Abdominal pain in early pregnancy

Posted By Dr. Deepti Asthana on 08-11-2021

Upper stomach ache might be a natural aspect of the pregnancy process as your body adjusts to accommodate your developing baby. While there are numerous non-serious reasons for stomach discomfort, some of them may be more significant. As a pregnant woman, it is essential to educate yourself on all possible reasons to spot symptoms that may be cause for concern.

Common Causes of Pregnancy Abdominal Pain

Some stomach aches and pains are typical during pregnancy and pose no danger to you or your baby.

Ligament Pain: This might be a sharp stabbing discomfort while changing positions, or it can be an achy, dull, persistent pain. The two essential ligaments that stretch from your uterus to your groin create round ligament discomfort. These ligaments get strained as the uterus expands, causing pain. This ache is often reported in the second trimester and is thought to be innocuous.

Constipation: Progesterone levels rise during pregnancy, causing gas. As more of this hormone is produced, your digestive system slows down, causing food to move more slowly. Drinking lots of water, eating fibre-rich meals, exercising, and using stool softeners are all effective strategies to manage constipation and gas.

Braxton Hicks Contractions: Also known as "practise contractions," Braxton Hicks are more of a nuisance than a danger to you or your baby. Many women describe Braxton Hicks as tightening the abdominal muscles, making their stomach feel solid or rigid. It is critical to distinguish between Braxton Hicks and real contractions. Actual contractions are more closely spaced, last longer, and are more painful. True contractions will steal your breath away, so if you can keep on with your typical activities, it is most likely Braxton Hicks. Furthermore, experts claim that Braxton Hick may be caused by dehydration; thus, consuming enough water might help alleviate this issue.

Typical Discomforts: In addition to the symptoms described above, several additional typical stomach discomforts may occur during pregnancy and are usually not life threatening. Your developing uterus, stomach infections, kidney stones, fibroids, and dietary allergies are all legitimate causes of discomfort in your abdomen.

When Pregnancy Abdominal Pain Is Severe

Although many pregnant women who suffer stomach discomfort have normal pregnancies, there are situations when abdominal pain may be dangerous. If you have any severe symptoms, such as those listed below, don't hesitate to get in touch with your doctor right once.

Ectopic Pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy occurs in 1 out of every 50 pregnancies and occurs when the egg is deposited somewhere other than the uterus. The egg is usually placed in the fallopian tube. Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy cannot be carried to term and must be treated medically. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you may feel severe discomfort and bleeding between the sixth and tenth weeks of your pregnancy. Women who have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past or have endometriosis, a tubal ligation, or an intrauterine device (IUD) in place at the time of conception are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy.

Placental abruption: Placental abruption is a potentially fatal disorder in which the placenta separates from the uterus before the infant is delivered. Constant discomfort that causes your stomach to remain firm for a lengthy amount of time without respite is one indication of placental abruption. Another indicator is bloody fluid or early water breaking. Tenderness in your abdomen, backache, or fluid discharge with blood traces are other symptoms.

Miscarriage: Unfortunately, 15 to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, making it the most frequent kind of pregnancy loss. Miscarriage, also known as "spontaneous abortion," most often happens within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Mild to severe back pain, real contractions (happening every 5-20 minutes), brown or bright crimson blood with or without cramping, tissue or clot-like material passing from the vagina, and a dramatic drop in other symptoms of pregnancy are all indicators of a miscarriage.

Urinary Tract Infection: While readily treatable during pregnancy, a urinary tract infection may cause difficulties if left untreated. UTIs may cause lower abdominal pain, discomfort, or burning when you pee. If you have discomfort in your lower back, sides, beneath your rib cage, or above your pelvic bone, along with fever, nausea, sweats, or chills, it is probable that the UTI has migrated to your kidneys.

Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disease characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine after 20 weeks of gestation. Upper abdomen discomfort, commonly behind your ribs on the right side, might occur with other symptoms of preeclampsia. Additional symptoms that will impact your abdomen include nausea, vomiting, and increased abdominal pressure.

For any abdominal pain during pregnancy, contact Dr Deepti Asthana, one of the top pregnancy doctors in Gurgaon.

For any pregnancy-related issues, you can meet the best obstetrician in Gurugram, Dr Deepti Asthana. She is a Senior Consultant in Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram and director of KALOSA CLINICs.

She is highly experienced, well educated, and a brilliant surgeon. She is a friend to her patients and makes sure their nine months journey is passed with happiness. She has rich experience of more than 15 years, and that makes her an excellent and confident obstetrician. Her approach to patients is simple and filled with love and care.