Lower abdominal pain during pregnancy
Pregnancy-related low abdominal pain: causes and remedies
As the fetus grows, the body undergoes several changes, which can lead to a variety of discomforts throughout pregnancy. Pregnancy-related low abdominal pain in the first, second, and third trimesters can have a variety of causes.
Lower abdominal pain can have a number of causes. The majority are completely normal and innocuous.
On the other hand, excruciating pain or persistent cramping could indicate a major problem.
The most frequent causes of lower abdominal pain during pregnancy will be examined in this article, along with treatment options and when to consult a physician.
General causes
Anytime during pregnancy, the following are some possible reasons of low abdominal pain:
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Pregnancy-related UTIs are somewhat prevalent, however they are typically easily treated by doctors. They may appear at any point during pregnancy. Among the symptoms are:
- pain or pressure in the lower belly area
- pain or burning while urinating
- fever
- feeling extremely tired
- feeling shaky
- needing to urinate more often
- foul-smelling urine
- reddish or cloudy urine
A UTI can be diagnosed by a doctor using a urine sample, and antibiotics are typically used as treatment.
Gas
Pregnant women may experience lower abdominal pain due to trapped wind. This occurs as a result of:
- Pregnancy hormones may cause digestion to slow down.
- The digestive tract is under pressure from the expanding uterus.
- Constipation during pregnancy throws off the digestive system's equilibrium.
First trimester
The following factors may contribute to low abdominal pain during the first trimester:
Early pregnancy
Many women get period-like pain or cramps in the early stages of pregnancy, commonly in the lower abdomen. As the egg settles inside the uterus, this is typical.
Ectopic pregnancy
A rare but possibly fatal complication is ectopic pregnancy. It happens when a fertilized egg develops in the fallopian tube, which is often outside the uterus. The tube may burst as the egg grows, resulting in severe internal bleeding.
The following are early indicators of an ectopic pregnancy:
- mild pain in the lower belly or pelvis
- vaginal bleeding
- pain in the lower back
- mild cramps on one side of the pelvis
As the egg develops, these sensations may get worse. The following are indicators of a fallopian tube rupture:
- abrupt, intense, and persistent pelvic or abdominal discomfort
- pain in the shoulders
- weakness
- dizziness
- fainting
An urgent medical issue that needs to be treated right away is a ruptured tube.
To treat an ectopic pregnancy, doctors typically combine medication and surgery. The goal of treatment is to heal the torn fallopian tube and cause the body to reabsorb the egg.
Second trimester
During the second trimester, low abdominal pain may be brought on by:
Stretching muscles and ligaments
As the belly grows later in pregnancy, the ligaments and muscles supporting the uterus stretch. Women may experience a severe pain on one side of their abdomen or a dull discomfort across it. When they cough, get out of bed or the bath, or stand up, it could get worse.
Third trimester
Later in pregnancy, the following factors are more likely to produce low abdominal pain:
Braxton-Hicks contractions
Braxton-Hicks contractions may be the cause of postpartum abdominal pain. This is sometimes referred to as fake labor by doctors.
Braxton-Hicks contractions, which often happen the week before delivery, are a natural part of the body's labor preparations. They aid in reducing the thickness and softening of the cervix. Many women find that if they take a walk or shift positions, the pain goes away.
Pre-term labor
Preterm labor may be indicated by abdominal pain that does not go away when the mother moves. This indicates that the baby will be born before week 37 of pregnancy.
Pre-term labor symptoms and indicators include:
- pain or pressure in the lower belly
- a dull backache that doesn’t go away
- belly cramps
- diarrhea
- contractions
- a shift in the amount or consistency of vaginal discharge It could be more bloody, mucusy, or watery.
A doctor should be contacted immediately if any labor symptoms appear too soon.
Treatments
Pregnancy-related mild abdominal pain typically goes away on its own. Acetaminophen is another option for women who want to reduce discomfort.
Medical care is necessary for preterm labor, ectopic pregnancies, and UTIs.
Natural remedies
For minor occurrences of lower abdominal discomfort, there are a number of natural solutions. These consist of:
- resting
- using a heat pad
- using a cold compress
- massaging the belly
- relaxation techniques
- exercise
When to consult a doctor
If a pregnant woman has any of the following conditions, she should consult a doctor:
- symptoms of a UTI
- severe pain
- pain that lasts for more than a few hours
- vaginal bleeding
- a fever
- feeling lightheaded
- feeling faint
Pregnancy-related lower abdominal pain is not uncommon. Usually not severe, this soreness will go away on its own or with over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen.
Severe discomfort that persists for more than a few hours may be a sign of a more serious illness. People should consult a physician in these situations.
