Bathroom renovation portal. Useful Tips

Why does the lower abdomen of pregnancy ache? If a pregnant woman hurts in the lower abdomen

Pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy is not only a completely normal manifestation for such a condition: the possibility of a relationship with any pathological process that could be aggravated during bearing a child is not excluded.

Painful sensations in women in a position can act as a response of the body to changes occurring during this period. Do not ignore them, as discomfort can be a sign of a serious illness that requires medical attention.

The clinical picture, in addition to pain, may include nausea, ending with vomiting, upset stools, deterioration in general well-being and malaise.

Only an obstetrician-gynecologist is engaged in diagnostics, who personally performs several manipulations, prescribes laboratory and instrumental examinations and sends additional consultations to specialists from narrower areas of medicine.

During pregnancy, they are stopped only using conservative methods. Treatment is carried out under the strict supervision of a physician, since a lot is prohibited for women during this period of life.

Etiology

The appearance of pain in the lower parts of the anterior abdominal wall during childbearing may be due to physiological factors, changes in the body, or exacerbation of any diseases.

The first group of sources is represented by pathological processes that may arise or worsen during pregnancy:

  • inflammatory lesion of the appendix;
  • cystitis;
  • many diseases of an infectious nature, sexually transmitted diseases;
  • intestinal dysfunction - decreased motility;
  • isthmic-cervical insufficiency;
  • acute food poisoning;
  • pathology of the organs of the urinary system;
  • intestinal displacement;
  • thrush and colpitis;
  • uterine fibroids;
  • cystic neoplasms in the ovaries;
  • salpingitis;
  • adnexitis;
  • salpingo-oophoritis;
  • tumors of a benign or malignant course with localization in the organs of the reproductive system;
  • sprains of the ligaments and abdominal muscles, similar changes in the pelvic bones.

Pulling pains in the lower abdomen during pregnancy can be caused by such changes in the female body, provoked by bearing a child:

  • an increase in the size of the uterus and active intrauterine growth of the fetus - leads to compression of the internal organs, in particular the gastrointestinal tract, which often lead to pain in the peritoneum;
  • hypertonicity of the uterus - a consequence of the contraction of the organ, causing discomfort, reminiscent of the approach of menstruation;
  • improper location of the placenta;
  • spontaneous abortion that has begun - the process can develop at any gestational age, up to 22 weeks it is considered a miscarriage, and starting from 22 to 37 weeks - premature birth (the condition goes through several stages as it progresses: the threat of miscarriage, started abortion, abortion in progress, incomplete and complete abortion, premature labor);
  • premature placental abruption - it can be complete and partial;
  • stirring the baby inside the womb;
  • ectopic pregnancy.

Physiological causes of lower abdominal pain in pregnant women:

  • hormonal changes;
  • the influence of stressful situations associated with a new stage in a woman's life;
  • poor nutrition.

Often there is aching pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy in the early days of such a state when a woman may not even suspect that she will soon become a mother. This is caused by the fertilized egg entering the uterus and attaching itself to the mucous membrane.

Normally, the discomfort should go away on its own in a few days. If it has not become easier and there is an increase in the intensity of the pain syndrome, this may indicate an abnormal course of pregnancy - ectopic localization.

Lower abdominal pain in early pregnancy (in the first trimester) is caused by the following factors:

  • hormonal imbalance;
  • change in eating habits;
  • slowing down the process of digesting food;
  • the occurrence of toxicosis;
  • increased appetite.

Pain on the sides of the anterior abdominal wall in the second trimester of gestation is triggered by the following conditions:

  • growing fetus and enlarging uterus;
  • violation of digestive processes due to squeezing of the intestines;
  • stretching the muscles and ligaments that hold the uterus.

Lower abdominal pain at 37 weeks of gestation or 38 weeks of gestation, that is, in the third trimester, may be due to the following reasons:

  • an increase in the volume of the uterus to the maximum size;
  • squeezing of the bladder, which leads to increased urge to urinate - if it is impossible to visit the toilet, soreness of a stabbing and pulling character appears;
  • approaching labor (cramping pains in the lower abdomen).

In any case, women should not ignore the discomfort - you need to consult your doctor.

Symptoms

Lower abdominal pain at the beginning of pregnancy (as well as at any other period) will never be the only clinical manifestation - both under the influence of physiological and pathological factors, the symptom will be accompanied by other signs:

  • headaches and dizziness;
  • ending with vomiting;
  • weakness and malaise;
  • sleep disturbance;
  • increased urge to empty the bladder;
  • disorder of the act of defecation - often pregnant women complain about;
  • hypersensitivity and swelling of the mammary glands;
  • change in taste preferences;
  • increased appetite;
  • fluctuations in temperature, heart rate and blood pressure;
  • increased gas formation.

It should be borne in mind that these are only the main clinical manifestations to which women gradually get used to about 36 weeks of gestation.

When pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy has become part of the clinical picture of the course of one of the diseases, malaise will be supplemented by the most characteristic external signs characteristic of one or another predisposing factor with a pathological basis.

Diagnostics

When cutting pains in the lower abdomen appear during pregnancy (similar to pain of a different nature), you should immediately consult an obstetrician-gynecologist, since such a symptom may indicate the course of dangerous diseases.

The first step of diagnosis involves a number of manipulations by the clinician:

  • familiarization with the medical history - to search for chronic diseases that could be exacerbated during pregnancy;
  • study of life history - to identify provoking factors that have a physiological basis, providing information about the course of gestation;
  • gynecological examination;
  • palpation and percussion of the abdomen - have diagnostic value only when pain in the lower abdomen occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, which will make it possible to determine the focus of discomfort;
  • measurement of indicators of temperature, blood tone, pulse and heart rate;
  • a detailed survey of the patient - to find out the complete symptomatic picture and intensity of pain.

