discharge from the genital tract, and frequent urination. Often, such manifestations are provoked by physical or emotional stress and can stop on their own at rest.

If the necessary measures were not taken at this stage, spontaneous abortion may develop. Wherein acute pain in the lower abdomen can change character and become cramping, repetitive at regular intervals. In the second half of pregnancy, pain is accompanied by tension in the uterus, the abdomen becomes hard, "turns to stone". In the future, the addition of spotting is possible. Such symptoms require immediate medical attention.

For diagnostics stitching pains in the lower abdomen ultrasound is used, during which it is possible to identify an increased tone of the uterus, detachment of the ovum, placenta, which confirms the diagnosis. In addition, during an ultrasound scan, it is possible to determine the conditions of the fetus, which is decisive for the choice, treatment tactics. In the later stages, CTG (cardiotocography) is used for diagnosis, which makes it possible to determine both the condition of the fetus and the presence of cramping contractions of the uterus.

During pregnancy preconditions are created for the development of diseases of the abdominal organs, which are also manifested by pain in the abdomen. First, hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman cause a decrease in peristalsis (motor activity) of the intestines, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreatic ducts, and stagnation of the contents of these organs, in turn, promotes the growth of pathogenic bacteria. In addition, during pregnancy, there is a decrease in immune defense and a change in blood circulation in the small vessels of the internal organs. All this contributes to the development of the inflammatory process in the organs of the digestive tract.

Pregnant women also have some characteristic features. Due to the growth of the uterus and relaxation of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, the internal organs are displaced, therefore, the localization of pain may change in comparison with the typical manifestations of this disease.

Secondly, due to the displacement of the internal organs, the greater omentum, designed to delimit the inflammatory process in the abdominal cavity, is pushed back by the uterus and has poor contact with the internal organs. Due to this, the resulting inflammatory process can quickly spread to nearby organs and the peritoneum with the development of peritonitis - inflammation of the peritoneum (a thin film covering all organs and walls of the abdominal cavity), which is especially significant in the third trimester. Therefore, during pregnancy, it becomes especially important to timely seek medical help.

Acute appendicitis. The most common pathology requiring urgent surgery during pregnancy is acute appendicitis. Most often, this disease is noted in the second trimester.

The disease begins suddenly severe abdominal pain, which acquires a constant aching character and then moves to where the appendix (appendix) is currently located. Outside of pregnancy, it is located in the lower right third of the abdomen, but with an increase in the period it shifts higher. The pain may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. In some cases, the body temperature may rise. Characterized by increased pain when lying on the right side, due to the pressure of the pregnant uterus on the inflamed focus. With a significant deterioration in general condition, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, an increase in body temperature, bloating, it is possible to assume the development of peritonitis.

Cholecystitis. In second place among surgical pathology during pregnancy there is cholecystitis - an inflammation of the gallbladder. Cholecystitis is usually manifested by pain and a feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium. Pain can be dull, aching (with chronic cholecystitis) or sharp, cramping (with acute). Pain may be accompanied by a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, belching, heartburn, and bloating. The onset of an attack is usually provoked by errors in the diet - eating fatty, fried foods - or, especially in the presence of stones in the gallbladder, shaking while driving. During pregnancy the appearance or intensification of pain during fetal movement is possible.

Pancreatitis This disease is an inflammation of the pancreas. Its development is favored by a violation of the outflow of bile, non-compliance with the diet, in particular, abundant meat and fatty foods, alcohol consumption, hereditary predisposition, stress. Acute pancreatitis manifests itself severe abdominal pain in particular, acute pain in the upper abdomen (epigastric region, right or left hypochondrium), often of a shingles nature. Vomiting, stool disturbance, and a decrease in blood pressure are often noted.

To clarify the diagnosis, a medical examination, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, blood and urine tests are performed. If necessary, additional examinations may be carried out depending on the symptoms of the disease. With acute appendicitis and cholecystitis, in the vast majority of cases, surgical treatment is performed. The operation can be performed at any stage of pregnancy. It is possible to use a gentle laparoscopic operation technique, when instruments are inserted through small punctures into the abdominal cavity and the necessary manipulations are performed.

