Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy: Is it Normal?

Stomach pain during pregnancy is very common. Your uterus is expanding to support your fetus's growth, which is bound to be one of the causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy. However, while some stomach cramps are common during pregnancy, some are not. The majority of patients who have acute abdominal pain occur during the second trimester (46.7%), followed by the first trimester (37.8%) and the third trimester (15.5%).

Sometimes it is difficult to determine if the cause is something minor, like bloating in the early stages of pregnancy, or something more significant that needs to be discussed with your doctor. Fortunately, the cause is always completely benign. Continue reading to find out the causes, signs, and remedies for pregnant women experiencing stomach pain.

Is It Normal to Have Stomach Pain in Pregnancy?

Is cramping normal in the first trimester? Absolutely, yes! During pregnancy, most women do suffer some type of stomach discomfort, which is typically classified as round ligament pain and cramping. However, it is important to distinguish between acute, severe pain and general discomfort. If the pain is new, strong, prolonged, or deviates from your baseline threshold, pay attention to your body and get a checkup done.

Benign Causes of Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnant women often experience some stomach aches and pains, which are typically normal for both you and the unborn baby. Common causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy include the following:

• Round Ligament Pain

This might cause a strong stabbing pain as you change positions, along with an achy, dull, lasting pain. Round ligament pain is brought on by the two major ligaments that connect your uterus to your groin. These ligaments become stretched when the uterus expands and leading to pain. This pain is thought to be benign and is typically noticed during the second trimester.

• Gas and Constipation

During pregnancy, elevated progesterone levels lead to gas. Your gastrointestinal tract slows down when a higher level of this hormone is released, which causes food to move more slowly. Also, during the second and third trimesters, your baby puts a lot of stress on your intestines and stomach. This leads to gas, bloating, and constipation, which are all possible causes of stomach pain.

• Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks, sometimes known as "practice contractions," are a little annoyance rather than a threat to you or your baby. According to many women, Braxton Hicks causes the muscles in the stomach to tense, making the stomach feel hard or stiff. Identifying Braxton Hicks from true contractions is important. True contractions will be painful, occur more frequently, and be closer together. Consider a thumb rule that if you are able to continue your regular activities, it is probably Braxton Hicks. This is because true contractions will make you gasp for air. 

• Common Discomforts

Several types of additional common, usually non-threatening stomach pains can occur during pregnancy. Food allergies, kidney stones, fibroids, stomach viruses and your developing uterus are all possible causes of harmless stomach pain.

Serious Causes of Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy

While many pregnant women who suffer abdominal discomfort have healthy pregnancies, there are conditions in which abdominal pain can be very serious. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you notice any signs of serious abdominal pain in pregnancy, such as those listed below.

Ectopic Pregnancy

The occurrence of an ectopic pregnancy, in which the egg is implanted outside of the uterus, occurs in 1 out of every 50 pregnancies. The egg is most commonly implanted inside the fallopian tube. Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy needs medical attention and cannot go to term. You might have severe pain and bleeding between weeks 6 and 10 of your pregnancy if you have an ectopic pregnancy, which is extremely rare.

Placental Abruption

A potentially fatal disorder known as placental abruption occurs when the placenta breaks from your uterus before the baby is born. One sign of placental abruption is persistent pain that keeps your stomach hard for a long time without getting better. Bloody fluid or premature water breaking are other symptoms. You may also have back pain, abdominal tenderness, or fluid discharge with blood traces. 

Miscarriage

Miscarriage is the most common type of pregnancy loss, occurring in 15 to 20 percent of pregnancies. Miscarriage, sometimes known as "spontaneous abortion," usually happens during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Back pain that ranges from mild to severe, real contractions that occur every 5 to 20 minutes, brown or bright red bleeding with or without cramping, tissue or clot-like material passing from the vagina, and a major reduction in other pregnancy symptoms are the signs of a miscarriage. 

Appendicitis

A pregnant woman usually feels lower abdominal pain in early pregnancy. However, this might change as the appendix moves about as the uterus expands. A low-grade fever, nausea, loss of appetite, and abrupt lower abdomen pain on the right side or around the navel are some of the symptoms.

Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection is easily treated during pregnancy, but the problems may arise if left untreated. UTIs can cause lower abdominal pain in early pregnancy. They are most commonly identified by pain, discomfort, and/or burning during urination. The UTI may have spread to your kidneys if you experience pain in your lower back, the sides of your body under your rib cage, or above your pelvic bone, along with fever, nausea, chills, or sweats. Seek medical assistance right away if this is the case. 

Ovarian Torsion

Ovarian torsion happens when an ovary bends over on itself, cutting off its blood supply. Ovarian torsions cause intense abdominal pain that may or might not occur on the side that is affected and may radiate to the back or groin. The ovary may continually twist and reverse, causing the pain to stop and start. A study indicates that ovarian torsion is more common in those with an ovarian cyst, but it is comparatively rare during pregnancy.

Preeclampsia

The condition known as preeclampsia occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is characterized by elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine. Symptoms that are indicated as preeclampsia may be associated with upper abdominal pain, typically on the right side under your ribs. Other symptoms that will impact your abdomen include nausea, vomiting, and increased abdominal pressure.

Also Read: Sleeping positions during pregnancy

When Should You Get Help from the Doctor?

If you have any of the following symptoms in addition to your stomach pain or discomfort, please contact your healthcare provider right away:

• Constant or intense back or abdominal pain
• Pain in your hip and back that gets worse when you lie down or at night.
• Pain that is accompanied by swelling or redness.
• Painful urination.
• Contractions that occur between 10 minutes before to 37 weeks.
• An apparent decrease in the baby's mobility after 28 weeks.
• Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
• Severe or constant headaches.
• Vaginal fluid leaking or bleeding.
• Fevers.
• Blurred vision.

How to Ease Abdominal Pain during Pregnancy?

Abdominal pain is a common pregnancy symptom. However, these stomach pains may sometimes get unbearable. Therefore, it is important to take particular measures to avoid these painful cramps. The following are the safe remedies for pregnancy abdominal discomfort:

• Drink 6–8 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated and ease abdominal pain caused by constipation.
• Take a warm water bath to relax stretched abdominal and ligament muscles, reducing discomfort.
• Always consult a doctor before taking any pain reliever during pregnancy.
• Prenatal massage can help relieve abdominal pain and promote relaxation; seek medical approval first.
• Include fiber-rich foods like lentils, dried fruits, broccoli, and apples to prevent constipation-related pain.
• Apply a hot water bottle compress 3–5 times a day to improve blood flow and reduce abdominal tension.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals to prevent bloating and ease digestion.
• Urinate frequently to reduce pressure from a full bladder that may cause or worsen abdominal pain.

Find Relief from Severe Abdominal Pain during Pregnancy!

Experiencing abdominal pain during pregnancy can occasionally be scary and exhausting. If you get symptoms like cramping, swelling in specific parts of your body, or blurred vision, you should see a doctor. Make sure your provider is aware of your level of pain and the situation, and they will collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan based on the specific cause of abdominal pain during pregnancy. 

At Apollo Spectra, our expert doctors prioritise your health and well-being. Our excellence lies in a comprehensive treatment approach to help you deal with various complications throughout pregnancy. Contact us today for an appointment!