Laboratory tests are the main way to establish the cause of lower abdominal pain at 39 weeks of gestation (not an exception to the 1st and 2nd trimesters).

Women in position are shown the following procedures:

  • general clinical blood test;
  • hormonal tests;
  • blood biochemistry;
  • microscopic examination of feces;
  • general urine analysis;
  • sowing a smear taken from the vagina.

During early and late pregnancy, it is undesirable for patients to undergo most examinations. The only way of instrumental diagnostics is ultrasound.

For the final confirmation of the diagnosis, the obstetrician-gynecologist must send the patient for examination to the following doctors:

  • gastroenterologist;
  • neurologist;
  • endocrinologist;
  • oncologist.

Treatment

A sharp pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy is eliminated only with the help of conservative methods of therapy:

  • taking medications;
  • diet therapy;
  • therapeutic massage course;
  • folk remedies.

Pain relief through the use of drugs is achieved with the help of:

  • NSAIDs;
  • antispasmodics;
  • mineral and vitamin complexes.

The therapy takes place under the strict supervision of the attending physician, similar to the use of alternative medicine. Otherwise, treatment can only aggravate the situation.

The above methods of treatment will only relieve a woman in the early stages or at 39 weeks of pregnancy from pain in the lower abdomen, but will not be able to cure the underlying disease.

To eliminate the provocateur, a surgical operation may often be required, which in this case is highly undesirable. Therefore, clinicians take a wait-and-see tactic and carry out the intervention only after the baby is born. In rare cases, when it is not possible to refuse the operation, they turn to minimally invasive techniques.

Prevention and prognosis

To avoid pain in the lower abdomen when walking during pregnancy, female representatives must follow the following simple preventive rules without fail:

  • lead a healthy lifestyle;
  • use drugs strictly as directed by the clinician;
  • eat full and balanced;
  • strengthen the immune system;
  • spend a lot of time outdoors;
  • avoid stress;
  • if possible, treat any pathological processes, in the symptomatology of which there is such a symptom as stitching pains in the lower abdomen during pregnancy;
  • do not miss a visit to the obstetrician-gynecologist.

Even severe pain in the lower abdomen while carrying a child does not pose a threat to the life of the woman or the fetus. It is always worth remembering that any underlying pathology has its own complications.

Many expectant mothers during pregnancy, in the early stages, note that they often have lower abdominal pain. Such symptoms can be, both during the normal development of pregnancy, and signal that there is a pathology and urgent action is needed.

Itchy itchy spray
cream care olive
decoctions waiting diet
consultation is neat for you


Many people are interested in the question - why does the stomach hurt during pregnancy, and what to do about it? To answer this question, you need to understand the reasons. All the reasons for which pain may occur are divided into several groups - these are obstetric (that pain associated directly with your condition), not obstetric (pain associated with an exacerbation of chronic or in no way related to pregnancy or other diseases).

Causes associated with pregnancy (obstetric).

  1. Ectopic pregnancy. A similar situation occurs when the ovum is attached outside the uterus, on the fallopian tubes, on the ovaries, the cervix, or on the abdominal organs. This is a serious reason why the lower abdomen often hurts, such a pregnancy threatens the health and life of a woman. In the early stages, the abdomen begins to pull or ache, gradually the pain sensations become intensified and is felt only on one side.
  2. With the threat of miscarriage. The tone of the uterus increases, the pain has an aching character, there is a feeling of heaviness, which can be given to the lower back. When taking the pills, the pain may go away for a short time, but then everything resumes again. Over time, the pain will acquire cramping symptoms, bleeding may appear.
  3. Non-developing pregnancy.
  4. When everything proceeds without complications, pain can be caused by a malfunction of the digestive tract.
  5. Stretching of the ligamentous apparatus of the abdominal cavity. This is due to the fact that the uterus begins to increase in volume and pull all the ligaments with it. This leads to discomfort in the lower abdomen.
  6. Surgical pathology.

First, during pregnancy, the body begins to completely rebuild in order to accept and take care of a new life. Therefore, pain is quite normal.

Often stomach ache during pregnancy due to a change in diet. When the regime changes, eating too much salty, sour, sweet, or other unusual foods can all lead to bloating. Intestinal motility is impaired, gastritis worsens - all these are causes of abdominal pain.

Changing your diet can affect your health

Reasons not related to the situation.

  1. Cystitis. The immune system decreases during pregnancy. The pressure of the uterus on the bladder increases, due to hypothermia, the use of unsuitable underwear. All this can provoke the appearance of cystitis, that is, inflammation of the bladder. At the same time, pains in the lower abdomen have cutting and stabbing sensations, urination often occurs. This occurs early in pregnancy.
  2. Appendicitis may also develop.
  3. Intestinal obstruction.
  4. Cholecystitis.

All these diseases can be accompanied not only by pain in the lower abdomen, but also by a general worsening of the condition. The temperature may rise, and some begin to vomit.

May ache in the lower abdomen

Seek medical attention for these symptoms and for acute pain.

Woman's lifestyle

Pregnancy is not a disease - it is a normal physiological state for a woman. But in any case, it carries a strong physical and emotional stress.