In the presence of stones in the gallbladder and a chronic inflammatory process, treatment is carried out in it aimed at preventing exacerbations of the process, and the operation is performed after delivery. Treatment of chronic inflammation of the abdominal organs during pregnancy is usually carried out conservatively, preferably in a stationary setting. In addition to treatment, it is imperative to adhere to a diet, which is prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the disease.


Foodborne toxicoinfections. Often sharp abdominal pain are caused by foodborne illness, commonly referred to as "poisoning." The cause of this disease is microorganisms that enter the gastrointestinal tract with water, food, or through dirty hands. The manifestations of the disease are quite typical. There are pains in the abdomen, mainly in the navel, pulling or cramping, often accompanied by frequent loose stools, nausea, sometimes vomiting, possibly an increase in body temperature.

Diagnosis of the disease is carried out on the basis of a doctor's examination, ultrasound data, in some cases, a study of feces, vomit may be required to clarify the cause of the disease. If the general condition is not significantly affected, there are no signs of dehydration - such as severe weakness, pallor, cold sweat, decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate - treatment can be carried out without hospitalization in a hospital.

The main therapeutic measures are diet, replenishment of the normal volume of fluid and elimination of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. At home, it is recommended to drink plenty of water: ordinary drinking water, mineral water at room temperature without gas, strong tea, in some cases a doctor may prescribe medicinal teas with an astringent effect.

In the acute period of the disease, with sharp pains in the abdomen a sparing diet is recommended: boiled, mashed food that does not irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, fatty, fried, smoked, salty foods rich in fiber are excluded (vegetables and fruits in any form, after the symptoms disappear, boiled and baked fruits and vegetables are allowed), black bread , bran. Boiled cereals and slimy soups made from rice, oatmeal, millet, well-boiled pasta, dried white bread, dairy products (kefir, cottage cheese), boiled low-fat minced meat and fish are recommended. As the condition improves, the diet becomes less strict.

Cystitis. Another reason acute pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, there may be cystitis - inflammation of the bladder. Cystitis, especially chronic cystitis, is characterized by a pulling pain and a feeling of heaviness over the bosom, which intensifies when the bladder is full and reaches its greatest intensity at the end of urination. Acute cutting pain is combined with frequent urination, urine output in small portions, and blood may appear at the end of urination. Diagnosis of the disease is carried out on the basis of complaints, data from a doctor's examination and analyzes.

So the reason severe abdominal pain there can be a wide variety of diseases, therefore, if such symptoms occur, you should consult your doctor. Only a doctor can correctly assess all your symptoms. In case of pain that you have never experienced before, it is better to call an ambulance. To establish a final diagnosis, additional tests and specialist advice may be required.


: treatment during pregnancy

When there is severe abdominal pain before consulting a doctor, it is allowed to use antispasmodics - drugs that relax the smooth muscles of internal organs. It is possible to use NO-SHPA in tablets or CANDLES WITH PAPAVERIN. At the same time, it is recommended to relax, rest. If the pain has not stopped within an hour, you can repeat the drug intake. But if the pain increases or is not relieved for a long time by taking antispasmodics, other symptoms join it, an urgent need to consult a doctor. It is not recommended to self-medicate, use pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs; these drugs change the clinical manifestations of the disease, mask it, creating the appearance of improvement. In addition, when visiting a doctor, some of the characteristic symptoms of the disease may be absent due to the use of pain medications. And even more so, you cannot take antibacterial drugs on your own: many of them can harm your baby, and in addition, they will change the manifestations of the disease and distort the picture of laboratory tests.

Pregnancy: abdominal pain

The most common cause of pulling lower abdominal pain v I trimester of pregnancy are the physiological changes that occur in the body of a pregnant woman. Under the influence of pregnancy hormones, the tissues that form the supporting apparatus of the uterus soften, as well as their stretching and displacement due to the growth of the uterus. Some women do not notice this, in others, all these processes make themselves felt with minor pulling pains in the lower abdomen, tingling, which are usually localized on both sides of the midline. These pains are never cramping and do not recur at regular intervals. They are usually not related to physical exertion or stress. It is noticed that often similar stomach ache worried about women who had painful menstruation before pregnancy.

