What Causes Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy?

Abdominal pain during pregnancy worries mothers and is in fact the main reason for a medical consultation. In this article we explain why this discomfort occurs, how to relieve it and when it is necessary to go to the hospital.

Abdominal pain during pregnancy

Abdominal pain during pregnancy is quite common due to the changes that the body of women undergoes during pregnancy. However, this usually doesn’t mean you or your baby are in danger.

In general, these situations occur as a result of the growth of the baby in the tummy and in many cases resolve on their own. Below we answer the possible causes.

Main causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy

1. Accumulation of gas

The increase in progesterone levels usually causes muscle relaxation and slows down the digestive system, which is accompanied by the accumulation of gases.

In addition, in the third trimester, the baby is so large that it presses on the stomach, possibly affecting digestion. For this reason, discomforts such as heartburn or indigestion are more common in the last few months.

In addition, constipation can also cause flatulence and this in turn can cause colic. The buildup of stool, which is not easily eliminated, can make it difficult to remove gases. This can lead to discomfort.

2. Round Ligament Pain

The round ligament is the ligament that connects your uterus to the groin. As your uterus stretches to make room for your baby, various discomforts can occur, ranging from sharp, stabbing, and intermittent pain to persistent dull pain.

Round ligament pain usually occurs during the second trimester. It tends to affect the hip or abdomen of the pregnant woman. Postural changes, coughing or even laughing can already cause the discomfort.

3. A hard belly

The well-known Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as “practice contractions,” often appear in the second half of pregnancy. Although they are a nuisance, they are not dangerous. Your body produces them to prepare you for childbirth.

The Braxton Hicks contractions often feel like a tightening of the gut. The belly becomes as firm and hard as a stone. However, they do not cause pain, just discomfort.

4. Other Problems That Can Cause Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy

Digestive problems, such as sensitivity to certain foods, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or stomach viruses can also cause temporary abdominal pain. Watch for these symptoms and treat them appropriately under medical supervision.

How can you relieve abdominal pain during pregnancy?

The causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy that we have described above are not serious and do not pose a threat to the health of you or your baby. For example, if you want to relieve your discomfort, you can do the following:

• Avoid heavy meals. Eating a lot forces the stomach to work harder. Therefore, it is best to eat smaller meals several times a day to avoid discomfort.
• Eat slowly. If you eat quickly, more air enters your stomach. This can cause flatulence.

• Avoid foods that produce gases. Cauliflower and broccoli, for example, often cause flatulence. Therefore, it is best not to consume them for at least a while.
• Avoid sudden changes in posture to minimize pain around the ligaments. In addition, these movements can also cause a hard stomach.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid constipation and dehydration. The latter can cause false contractions.
• Rest. Getting relaxation and rest may be what you need to reduce abdominal pain.

When do you have to go to the hospital?

Although abdominal pain during pregnancy is usually not serious and in most cases is related to discomfort, there are several reasons why you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Here are the top reasons why you should go to the hospital.

1. Ectopic Pregnancy

If you feel any abdominal pain early in your pregnancy, whether severe or mild, and if it is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, see your doctor immediately. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the egg is fertilized outside the uterus. This condition can be life-threatening if not treated early.

2. Miscarriage

Between weeks 13 and 20 of pregnancy, severe abdominal pain can indicate a miscarriage. In other words, for some reason the fetus does not develop further and is expelled from the body in the form of a hemorrhage.

If you find yourself in this sad situation, it is important that you visit your doctor for a checkup and take the necessary precautions to protect your health and facilitate a future pregnancy.

3. Placental Detachment

The placenta provides the baby with oxygen and food through the umbilical cord. When placental detachment occurs, the placenta completely or partially separates itself from the uterine wall (Spanish link). This condition can make it difficult for the baby to get the oxygen and nutrients he needs to develop.

Sudden and constant abdominal pain, accompanied by general malaise, may indicate placental detachment. In some cases, vaginal bleeding is observed, but in other cases, the blood gets trapped behind the placenta and therefore no bleeding occurs.

The prevalence of placental detachment is 1 in 100 pregnancies. Therefore, if in doubt, consult your doctor. This condition can cause preterm labor or stillbirth in the most extreme cases.

4. Preeclampsia

This condition occurs because of decreased blood flow to the placenta. The symptoms include fluid retention, protein in the urine, high blood pressure, and pain in the upper right part of the abdomen. If preeclampsia is not treated in time, it can endanger the life of the baby and the mother.

5. Appendicitis

This condition usually causes lower right abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting. In some cases, the pregnant woman also suffers from fever and diarrhea. Immediate medical attention is important to protect the health of both mother and baby.

6. Contractions

If you feel contractions, go to the hospital as it may be time for labor! You can feel these contractions in your back. From there they radiate out to the lower abdomen. In addition, they become more intense and regular over time, they come in quicker succession and they last longer.

In short, abdominal pain during pregnancy is usually not a symptom of a serious condition. However, if you are not sure, or if you feel weak, tired or have a fever, consult your doctor.