What a pregnant woman should do in order to avoid pain in the abdomen and other unpleasant consequences:

  • it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations;
  • you need to pass all the necessary tests on time;
  • avoid stressful situations;
  • undergo an ultrasound scan, monitor the child's development process;
  • control your weight, when you gain weight too slowly or, conversely, too quickly - consultation with a gynecologist is necessary;
  • it is necessary to create a pleasant atmosphere, spend more time in nature, not think about the bad.
  • overheat (you cannot sunbathe, go to the steam room, etc.);
  • supercool;
  • stay in stuffy rooms for a long time.

For women during pregnancy, especially in the early stages, healthy sleep is important, which should last at least nine hours. In order to avoid digestive problems and prevent stomach or stomach pain, it is necessary to normalize food intake.

Getting enough sleep is essential

  1. Diet should be varied. Include in your diet foods that contain vitamins and minerals. Proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits - all this should make up at least 50% of the diet.
  2. Often, experts recommend switching to four meals a day (in the first trimester). Try to eat more foods such as fish, meat, dairy products (natural), cereals, legumes, etc.
  3. To make it easier for a woman during this period, the body needs much more calcium, iodine, vitamins, iron, zinc.

Products that are prohibited:

  • hot spices, seasonings: their intake leads to swelling of the extremities, internal organs;
  • any types of canned food, preserves: they contain a lot of vinegar, preservatives - they can suppress protein synthesis;
  • carbonated drinks, sauces: they contain a lot of dyes, preservatives, thickeners and flavorings;
  • fast food;
  • coffee, black tea, chocolate.

Common causes of pain are presented in the table.

Why does it hurtDescriptionHow often does it occur
GastritisOften women eat a lot of salty, sweet, fatty foods. This contributes to the exacerbation of chronic diseases. Heartburn, stomach discomfort may occur.15 - 25%
CystitisFailure to comply with the rules of personal hygiene and inattention to their health, cystitis worsens.From 20 - 30%
Developmental pathology (ectopic pregnancy)When the fetus does not enter the uterus, it begins to develop elsewhere. Since there is not enough space, the fetus increases, unpleasant pain sensations in the lower abdomen begin. When tissue ruptures, the pain intensifies, at such moments a woman can lose consciousness.From 20 - 30%
SprainDuring early pregnancy, the body begins to change, pain in the lower body is noted.15%
BloatingThis is how taste preferences change, something may not fit. Someone starts to eat everything. The abdomen is inflated, discomfort appears.10%

Difficult state / caption]

Turning to traditional medicine

When a woman is pregnant, and abdominal pain is not associated with the pathology of the child's development, there are no sharp pains or profuse bleeding, and bloating occurs due to improper nutrition, then the pain can be soothed with herbal infusions.

Required Ingredients:

  • coriander 1 tsp;
  • boiling water.

Mode of application.

  1. Take one spoonful of coriander seeds and chop.
  2. Pour in a glass of hot water.
  3. Boil for a few minutes.
  4. After that, strain and drink each time before meals.

Another recipe that will help to avoid pulling sensations in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy. Required Ingredients:

  • watch leaves;
  • boiling water.

If you have gastritis and low acidity or constipation, then several times a day you need to take such an infusion.

Mode of application.

  1. Pour hot water over two tablespoons of crushed watch leaves.
  2. Insist for at least an hour.
  3. After straining, you can drink.

Application of preventive measures

Depending on why the lower abdomen hurts in the early stages of pregnancy, it is necessary to determine the preventive measures. If this is a slightly uncomfortable feeling caused by unlimited food intake, or you notice that the stomach does not express delight after a certain food, you should stop taking such food. You should discuss your diet with a specialist.

During pregnancy, the arising abdominal pain always causes concern in the expectant mother. Even if they are insignificant, a woman perceives them as a threat to the health of her unborn child. Unpleasant sensations of varying strength can be evidence of changes natural for pregnancy, but can also be the first symptom of an ongoing pathological process that cannot be ignored.

Pains are of a different nature: sharp and sudden, aching, cramping, stabbing or constant, chronic. For diagnosis, it is important to determine the localization of discomfort and pain.

Causes of pain in the first half of pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, pain localized in the lower abdomen can be divided into physiological and pathological. In the first case, unpleasant sensations are caused by natural changes, in which the entire body undergoes restructuring. Such sensations are not dangerous. In addition, they are often insignificant, do not worsen over time and do not cause great physical discomfort.

Very often, in the first weeks of pregnancy, a woman experiences abdominal pain, like during menstruation. Often, the expectant mother does not even pay attention to them, believing that menstruation will begin in a day or two. This is especially true for those who are suffering. In fact, this discomfort is caused by the implantation of the ovum into the endometrium.

There are other reasons as well:

  • hormonal changes in the body;
  • excess of the amount of progesterone;
  • stretching of the ligaments;
  • increased sensitivity of the mother's body to errors in nutrition;
  • changes in the center of gravity of the body.

There may be more serious causes of pathology:

Ectopic pregnancy

Hernia

The umbilical hernia itself does not cause pain. The hazard is the risk of crushing it. This pathology can cause stabbing and cutting pains in the lower abdomen and in the navel, vomiting, nausea, heartburn. If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor.

Symphisite

Painful sensations that occur in the lower abdomen when walking can be caused by inflammation of the pubic articulation (symphysitis). It leads to the softening of the pelvic bones under the influence of hormones. Because of this, discomfort in the perineal region and a characteristic duck gait are noted. While walking, pain often occurs caused by diseases of the organs of the musculoskeletal system, which are aggravated by increased pressure on them.