In the second half of pregnancy, pulling lower abdominal pain caused by stretching of the abdominal muscles, displacement of internal organs, especially the intestines, caused by a significant increase in the size of the uterus. In addition, the peristalsis of the intestines under the influence of pregnancy hormones is reduced, and the movement of food through the intestines is slower. In this regard, overstretching of certain sections of the intestine is possible, which can also manifest itself as pulling or stabbing pain in the lower abdomen on the left... The above phenomena do not require emergency medical intervention. With the help of simple measures, it is possible to reduce these unpleasant manifestations to a minimum.

It is recommended to eat properly during pregnancy. Since the intestine works more slowly under the influence of hormones, it should not be overloaded. You need to eat 4-5 times a day in small portions. Do not allow long breaks between meals, as well as overeating. Compression of the intestine by an enlarged uterus further complicates the advancement of food masses, and stretching of the intestine will inevitably lead to the appearance stomach pain... In addition, with prolonged presence of food in the intestines, fermentation processes intensify and flatulence may develop, which increases discomfort in the abdomen.

To improve peristalsis, you must daily include foods containing fiber in your diet, primarily raw fruits and vegetables, you can use cooked fruits and vegetables. If any foods cause you to gas up (most often they include legumes, cabbage, onions, garlic, radishes, radishes, as well as apple and grape juices), you should refrain from using them. We also recommend prunes and dried apricots, which contain a large amount of organic acids and thereby facilitate intestinal motility.

It is advisable to limit the use of refined foods, fatty and sugary foods, fast food: these foods can negatively affect the work of the intestines.

You must drink enough fluids as its deficiency leads to dysfunction of the digestive tract and urinary system.

Along with the use of a diet, physical activity is very important: swimming, therapeutic exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles of the abdomen, back, hips and buttocks. Such exercises have a beneficial effect not only on the work of the intestines, but also on the state of the whole organism.

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:

  1. training fights;
  2. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Do not take hot baths under any circumstances.... Even foot baths can trigger the loss of a child in the early stages.
  4. Don't forget about healthy sleep... Sleep during pregnancy should be at least 9 hours. It is also advisable to take a short nap.
  5. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

During the period of bearing a child, a woman is especially susceptible to any deviation in her health. It is especially alarming when the lower abdomen hurts during pregnancy, because that is where her baby is now. The fears and fears of the expectant mother are fully justified, but you should not immediately fall into hysterics - it is better to calmly figure everything out.

How the lower abdomen hurts during pregnancy - the nature of the pain

Pain sensations have varying degrees of intensity and character. Symptoms are tingling, shooting, cramping, stabbing, or pulling. Occur one-time or periodically. All these factors make it possible to establish the degree of danger to the life and health of the mother and child.

In some cases, lower abdominal pain during gestation indicates the norm, especially in the early stages. A delay of 1,2,3 days with pain in the lower abdomen is a sure sign of pregnancy, especially if the test is positive. But if the lower abdomen and lower back hurt in the later stages, the degree of danger increases many times over and it is necessary to urgently take appropriate measures.

Interesting fact. It is believed that the full gestation period in women is 40 weeks. But in reality, everything is different. Childbirth can occur at 38-42 weeks. This is explained by the fact that the beginning of the obstetric period is the first day of the last menstruation, and not the moment of real conception.

In the first trimester

If there is a delay in menstruation and the test is positive, you can rightfully consider yourself pregnant. During fertilization, the egg and sperm combine, form the ovum and undergo a period of implantation into the uterine lining. To fix the egg, it needs free space, which it frees up. Reorganization of the body begins. On the 14,16,18 day of the cycle, a woman may feel pulling pains in the lower abdomen. But unpleasant symptoms are temporary and disappear as soon as the body adapts to new conditions.

If there is an acute, throbbing pain in the lower abdomen, accompanied by bleeding, an urgent visit to the gynecological center is necessary. Signs may indicate the occurrence of a pathology that threatens a miscarriage. Only after passing a medical examination, you will find out the cause of the disease and find a rational solution to this problem.

In the second trimester

If in the second trimester a pregnant woman suffers from small pulling and stabbing pain sensations, especially when coughing and walking, do not panic, because the reason may be the physiological characteristics of the development of the fetus. In the middle of the term, the uterus stretches, changing the space around it. As it expands, it presses on the supporting ligament, resulting in pain. This is especially felt when sneezing and sudden movements. The unpleasant symptoms soon subside.

