Abdominal pain during pregnancy
Dr. rer. nat. Daniela Oesterle is a molecular biologist, human geneticist and trained medical editor. As a freelance journalist, she writes texts on health topics for experts and laypeople and edits specialist scientific articles by doctors in German and English. She is responsible for the publication of certified advanced training courses for medical professionals for a renowned publishing house.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.Many expectant mothers complain of abdominal pain. Being pregnant means that you are more susceptible to uncomfortable pulling or painful pressure in the abdominal region. Most of the time, these abdominal pains are harmless and due to the enormous physical changes. Sudden and severe abdominal pain during pregnancy can have serious causes. Read everything you need to know about pregnancy and abdominal or abdominal pain here!
Pregnancy & abdominal pain: not uncommon!
Pregnant women are more likely to suffer from more or less severe, but usually harmless, abdominal pain. The pain is sharp, pulling, throbbing, blunt or cramp-like and can occur from the abdomen to the upper abdomen.
In most cases, the enormous physical changes trigger the pain: the more advanced the pregnancy, the more intense the symptoms are. Although these stomach pains are harmless during pregnancy, some women are concerned about their child's well-being. You should then seek a conversation with the midwife or gynecologist. These can usually reassure the expectant mother.
Tension in the abdomen: pregnancy makes itself felt
In some women, the first thing that signals that they are pregnant is a slight tug in the abdomen: the tug occurs when the fertilized egg is implanted in the lining of the uterus. The placenta also develops in the first few weeks of pregnancy. and their root-like villi gradually penetrate the uterus. In addition, new blood vessels are formed to supply the growing child. All of these processes do not always go unnoticed and unnoticed by the pregnant woman.
From slight pulling to cramps: mother ligaments
The more advanced the pregnancy, the worse the abdominal pain. Pregnant women sometimes complain of severe cramp-like pain that can originate from the so-called mother ligaments. The two flexible muscle fiber ligaments anchor the uterus to the pelvis and stabilize its position by optionally stretching and giving way again. This sometimes causes severe pain in the lateral abdomen, comparable to a muscle strain.
A sluggish bowel often causes abdominal pain
Being pregnant often brings digestive problems with it: Up to 44 percent of all pregnant women suffer from abdominal pain, constipation and gas. The hormonal changes are mainly responsible for the symptoms: Higher hormone concentrations - for example the hormone progesterone - slow down the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. This can cause gas, constipation, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and heartburn.
Lack of space increases abdominal pain
During pregnancy, the space in the mother's abdominal cavity becomes smaller and smaller: the uterus and child become larger and increasingly require more space. It's going to be tight! This compresses the surrounding organs. For example, increasing pressure on the intestines leads to gas and constipation, and prolonged pressure on the stomach leads to stomach pain. Movements and kicks of the child also contribute to abdominal pain during pregnancy.
Do not confuse abdominal pain with labor
Of course, labor can also lead to a hard stomach and uncomfortable pain. As early as the 20th week of pregnancy, irregular contractions (practice contractions) set in, which become stronger and more regular as the pregnancy progresses. Ask your midwife for advice if you have mild abdominal pain. It may be practice contractions, i.e. the body's first preparation for the birth.
What helps with harmless abdominal pain?
For the female organism, pregnancy means a real high performance. That costs a lot of energy. Make sure you relax in a targeted manner and avoid stress. If abdominal pain is caused by gas or constipation, you should drink enough, eat high-fiber and eat smaller but more frequent meals. Warm baths (not too hot!) And gentle massages can relieve the pain immediately.
Dangerous causes of abdominal pain
Unfortunately, being pregnant also means having to reckon with possible pregnancy complications. See a doctor quickly if abdominal pain (especially abdominal pain) occurs suddenly and very severely or if other symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting or bleeding occur. These signs can indicate complications that need to be treated:
- threatened or occurring miscarriage or premature birth
- Fallopian tube, ovarian, cervical or ectopic pregnancy
- Uterine tear
Another pregnancy-related complication is HELLP syndrome, a serious form of preeclampsia. Among other things, it causes pain in the epigastric region.
Gynecological causes of abdominal pain
Pregnant or not: Abdominal pain can be the result of various gynecological diseases such as fallopian tube and ovarian inflammation, twisting of the ovary, pedicled ovarian cyst, benign growths of the uterus (fibroids), a fallopian tube abscess or ovarian cancer. In such cases, too, accompanying symptoms such as bleeding or fever can be possible warning signs. Then go to the doctor!
Other causes of abdominal pain
In pregnancy as in all other phases of life and in men, other illnesses can be the reason for serious abdominal pain. Examples are appendicitis, gallbladder and pancreatitis, intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease and diverticulitis (inflammation of intestinal protuberances) and diseases of the urinary tract, especially urinary stones.
Conclusion: abdominal pain during pregnancy
Most of the time you can have no worries if you experience abdominal or abdominal pain during pregnancy. These are among the common but mostly harmless side effects.However, you should urgently see your gynecologist or the clinic if you have persistent or sudden and severe abdominal pain. Pregnant or not: The symptoms can be caused by serious illnesses and complications, especially with accompanying symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting or bleeding.
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