Premature birth

Drawing pains localized in the lower abdomen is the main symptom (28-38 weeks of gestation).

Other signs include:

  • feeling of heaviness, "stone" stomach;
  • aching pain in the lower back, sacrum;
  • brown or watery vaginal discharge;
  • feeling of pressure on the perineum;
  • leakage of amniotic fluid;
  • upset digestion.

The cause of pain can be a dangerous pathology - premature. The condition belongs to the most severe complications that threaten the life of the fetus and require immediate medical attention.

What are training contractions?

A slight pulling sensation at 38 weeks of gestation is an indicator that the body is strenuously preparing for childbirth. They are called harbingers of childbirth. They also include:

  • prolapse of the abdomen;
  • slow movements of the fetus;
  • increased aches in the lower back;
  • stopping weight gain;
  • mucous vaginal discharge, sometimes streaked with blood;
  • separation of the mucous plug;
  • increased fatigue, unstable emotional state.

Painful sensations can be cramping in nature. Sometimes they are perceived by women, especially primiparas, as the beginning of labor pains. In gynecology, they are usually called. They are less painful, non-cyclical, and less prone to buildup. Training contractions should not be a cause for concern, but they do mean that a woman must be mentally prepared to start labor.

38-39 weeks of pregnancy is the period when the child is fully formed and viable. Labor activity can begin at any time.

What to do?

In case of severe cramping attacks in the first trimester, complicated by bleeding and fainting, you should immediately seek help from a doctor, since there is a very high probability of an incipient miscarriage or.

To reduce the unpleasant symptoms caused by toxicosis, the following rules must be observed:

  • adhere to fractional meals 5-6 times a day;
  • eat light plant foods, lean meats, fruits, vegetables;
  • exclude smoked meats, spicy, fried foods from the diet;
  • provide the pregnant woman with plenty of drink in order to protect her from dehydration (unsweetened tea, dried fruit compote, chamomile broth, rosehip infusion);
  • do not lie down immediately after eating and do not eat at night.

To prevent toxicosis in the morning, before getting out of bed, you need to eat a handful of nuts, crackers or crackers. Ginger, from which teas is prepared or its root is added to salads or cereals, helps to reduce attacks of nausea.

Every mother-to-be should remember that pain relievers can temporarily eliminate painful discomfort, but not cure the disease that causes it.

Pains caused by stomach and other internal ailments will be overcome after the disease that caused them is treated. For accurate diagnosis, general tests, ultrasound and computed tomography are prescribed.

For minor abdominal discomfort that is not caused by chronic or acute illnesses, you can improve your condition by following these tips:

  1. Take a warm bath or shower regularly. The water should not be very hot.
  2. Periodically go to rest, listening to light music, meditating.
  3. Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you have a tendency to swelling.
  4. Take leisurely walks in places where there are no crowds of people. Staying in the fresh air supplies the placenta and other organs with oxygen, accelerates the elimination of toxins and toxins.
  5. Perform, do yoga, fitball exercises.
  6. Avoid stressful situations, physical and mental stress, unjustified experiences.
  7. Follow a diet that supports the intestinal microflora, prevents dehydration, and relieves swelling.
  8. Visit a gynecologist regularly and follow all his prescriptions and recommendations.
  9. Combat constipation: Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, eat foods rich in fiber, and exercise. Taking laxatives, especially without the advice of a doctor, is undesirable.
  10. Monitor blood pressure, consult a doctor if it rises sharply.
  11. To alleviate the condition during training fights, you can lie on your left side, placing a pillow under your stomach, take a knee-elbow position for a few minutes, inhale deeply for a count of four and exhale for a count of six. The same exercises in the future will ease the condition during childbirth.

Pregnancy obliges a woman to be organized and very responsible. Only in taking care of her health and psychological comfort will the expectant mother be able to nurture a new life within herself. That is why, during all nine months of the baby's intrauterine life, it is so important to pay attention to the slightest alarming "bells": physical and psychological discomfort, pain, heaviness, etc. For example, almost all future mommies. How dangerous is it for a woman and a fetus? What are these sensations warning about? We will try to answer these and other questions in the article.

An unpleasant feeling of discomfort in the lower abdomen can be an indirect hint of pregnancy when menstruation is delayed. Almost always, the pain has a pulling and aching character. After fertilization, the egg enters the uterus and begins to penetrate into its wall, on average, a week after conception. At the moment of attachment of the embryo to the inner surface of the uterus, a woman may feel cramping pain and notice a slight vaginal discharge. Doctors assure that these symptoms are natural at the very beginning of the long nine months.

Lower abdomen hurts in early pregnancy: normal or pathological?

The fact that with the appearance of a little man under a woman's heart, various painful sensations begin to annoy her, without undue doubt can be taken as a variant of the norm. To be convinced of this, it is enough to analyze what changes occur in the female body after conception.

The appearance of an embryo stimulates a number of physiological metamorphoses in a pregnant woman. We list just a few, the most obvious ones:

  1. Reorganization of the hormonal background, on the basis of which the uterus and breast begin to increase in size.
  2. Increased blood volume in the body.
  3. Changes in blood chemical parameters.
  4. Increased heart rate.
  5. Expansion of the area of ​​blood vessels in the chest and lower abdomen.
  6. Softening the ligaments and muscles of the abdomen on the eve of heavy loads. As pregnancy progresses, they begin to stretch and thicken.
  7. Displacement and compression of the pelvic organs.
  8. Decrease in the activity of intestinal peristalsis, the appearance of colic and constipation.

Obviously, some of these changes are directly related to the onset of pain.