If a pregnant woman complains that the intestines are sore, then the most likely reason is hormonal changes, in which peristalsis is disturbed. It is constipation that is the starting point of the onset of the disease. The problem is solved by going to the doctor.

But what if there are severe cutting pains in the lower abdomen on the left or right? The occurrence of cuts may indicate an exacerbation of appendicitis, pancreatitis, and intestinal obstruction. In these cases, pain symptoms will be concentrated in a certain place, with increasing intensity. In this case, the patient is thrown into a fever and the temperature rises above 37.

In the third trimester

The last trimester is associated with an increase and hardening of the uterus, which leads to a displacement of the gallbladder, intestines, stomach. The uterus puts pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination and pain on the left side. During this period, it is necessary to closely monitor mucous secretions. If a brown tint of blood is found, urgently consult a doctor.

During pregnancy, not only the lower abdomen, but also the back can often hurt. Sometimes symptoms called "false contractions" occur. They differ from natural contractions in the absence of severe pain. After examination by the gynecologist, some discomfort is also felt, which disappears after 1-2 hours.

Useful video about the causes and types of abdominal pain during pregnancy:

If there is no pain in the lower abdomen - pathology or norm

In the normal course of pregnancy, severe and acute pain should not be. Slight discomfort, like before menstruation, pulling symptoms are the norm. A slight deterioration in health is allowed after a hot bath, sex. The latter is strictly prohibited in the third trimester.

Many women complain that their nipples hurt and that the lower abdomen is pulling. This is also a variant of the physiological norm. So the body prepares for the birth and feeding of the baby. If the pelvic area hurts at night, then it is recommended to change the position, because with a prolonged stay in one position, the swollen and heavy uterus will press on the organs.

What will the pain in the lower abdomen tell about during pregnancy - possible causes

Many expectant mothers are wondering - why does the lower abdomen hurt during pregnancy?

There are many causes of pain, but in general they are divided into two main groups:

  1. Natural changes in the body.
  2. The emergence of pathology, when the help of a specialist is needed.

Let's consider the most common reasons.

Food poisoning

The expectant mother should carefully monitor her diet. Eat vegetables, fruits, meat products, fish and dairy products. But even with strict food control, no one is immune from food poisoning, which causes profuse vomiting, cramps and pain in the lower abdomen.

The difference between the poisoning of an ordinary person and a pregnant woman is in the late detection of the disease. After all, the symptoms of food poisoning are similar to banal toxicosis. The difference is that with toxicosis, nausea and vomiting may be present, but fever, chills and spasms are not.

Hormonal changes in the body

Pain on the right or left in the lower abdomen often occurs due to hormonal changes. This is due to the high release of hormones for the normal bearing of the baby. Hormonal attack affects mood swings, appetite, sleep and exacerbation of chronic diseases.

The pains are most often pulling and tingling in nature. They mainly appear in the first month and pass with the adaptation of the body to bearing a new life. Pain symptoms can occur after childbirth with breastfeeding. The symptom indicates uterine contractions. This is also true for the post-abortion period.

Ectopic pregnancy

A normal pregnancy is characterized by the attachment of the ovum to the uterus. But there are times when the egg does not reach the uterus and the fallopian tubes, ovaries and even the abdominal cavity become the place of its development. With the appearance of such a pathology, sooner or later, the lower abdominal cavity will inevitably hurt.

The danger of the condition is that literally in a month, an enlarging fetus can rupture the walls of the fallopian tubes, posing a threat to the woman's life. The only correct decision would be to undergo a full medical examination in the early stages for the possibility of developing pathologies.

The threat of termination of pregnancy

The threat of miscarriage can arise at any time. Its sure signs are: aching pain and bloody discharge from the vagina. If negative symptoms are detected, the doctor prescribes Utrozhestan and similar drugs. When taking Duphaston and Utrozhestan, the amount of progesterone increases, which suppresses the activity of the muscles of the uterus and normalizes the hormonal background. Medicines contribute to the normal bearing and birth of a strong, healthy baby.

Can pain occur when taking medication? Yes, in case of individual intolerance to a certain component.

