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Understanding Stomach Pain During Pregnancy
Abdominal (stomach) pain or cramps are common during pregnancy. They're usually not severe, but sometimes, there can be a sign of something more serious that needs immediate action to be taken.
It's nothing to worry about if the pain is mild. It reduces when you make the position change, take a rest, pass the wind or do a poo.
Harmless stomach pains, which can be dull or sharp, may be caused by:
- Ligament pain (often called "growing pains" as the ligaments stretch to support your growing bump) – this can feel like a sharp cramp on one side of your lower tummy.
- Constipation
- Trapped wind
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Symptoms of Pregnancy Stomach Pain?
Some conditions that can cause stomach pain require immediate attention. A few of those conditions are explained below;
Ectopic Pregnancy
- When a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, for example, in a fallopian tube, it is known as Ectopic Pregnancy.
- This cannot survive and needs to be removed with medicine or surgery.
- Ectopic Pregnancy symptoms typically appear between 4 and 12 weeks of Pregnancy and can include:
- Tummy pain and bleeding
- Pain in the tip of your shoulder
- Discomfort when pooing or peeing
Miscarriage
Cramping pains and bleeding before 24 weeks of Pregnancy can sometimes indicate a miscarriage or a threatened miscarriage, where bleeding occurs but the Pregnancy usually continues.
Pre-Eclampsia
- During Pregnancy, the pain just under the ribs is expected as the growing baby and uterus push up under the ribs. However, if this pain is severe or persistent, especially on the right side, it could indicate pre-eclampsia.
- Pre-eclampsia is a condition characterised by high BP during Pregnancy. It typically starts after twenty weeks of Pregnancy or shortly after the baby is born and requires immediate medical attention.
What are the Reasons for Stomach Pain during Pregnancy?
Abdomen pain during pregnancy is common. But sometimes, this pain may also lead to some severe problems. There can be various reasons for the pain in the abdomen during the Pregnancy:
- The pain in the lower back
- Pain in the ligaments
- Vaginal discharge
- Bleeding
- Cramping
- Trapped wind
- Cramps of the vagina
- Bleeding etc.
The symptoms for consulting the doctor are:
- Difficulty urinating
- Severe headache
- Having more than four contractions in two hours
- Blood in the urine, etc.
You should visit the doctor if you have had pain in the abdomen for more than 24 hours.
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Book an AppointmentWhat are the Home Remedies for Stomach Pain during Pregnancy?
The abdominal pain can be eased during pregnancy at home by the following:
Drink Plenty of Water
- Keeping the body hydrated helps relieve abdominal pain during pregnancy.
- Pregnants should drink a minimum of six to eight glasses of water daily.
- This remedy is considered adequate if the pain is caused by constipation during pregnancy.
Take a Bath in the Warm Water
- Taking a bath in warm water may also help relieve the pain in the abdomen.
- Warm water helps reduce the pain caused by the stretched muscles of the ligaments and abdomen.
- When the stretched muscles become normal, the pain starts lowering.
Using Pain Reliever Medicines
- Various painkillers can be consumed to lower the pain in the abdomen.
- You should consult your doctor before using any painkillers in pregnancy.
- The doctor may prescribe the particular painkillers after having a look at your symptoms.
Prenatal Massage
- Prenatal massage is another remedy used to treat the abdominal pain during pregnancy.
- It is a type of body massage performed by a prenatal massage therapist to comfort and secure the baby and the mother.
- Massage around the abdomen helps relieve pain, promote relaxation, and provide a sense of wellness.
- It is necessary to consult a doctor before the prenatal massage.
Eat Fiber-rich Foods
- Taking foods that are rich in fibre can also help cure abdominal pain during pregnancy.
- Beans, dried fruits, lentils, avocados, broccoli, and apples are among the foods rich in fibre.
- Other advantages of eating fibre-rich foods during pregnancy include reducing the risk of diabetes, promoting good heart health, and preventing constipation.
- It also helps maintain a proper diet during pregnancy.
Hot Water Bottle
- The hot water bottle also helps relieve abdominal pain during pregnancy.
- Applying the hot water bottle to the areas in pain can lower the pain in the abdomen.
- A hot water bottle compress helps increase the flow of blood in the abdomen, which in turn lowers the level of pain in the abdomen.
- It would help if you used a hot water bottle compress at least three to five times a day to get instant pregnancy stomach pain relief from abdomen pain.
Take Small Meals
- Taking meals in small quantities can also help cure abdominal pain during pregnancy.
- During pregnancy, heavy meals should be avoided.
- Instead of heavy meals, you should eat small meals frequently.
- So, this can be considered adequate for the treatment of abdomen pain during Pregnancy.
Frequently Urinating
- This is also essential for treating abdominal pain.
- Sometimes, abdominal pain occurs due to a heavy and full bladder. Therefore, it is necessary to empty the bladder as much as possible.
- Frequent urination may help ease abdomen pain during Pregnancy.
Citations
NHS UK’s “Stomach Pain in Pregnancy” Common Symptoms of PregnancyFrequently Asked Questions
Before taking any medication during pregnancy, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider. Some over-the-counter pain medications may be safe, while others could pose risks to you or your baby. Always follow your provider's guidance on the safest options for managing pain.
Normal abdominal pain during pregnancy is usually mild and intermittent and can be relieved by rest or changing positions. It is often due to benign causes such as gas, bloating, or round ligament pain. Abnormal abdominal pain may be severe, persistent, and accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Vaginal Bleeding
- Severe Headache or Vision Changes
- Fever or Chills
- Decreased Fetal Movement
- Painful Urination
Abdominal pain can be a sign of labor, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as regular contractions, a tightening sensation, lower back pain, and changes in vaginal discharge. If you suspect you are in labor, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Preterm labor can also cause abdominal pain and requires prompt medical attention.
A variety of factors can cause abdominal pain during pregnancy, including round ligament pain, gas and bloating, constipation, Braxton Hicks contractions, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and other less common causes.
Yes, experiencing some abdominal pain during pregnancy is quite normal. Many women feel mild to moderate discomfort, including the stretching of ligaments and muscles, gas, bloating, and Braxton Hicks contractions.
You should contact your doctor if the pain is accompanied by bleeding or spotting, fever, chills, difficulty urinating, nausea or vomiting, blood in the urine, regular contractions before 37 weeks, and other serious symptoms.
Here are some tips to relieve mild abdominal pain: rest, warm baths, hydration, dietary changes, prenatal exercises, and medications. Always consult your gynecologist before taking any medication.
While many causes of abdominal pain are benign, some can indicate a problem with the baby or the pregnancy. If you have concerns or experience severe pain, seek medical attention promptly.
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