Perestroika processes are most active until the 16th week of pregnancy. And this time is not easy for the expectant mother: she is constantly overcome by drowsiness, nausea, heartburn, increased sweating, and constipation. In addition, periodically during this period of pregnancy, the lower abdomen and lower back hurt. All these sensations are associated with the characteristics of the growth and development of the fetus, and therefore are considered the norm. And what happens in the body of the expectant mother if she is worried about pain in the lower abdomen in late pregnancy? Naturally, such sensations can greatly excite a woman, so it is imperative to find out why this is happening and whether special treatment is required in such a situation.

Why pulls the lower abdomen during pregnancy

The reasons for the painful contraction of the muscles of the uterus are obstetric and non-obstetric.

Obstetric pain refers to symptoms caused by spontaneous abortion or placental abruption. The factors that cause the appearance of non-obstetric pain are prosaic: colic, constipation, flatulence, sprains of ligaments and muscles, divergence of the pelvic bones due to heavy load. When a woman's lower abdomen pulls and hurts during pregnancy, it is very important to quickly find out whether this is due to a physiological disorder or due to overload.

Consider the factors that provoke the appearance of painful discomfort in the future mother in the lower abdominal cavity:

  1. Transformation of ligaments due to pregnancy. In the first weeks after conception, the female body is just beginning to adapt to its new status: the round ligaments located on the sides of the uterus are getting toned. The uterus itself begins to gradually move to take place in the center of the pelvis. This process, undoubtedly, manifests itself in the form of painful discomfort in the lower abdomen. It is noted that the lower abdomen in early pregnancy hurts mainly in women who previously had painful periods.
  2. Softening and increasing the mobility of the joints, as a result of which a woman has a "duck" gait and from the first weeks of pregnancy, the lower abdomen hurts.
  3. Uterine tone. With the onset of pregnancy, the uterus, being a large organ that consists exclusively of muscle tissue, begins to contract periodically. As a result, a woman during pregnancy may think that the lower abdomen hurts like during menstruation, but in fact it is nothing more than a state of increased uterine tone. Most often, this kind of stress is observed in the first and last trimesters.
  4. Excessive physical activity: running, staying on your feet for a long time, lifting weights. In the last months of pregnancy, such frivolous actions will cause not only a pulling pain in the lower abdomen, but also premature birth.
  5. The psychological state of the expectant mother. It is often difficult for a pregnant woman, under the influence of hormones, to live with her new role. She cannot cope with the emotions she is experiencing, and does not know how to suppress the feelings of nervousness and irritation inherent in the early stages of an "interesting" situation. This insecurity and lack of self-control creates muscle tone and pain in the lower abdomen.
  6. Digestive problems. The pressure of the uterus on the intestines, especially in late pregnancy, weakens the activity of the digestive system and causes a whole range of disorders - flatulence, colic, constipation. Naturally, this condition leads to the fact that the expectant mother suffers from pain and heaviness in the lower abdomen.
  7. Diseases of a gynecological nature often lead to the fact that during pregnancy, vaginal discharge appears and the lower abdomen hurts.
  8. Abdominal pain can appear due to non-obstetric disorders: appendicitis, inflammation of the pancreas, intestinal obstruction. During pregnancy, such problems require immediate correction with treatment prescribed by a qualified professional.

If there are no serious internal disturbances, the expectant mother faces discomfort in the lower abdomen at the beginning (up to 8 weeks) and at the end of pregnancy (8, 9 months). The increased belly gains noticeable weight only after 7 months. From 3 to 7 months of carrying a baby, the woman's condition is stable, and the sensations are generally comfortable. If the expectant mother begins to experience strange pains in the lower abdomen, the nature of which is not clear to her, there is no need to delay a visit to the doctor.

How to avoid lower abdominal pain during pregnancy

Sometimes it is enough for a mother-to-be to adjust her diet and daily routine in a certain way to feel better.

Diet for pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

Rational nutrition will help to improve the functioning of the digestive system:

  1. Eating green vegetables, fruits and nuts stimulates intestinal motility.
  2. The presence of fermented milk products in the daily diet will maintain the microflora in order and provide the body with enough enzymes to digest food. In addition, it is an excellent prevention of intestinal colic.
  3. A sensible drinking regime is at the heart of the water balance. You can not drink too little or too much: every woman must find a middle ground for herself. An excess of water, as well as its lack, provokes the formation of edema in the body of a pregnant woman.
  4. Avoiding fats, coffee, smoked food, muffins and sweets will prevent the development of inflammatory reactions in the digestive tract and lead to a significant improvement in the well-being of the expectant mother.

Ideally, a pregnant woman's diet should be simple and natural.

Exercise from lower abdominal pain during pregnancy

Moderate physical activity during pregnancy is a necessary measure for targeted stretching of the muscles and ligaments of the perineum. Performing gymnastic exercises regularly prepares the body for childbirth. Here is an approximate complex that every pregnant woman can take note of:

  1. Get down on your knees, spread them shoulder-width apart and sit between them on your buttocks. This is the classic crotch stretching pose. If physical fitness permits, the woman can slowly and carefully lower herself from this position onto her back - this position is known as the fish.
  2. Sit on a flat surface, bend your knees and pull your legs towards you, gripping your heels. Now rest your feet against each other, and with your knees apart, try to reach the floor. This exercise is called the butterfly.
  3. To relieve pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, a woman needs to learn how to relax and contract the muscles of the perineum. It is enough to master the following exercise: imagine that you really want to go to the toilet "small", but there is no way to empty the bladder, so you have to endure. To do this, you need with an effort of will to tighten the muscles of the perineum for 10 seconds, and then relax. Repeat the exercise several times in a row, it is especially important to do this when there is very little time left before the birth.

