Belly pain in pregnancy
Belly pain in pregnancy is a fairly common symptom during pregnancy nine months of gestation, and most of the time it's perfectly normal and needn't worry the expectant mother. If the pain becomes acute and persistent, and is also accompanied by blood loss, fever, weakness or other ailments, it could be a sign of something more serious and should therefore not be underestimated. It is advisable to always contact your doctor and gynecologist and avoid self-diagnosis which could worsen the situation.
Let's try to understand the causes and symptoms of stomach pain during the different stages of pregnancy and when you need to be alarmed. What is the difference between abdominal pain that occurs in the first weeks or in the early pregnancy and a stomach ache more intense at the end of the nine months.
In this article
- Stomach pain in the first few weeks
- Stomach pain in the second and third trimesters
- Belly pain and diarrhea in pregnancy
- Belly pain in pregnancy in the fourth and fifth month
- Belly pain in pregnancy in the third trimester
- Belly pain in pregnancy, when to worry
Stomach pain in the first few weeks
At the beginning of pregnancy, there are some symptoms that a woman may experience aches and cramps in the lower abdomen, easily confused with typical premenstrual discomfort, if you have not yet taken the test and do not know you are pregnant. This tension in the lower abdomen it is caused by the growth of the uterus preparing for pregnancy after conception has occurred. The blood supply increases, the blood vessels dilate causing the famous cramps.
Stomach pain in the second and third trimesters
The stomach ache and abdominal pain they may also be felt during the other months of pregnancy. Here are the most common causes:
- Constipation
During gestation many organs undergo alterations and the gastrointestinal system is among those most affected by these changes. Constipation can be caused by increased water needs and usually by hormones, which slow down digestion.
- Abdominal gas and bloated belly
The main causes are to be found in hormones such as progesterone and the high level of estrogen which cause dilation of the uterus and swelling of the abdomen. Poor nutrition, eating too quickly, or anxiety can also cause belly swelling resulting in a stomach ache.
- Cramps during orgasm
They are perfectly normal if they are mild and short-lived.
Belly pain and diarrhea in pregnancy
Belly pain in pregnancy can also be accompanied by Diarrhea and in this case the causes can be found in the digestive disorder typical of the first weeks of pregnancy. On the other hand, if gestation is advanced, diarrhea can be caused by pressure of the uterus on the abdominal cavity and on the intestine and consequently the food is assimilated with more difficulty. However this disorder can also be triggered by viral or intestinal infections, or from an incorrect diet.
Belly pain in pregnancy in the fourth and fifth month
- During the second trimester of pregnancy, the expectant mother may experience a stomach ache caused by the round ligament pain which occurs when the uterus begins to dilate. The ligaments that support the uterus stretch and you may feel continuous cramping in the lower abdomen. Round ligament pain may be felt when changing shooting positions, either getting up from a chair or bed, coughing, or after walking for a long time. In any case, if you have any doubts about the nature of the discomfort, always contact a doctor.
- Belly pain during pregnancy can also be caused by Braxton-Hicks contractions, also known under the name of false contractions, which can occur during the second trimester of pregnancy. They are caused by the elongation and extension of the uterus as it adjusts to the growth of the fetus. But how to distinguish false contractions from those they indicate the beginning of childbirth? If the contractions are accompanied by vaginal discharge (which is not implantation), they become more frequent, more intense and regular, which could be a sign of early labor. In any case, it is advisable to consult your gynecologist or go to the emergency room to dispel any doubts.
Belly pain in pregnancy in the third trimester
If stomach ache occurs at the end of pregnancy it can be caused by contractions beginning of labor, accompanied by pain in the kidneys and tension in the belly and in this case it is advisable to go to the hospital immediately.
Belly pain in pregnancy, when to worry
Belly pain during pregnancy can be the sign of a more serious ailment when it is persistent and acute and if it is also accompanied by blood loss other than implantation. It could be the onset of premature labor, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, urinary tract infection, placental abruption, or pre-eclampsia. It is necessary to go to the doctor or your gynecologist to evaluate the symptoms and determine the causes of the pain.
