Is it normal to have some abdominal pain during pregnancy?
Periodic abdominal discomfort is a typical pregnancy grievance, and while it might be harmless, it can likewise signify a serious problem. (Severe or consistent abdominal pain ought to never ever be ignored.)
Below we’ll describe the most typical causes of abdominal pain and discomfort during pregnancy, however don’t attempt to diagnose yourself. If you experience abdominal pain or cramping together with spotting, bleeding, fever, chills, vaginal discharge, faintness, discomfort while urinating, or nausea and vomiting, or sharp pain in left or right side, or if the pain doesn’t subside after several minutes of rest, call your professional.
What serious problems can cause abdominal pain during pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy takes place when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, generally in one of the fallopian tubes. It might cause some cramping and other symptoms in early pregnancy.
If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can be deadly. Call your practitioner right away if you have any of the following symptoms: abdominal or pelvic pain or inflammation, vaginal spotting or bleeding (can be red or brown, copious or scant, continuous or periodic), pain that worsens during exercise or while moving your bowels or coughing, or pain in your shoulder.
If you’re bleeding greatly or having signs of shock (such as a racing pulse, dizziness, fainting, or pale, clammy skin), call 911.
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks. Vaginal spotting or bleeding is generally the first symptom, followed by abdominal pain a few hours to a few days later on.
The bleeding might be light or heavy. The pain may feel crampy or persistent, mild or sharp, and may feel more like low back pain or pelvic pressure.
Call your specialist if you have signs of a miscarriage. If you have severe pain or heavy bleeding, you need to be seen immediately.
Preterm labor
You’re in preterm labor (also known as premature labor) if you begin to have contractions that efface or dilate your cervix before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Call your doctor or midwife right away if you’re having any of the following symptoms in your 2nd or third trimester (prior to 37 weeks):
- An increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody– even if it’s just pink or tinged with blood).
- Vaginal identifying or bleeding.
- Abdominal pain, menstrual-like cramping, or more than 5 contractions in one hour (even if they don’t hurt).
- An increase in pressure in the pelvic area.
- Low back pain, specifically if you didn’t formerly have back pain.
Placental abruption
Placental abruption is a dangerous condition in which your placenta separates from your uterus, partly or totally, prior to your baby’s born.
There’s wide variation in symptoms, according to iytmed.com. A placental abruption can in some cases cause unexpected and obvious bleeding, however in other cases there may not be any visible bleeding at first, or you might have only light bleeding or identifying. Or you might see bloody fluid if your water breaks.
You may have uterine inflammation, back pain, or frequent contractions, or the uterus may contract and stay hard– like a cramp or contraction that does not disappear. You might also observe a decrease in your baby’s experience. Immediate medical attention is a must.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a serious condition of pregnancy that causes changes in your blood vessels and can impact a number of organs, including your liver, kidneys, brain, and the placenta. You’re detected with preeclampsia if you have high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy and protein in your urine, liver or kidney abnormalties, persistent headaches, or vision changes.
Symptoms might include swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than small swelling in your hands, and extreme or unexpected swelling of your feet or ankles. (This water retention can lead to fast weight gain.).
You may likewise have intense pain or tenderness in the upper abdomen, a severe headache, visual disruptions (such as blurred vision or seeing spots), or queasiness and vomiting. If you have symptoms of preeclampsia, call your doctor or midwife instantly.
Urinary tract infections
Being pregnant makes you more vulnerable to urinary tract infections of all kinds, including kidney infections.
Symptoms of a bladder infection may include pain, discomfort, or burning when urinating; pelvic discomfort or lower abdominal pain (frequently simply above the pubic bone); a frequent or unmanageable urge to pee, even when there’s hardly any urine in the bladder; and cloudy, foul-smelling, or bloody urine. Call your caretaker if you have any of these symptoms since an unattended bladder infection can lead to a kidney infection and premature labor.
Signs that the infection has spread to your kidneys– which you need medical attention right away– include a high fever, typically with shaking, chills, or sweats; pain in your lower back or in your side simply under your ribs, on one or both sides (and potentially in your abdomen too); nausea and vomiting; and perhaps pus or blood in your urine.
Other causes
Many other conditions can cause abdominal pain, whether you’re pregnant or not. A few of the most common causes of abdominal pain that your specialist will consider are a stomach infection, gastrointestinal disorder, appendicitis, kidney stones, liver disease, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, fibroids, and bowel obstruction.
Both gallbladder disease and pancreatitis are typically a result of gallstones, which are more common during pregnancy. Fibroids may grow during pregnancy and cause discomfort. And the pressure of the growing uterus on formerly scarred intestinal tract tissue may cause bowel obstruction, which is more than likely to happen in the 3rd trimester.