Walking for pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

Unhurried walks in the fresh air "disperse" the blood through the veins and stimulate oxygen access to all important organs of the female body and the placenta. On this basis, the elimination of toxins from the mother's body is accelerated. It has already been proven that the most severe pains in the lower abdomen during pregnancy torment women who lead a sedentary lifestyle, not bothering themselves with even minimal physical exertion. Hiking should be a part of a pregnant woman's life regularly, not from time to time.

Psychological condition and pain in the lower abdomen

Expectant mothers, who are dominated by hormones for most of their pregnancy, react to everything that happens around them very emotionally. While waiting for a baby, a woman can become irritable, whiny, explosive or touchy. To maintain an even psychological state and inner comfort, the expectant mother should try to keep all her experiences under control.

Everything in the human body is interconnected: the work of organs and systems is completely dependent on consciousness. In other words, thoughts, both positive and negative, are invariably reflected in bodily sensations. Very often, such destructive emotions as anger, irritation, resentment, fear and panic provoke a sharp spastic contraction of the muscles of the face, limbs, abdomen and perineum. As a result of this reaction, the blood vessels that supply the fetus with oxygen and other beneficial substances are compressed. If this happens regularly, the baby receives physiological trauma due to prolonged oxygen starvation.

How to reduce painful sensations if the lower abdomen pulls during pregnancy

If the expectant mother is sure that the pains that interfere with her are devoid of periodicity and do not tend to increase, that is, they are caused by physiological reasons, you can take some measures to alleviate them:

  • a warm bath for 15 - 20 minutes - this will help relax the muscles and relieve spastic tension in the lower abdominal cavity;
  • rest in a lying or half-sitting position for 30 minutes;
  • regular wearing of a bandage, which will reduce the stretching of the abdominal muscles and thus get rid of pain in its lower part;
  • before visiting a doctor, you can take an antispasmodic drug that is not prohibited for use by pregnant women. No-shpa in the form of tablets or Papaverine in the form of suppositories is suitable. If, after 1 hour after using the medicine, the pain does not go away, you can take another 1 tablet, provided that the painful sensations do not intensify.

What pains in the lower abdomen should alert the expectant mother

When the expectant mother feels that her lower abdomen has begun to pull, she must necessarily take into account the intensity of these sensations and how often they recur. Of course, the feeling of heaviness should be alerted, which intensifies and develops into pain. It is also suspicious when the pulling pain becomes encircling, spreading to the lower back.

The most important symptom is the frequency of pain in the lower abdomen - if painful discomfort occurs with frightening regularity, this can warn of the onset of spontaneous abortion or premature birth. In this case, the pain can be accompanied by mucous discharge with blood clots. Then prompt action must be taken to save the child.

Feeling in the abdomen in early pregnancy. Video

Carrying a baby for a woman is one of the most unique periods in her life, but when her lower abdomen hurts during pregnancy, this is cause for concern. Regardless of the duration and type of pain, such a symptom can be very dangerous.

For the expectant mother, her belly is the most important object of attention. Any changes in this area can be very confusing for a woman. The causes of pain are always looked for first. If nothing significant happened (that is, there were no changes in nutrition or physical overstrain), then we are talking about something more serious. In this case, most expectant mothers begin to panic, which is very harmful for the baby. You do not need to do this without a confirmed reason. If you experience pain in the abdomen, you should immediately consult a doctor, if necessary, call an ambulance. This will eliminate or confirm concerns. It is better to find out about the real causes of the problem than to be tormented by guesswork. Moreover, most of the pathologies that can provoke abdominal pain in pregnant women are easily eliminated by various methods that are absolutely safe for the child and mother.

Experts recommend not to panic if your stomach aches or hurts badly. Excessive emotional stress will only aggravate the situation. Unpleasant sensations that simply cannot be tolerated require urgent medical attention for the expectant mother. A woman should listen to her feelings and recognize the type of pain. Much depends on this, including the preliminary diagnosis that the doctor can make. In some cases, you have to act very quickly, and the nature of the pain sensations can tell a lot and give the doctor the opportunity to prescribe the correct treatment for the patient.

The main thing to remember is that not always abdominal pain is a serious pathology that can harm the baby or the expectant mother. Sometimes it happens that it is the extra fear that leads to the development of more serious problems. Therefore, it is worth keeping yourself in control and not giving in to panic under any circumstances.

Most often, expectant mothers are worried about an unpleasant sensation in the lower abdomen. However, they can be different. Conventionally, pain is divided into obstetric and non-obstetric: that is, it can threaten the child or be simply a consequence of an unsuccessfully selected menu. Obstetric pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy often occurs with a serious threat of early termination. In addition, a similar symptom can be a sign of placental abruption and even a hint of an ectopic pregnancy. In the latter case, the woman will not even guess about her problem until the pain in the lower abdomen becomes unbearable.

In turn, pain that is not related to the child can be a simple consequence of indigestion or other problems in the digestive tract. Sometimes this is how sprain manifests itself in women who are actively involved in sports during pregnancy.

The most dangerous type of non-obstetric pain in the lower abdomen in a pregnant woman is surgical pathology. Here we can talk about the activation of a previously forgotten chronic disease, from which now only an operation can be relieved. Pain in the lower abdomen can occur with appendicitis and other dangerous inflammations.