Tension of the muscles and ligaments of the uterus

Painful symptoms sometimes accompany the expectant mother in the second trimester. During this period, the uterus begins to stretch strongly, and exert powerful pressure on the muscles and ligaments. Begins to pull the bottom, tingling sensations appear. Symptoms appear with brisk walking, sudden movements, sneezing. Observing the correct daily routine and the distribution of physical activity, the discomfort disappears in a few days.

Surgical diseases (appendicitis, cholecystitis, diseases of the urinary system)

In case of exacerbation of chronic diseases and the occurrence of an acute form of other surgical diseases, it is recommended to urgently visit a doctor, because this is a direct threat to the life of the mother and child. Only a specialist can correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment. With a planned surgical operation, the doctor, if possible, postpones the date until the birth of the child. The patient during this period undergoes a therapeutic course of drugs.

Hiatal hernia

The occurrence of this pathology in expectant mothers is not uncommon.

There are many reasons provoking the disease:

  1. Abnormal intrauterine development of the muscles of the diaphragm.
  2. Lifting weights.
  3. Frequent constipation.
  4. Walking in a small and tight set of clothes.
  5. Great physical activity.

Symptoms that indicate the disease: pain on the sides and left, bloating, nausea, vomiting, increased salivation.

Stirring fetus

Stirring a baby in the womb can sometimes cause discomfort. Many people note that when you sit in the wrong position, with your legs crossed, the baby begins to actively toss and turn, showing his displeasure. But as soon as the mother takes a more comfortable position for the baby, "lying on the bed" and the discomfort immediately stops, the baby calms down - he likes everything.

Training contractions

The main goal of the training contractions is to prepare the birth canal for the baby's exit.

But sometimes contractions begin for other reasons:

  1. Stressful states.
  2. After unprotected intercourse.
  3. Lack of moisture in the body.
  4. Vigorous activity of the baby.
  5. After PA (Panic Attack).

In this condition, the pelvic region and back may be slightly sagging.

Diagnostic methods

When diagnosing, the doctor collects an anamnesis for the entire pregnancy. Asks the patient where it hurts when pressed, examines how the breast is swollen, conducts a gynecological examination. Directs the patient to undergo an ultrasound scan, may prescribe hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. After collecting the necessary data, the specialist prescribes treatment, which can be medical and surgical. The latter option is carried out only when absolutely necessary.

How to treat abdominal pain during pregnancy

Treatment methods depend on the diagnosis and timing.

In the early stages

At the first stage of gestation, with the threat of miscarriage, drug treatment is often prescribed, which helps the expectant mother to overcome unpleasant moments and give birth to a healthy baby. But sometimes patients complain that they feel unwell from Terzhinan or similar drugs. In this case, it is imperative to consult a doctor.

Another method of treatment is surgery. It is prescribed for exacerbation of diseases, their transition to the acute stage and ectopic conception. The solution to the problem is surgical intervention, sometimes ending with the removal of the embryo. The appearance of pulling and aching symptoms after cleansing the uterus is temporary and disappears within a few days. Also, a surgical operation is indicated in case of embryo freezing. After scraping the dead flesh, a supportive therapy is performed.

At a later date

If painful conditions occur in the groin area in the third trimester, then the baby's pressure on the bladder will be a possible cause. The cuts in this area indicate a cystitis disease. Another reason is the active movement of the baby in the womb.

But if the signs of malaise persist, then it is better to seek help from a doctor. The specialist will diagnose and prescribe treatment. Often the doctor recommends going to the hospital for conservation.

Pain can also occur during breastfeeding and after a caesarean section.

To minimize negative symptoms, as it turned out, you just need to strictly follow the recommendations of the attending physician:

  1. Eat a balanced diet.
  2. Wear a bandage.
  3. Perform remedial gymnastics.
  4. Take medications prescribed by your doctor.
  5. Do not be nervous.
  6. Rest more often.

If you follow the installation "I accept and do everything that the specialist says", you will be able to avoid many negative consequences.

Conclusion

If the expectant mother is experiencing pain, which is frightening with the frequency and degree of increase, then the help of a doctor is simply necessary. Only by strictly following the recommendations of a specialist can you count on a safe and easy delivery.