Pregnancy is a life-changing experience. As your baby grows, your body undergoes many changes, some expected, others not so much. One of the most common concerns expectant mothers face is stomach pain during pregnancy.
But is it normal to feel pain in your belly while pregnant? Sometimes, yes. But certain types of pain might signal a more serious issue. In this article, we will go through the causes of stomach discomfort during pregnancy so you know what is normal and when to call your doctor.
Is Stomach Pain During Pregnancy Normal?
Yes, mild stomach pain or cramps during pregnancy are common. They usually happen as your uterus expands and your body adjusts for the baby. Other reasons may be constipation or gas. There is nothing to worry about in these cases. The pain is usually mild and goes away when you rest, change position, empty your bowels, or pass wind.
The following section discusses these concerns in more detail.
Common Causes Of Mild Stomach Pain In Pregnancy
Most of the time, stomach pain is caused by normal changes during pregnancy. Here are some common reasons:
• Ligament Pains
These are also known as growing pains. They happen when the ligaments supporting your uterus stretch to accommodate the growing baby. These pains usually occur between 18 and 24 weeks and may feel like a sharp cramp on one side of your lower stomach. If you ever experience them, simply change your position or move slowly to make them go away.
• Gas And Constipation
Bloating, gas, and constipation are extremely common during the first and second trimesters. The major reason behind them is hormones like progesterone. They relax your digestive muscles, which makes the food move more slowly through your intestines. This may lead to trapped gas and make bowel movements less frequent or harder to pass.
Also, as your baby grows, your uterus starts pressing against your intestines, making it even harder for waste to move along. To ease these symptoms, drink plenty of water, eat fibre-rich foods, and stay active.
• Braxton Hicks Contractions
These are false labour pains that may cause mild stomach tightening. However, there is nothing to worry about. The purpose of these contractions is to prepare your body for true labour. They go away with proper rest and hydration.
Mild aches and pains that occur due to these reasons and last for a short duration are usually normal. The next section explores the serious causes of stomach pain during pregnancy.
Serious Causes Of Stomach Pain During Pregnancy
Always speak to your doctor if your pain is severe. It may occur due to the following causes:
• Miscarriage
It typically occurs before the 20th week. Pain from a miscarriage usually feels like cramps and may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
• Vaginal bleeding
• Lower back pain
• Tissue passing from the vagina.
• Ectopic Pregnancy
This occurs when the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, in the fallopian tube. It causes lower stomach pain, usually on one side. You may also experience:
• Vaginal bleeding
• Dizziness
• Shoulder pain
• Preterm Labour
Cramping or regular contractions before 37 weeks may be a sign of preterm labour. You may also experience:
• Lower back pain
• Vaginal discharge
• Contractions
• Placental Abruption
This is a rare and serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It happens when the placenta starts to detach from the uterine wall. Its symptoms include:
• Severe stomach pain
• Back pain
• Vaginal bleeding
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Pregnancy increases your risk of UTIs. If left untreated, they may lead to complications like preterm contractions and kidney issues. Symptoms of UTIs may include:
• Lower belly pain
• Pain when urinating
• Cloudy urine
• Preeclampsia
This is a potentially dangerous condition that usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy. It is caused by high blood pressure and can affect the liver, kidneys, and other organs. Its symptoms include:
• Pain under the ribs (right side)
• Vision issues
• Headaches
• Swelling in the face, hands, or feet
If you experience any of the symptoms related to these conditions, it is best to contact your doctor right away.
Final Thoughts
Stomach pain during pregnancy is often a normal part of the journey, especially as your body grows and changes. But it is also something you should not ignore if it feels unusual or intense. Trust your instincts, keep an eye on your symptoms, and do not hesitate to ask for help if something does not feel right.