By its type, painful sensations can vary. The reasons are different, but not always a very strong stabbing pain indicates a serious pathology. In some cases, pulling and aching pain is much more dangerous.

There are 3 types of discomfort. The pain can be acute, sudden, and chronic persistent. There are also cases when the pain increases and decreases to almost a minimum. By their nature, unpleasant sensations are stabbing, cutting, cramping, aching or pressing. A woman must accurately determine the type of sensations in order to describe them in detail to the doctor. This will help in making the correct diagnosis.

The localization of pain also plays an important role. If the stomach aches in the upper part, this may indicate problems with the stomach, biliary system, duodenum, pancreas, and sometimes with the heart and lungs, which are sent down. That is, painful sensations in the upper abdomen are most often not obstetric.

The pain can be localized in the navel area. As a rule, this indicates a problem in the small intestine.

The lower abdomen for the expectant mother is considered the most dangerous. It is here that signals of obstetric problems are mainly noted.

When can a fetus be at risk?

It is possible that pain in the lower abdomen is a harbinger of abortion. However, if the expectant mother receives qualified medical care in a timely manner, many problems can be avoided and the child's life saved.

As a rule, the most dangerous are pulling pains, which begin with minor discomfort, and then turn into severe pain. Sometimes it comes to the point that a woman simply does not have the strength to endure. It is very easy to determine the nature of this pain for the fair sex, since they resemble the sensations that arise during critical days.

The pains are localized mainly in the central part of the abdomen, but radiate to the lower part of it. Sometimes pain can go to the back, for example, to the sacral region.

In addition, a woman may notice suspicious discharge from the genital tract, complain of too frequent urge to go to the toilet. In such cases, the expectant mother begins to worry a lot. Emotional overload only exacerbates the situation, which provokes the emergence of an even greater threat to the baby. It is important to control yourself and try to calm down at least until the moment when qualified medical help arrives. In addition, in such a difficult period, any physical activity must be excluded. A woman should be surrounded by attention and care from close people, which will allow her to survive this time without significant consequences for the health of the unborn child.

Diagnostic measures

If the doctor suspects that the pain is obstetric, this suggests that many diagnostic procedures will have to be carried out in order to accurately diagnose. First of all, ultrasound is used. This diagnostic method makes it possible to determine the increased tone of the uterus, to see the detachment of the ovum or placenta and other dangerous pathologies that can lead to abortion. Moreover, ultrasound examination allows you to see the condition of the fetus itself, which is very important when choosing a treatment strategy.

An ultrasound is mostly beneficial if the first trimester of pregnancy is in progress. At a later date, doctors use CTG, that is, cardiotocography. With its help, you can determine the condition of the child and see if the uterus is producing cramp-like contractions. But ultrasound examinations in the second and third trimester of pregnancy will also be helpful. In any case, when choosing the appropriate diagnostic methods, the doctor is guided by the nature of the discomfort.

Sharp pain

If pulling pain is very dangerous for a pregnant woman and an unborn baby, then sharp pains can be a consequence of improper nutrition. Most often, this is how indigestion manifests itself.

Expectant mothers have problems with the abdominal organs quite often. They always manifest themselves as characteristic pains in the abdomen and can radiate both to the upper part and to the lower one. There can be many reasons why a woman may have a stomach ache. First of all, this is due to a decrease in peristalsis, that is, the motor activity of the pancreatic ducts, gallbladder and intestines. In these organs, the contents stagnate, which is the reason for the development of many pathogenic bacteria. This negatively affects the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, during the carrying of a child, the level of functioning of the immune system decreases in a woman. Against the background of a decrease in immunity, blood circulation in small vessels also changes. All together contributes to the development of inflammatory processes in the digestive tract.

The expectant mother should also remember about chronic diseases. For example, if a woman previously suffered from gastritis or pancreatitis, during pregnancy these diseases will certainly remind of themselves, passing into the acute stage. As a result, the pain will be severe, sharp and accompanied by many unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, problems with stool.

A sharp pain in the abdomen in the expectant mother can also be caused by the displacement of some organs of the abdominal cavity, this is a completely natural process when the fetus begins to actively grow in the abdomen.

It takes its place, thereby moving other organs. For a woman, such rearrangements can be very unpleasant. They are reflected by a sharp, but short-lived pain, including in the lower abdomen. In general, the localization of unpleasant sensations will depend on which organ is being discussed.

Experts strongly advise women not to ignore any manifestations of pain. Even harsh manifestations can bring a lot of problems. For example, the danger cannot be excluded that the inflammatory process in the abdominal organs will spread further and cause a serious complication. In this case, the woman will feel acute pain constantly, but with varying intensity. The development of peritonitis, that is, inflammation of the peritoneum, is not excluded. This complication is especially dangerous in the third trimester of pregnancy.

All this suggests that you do not need to ignore the signals of the body, which will prompt the presence of a problem. It is quite possible that she will decide on her own, but it will not hurt to play it safe by going to a doctor.

Inflammation of appendicitis

While carrying babies, women are always faced with a decrease in the functions of the immune system and the activation of chronic diseases. Sometimes various pathologies make themselves felt, which at normal times would not be scary, but become very dangerous during pregnancy. As a striking example, we can mention acute inflammation of the appendix. As a rule, appendicitis is surgically removed, after which only a small scar reminds of the operation.

However, when it comes to a woman expecting a baby, any surgical intervention can be very dangerous, especially since most often women face similar problems in the second trimester, when any abdominal surgery is excluded.

It all starts with a sharp pain in the abdomen. It appears and then dies down. For a while, discomfort can be concentrated in the area where the appendix itself is located, that is, in the right side of the abdomen. It is worth noting that this process is usually located in the lower section, but with the growth of the fetus, it shifts higher. The pain can be so strong that it will radiate in all directions.

It is possible to determine that we are talking about appendicitis by additional symptoms. Painful sensations with appendicitis are always accompanied by a feeling of nausea, which develops into vomiting. In addition, the expectant mother may have a very high body temperature. If the woman lies on her right side, the pain can become unbearable. This is due to the fact that the large belly will press on the inflamed process.

Symptoms such as increased heart rate, shortness of breath, bloating, and general weakness can occur if you do not take any action. Possible development of the main complication of appendicitis - peritonitis.

It is urgent to solve the problem with an inflamed appendix. You should not self-medicate and try to relieve pain with medications or traditional medicine. First of all, you need to call an ambulance. It is unlikely that in this case it will be possible to do without surgical intervention. The main thing is not to delay in order to prevent the development of peritonitis. If the removal of an inflamed appendix is ​​a simple operation, then the fight against peritonitis is a very serious matter.

Cholecystitis and pancreatitis

Cholecystitis is another dangerous surgical pathology. During pregnancy, it is especially dangerous, since if it comes to surgery, it can negatively affect the health of the unborn baby.

As a rule, cholecystitis is manifested by pain in the right hypochondrium, but often the discomfort is so strong that it radiates to the very bottom of the abdomen. The pain can be any, both acute and dull aching. It all depends on how strong the inflammation of the gallbladder will be.

If a woman previously had problems with this organ, and the disease has developed into a chronic nature, then during pregnancy a diseased gallbladder will certainly manifest itself. Symptoms are especially pronounced with improper nutrition and eating a large number of fatty and fried foods. Sometimes sharp pain is caused by shaking while driving, the discomfort is especially intensified when the fetus moves.

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory process in the pancreas. The disease develops when the outflow of bile from the organ is disturbed, which can occur for various reasons. First of all, such a nuisance is faced by those who abuse fatty and spicy foods, eat too much meat, do not know when to stop in alcohol and suffer from bad heredity. Sometimes stress and frequent nervous strain can also lead to the development of pancreatitis.

In its acute stage, the disease will manifest itself as abdominal pain. In most cases, it is localized in the upper part and is pulling and encircling in nature. However, sometimes there is also a strong return to the lower abdomen. Additional symptoms of acute pancreatitis include vomiting, stool problems, and low blood pressure.

Only a doctor can clarify the diagnosis, so in no case need to self-medicate. In order to determine the reason why a woman has strong and unpleasant sensations in the abdomen, several diagnostic procedures are prescribed: ultrasound examination, blood and urine tests. As a rule, on the basis of these data, it is possible to make a correct diagnosis and distinguish appendicitis from cholecystitis and pancreatitis.

In some cases, treatment is possible only by surgery. However, if the patient seeks a doctor in time, laparoscopy can be dispensed with. This is a surgical method in which the doctor performs the operation through a small opening and with minimal risk to the baby and internal organs.

Most often, surgery is required for acute appendicitis, since it is he who is prone to complications. When it comes to cholecystitis or pancreatitis, during pregnancy they try to prescribe special drug therapy, which will temporarily exclude exacerbation. Often a woman has to go to the hospital. The operation will be performed after delivery.

Food poisoning

Abdominal pain, especially severe abdominal pain, can be caused by food intoxication, which is called simple poisoning. The main reason for the development of such problems is the action of pathogens. They enter the stomach through poorly processed food or dirty hands. In any case, the symptoms are almost always the same, the main one being severe abdominal pain. It can be localized in the navel and diverge from it up and down. Unpleasant sensations can be sharp and dull, but more often cramping. In addition to this, loose stools, a feeling of nausea and vomiting will appear. An increase in body temperature is not excluded.

Don't think food poisoning is not a serious problem. If, in the normal state, a woman's body can safely endure the disease, and only activated charcoal is needed from medicines, then during pregnancy everything becomes more complicated, since the life of the unborn child is at risk. Therefore, if unpleasant symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Diagnostics is carried out according to the usual scheme, that is, using ultrasound examination, blood tests, urine and feces. Sometimes vomit is also taken for analysis. If a woman has no obvious signs of dehydration: cold sweat, pallor of the skin and low blood pressure, you can do without hospital treatment. However, the expectant mother must necessarily follow all the doctor's prescriptions and perform them flawlessly.

Diet plays a very important role in food poisoning. It should be aimed at getting rid of toxins and normalizing the amount of fluid in the body. In addition to taking medicines, which will be prescribed by a doctor, a drinking regimen is mandatory for a woman. Still mineral waters, herbal and ordinary teas are well suited for restoring the water balance. Of the drugs that can quickly remove toxins, expectant mothers are mainly prescribed activated carbon, Enterosgel and Smecta. They can only be used after a doctor's approval.

As for the diet, it should consist of steamed or boiled foods. It is best if these are pureed dishes that will not irritate the stomach. Smoked meats, salted and pickled foods, as well as vegetables and fruits, except for baked and boiled ones, are completely excluded. Black bread and bran must be completely abandoned. Soups, cereals, boiled pasta and lean meat are allowed. Kefir, cottage cheese and boiled fish are well suited. The better the woman's condition, the less gentle the diet becomes.

Manifestations of cystitis

Cystitis is a common cause of acute lower abdominal pain in pregnant women. This pathology is an inflammatory process in the bladder. Cystitis can be chronic or acute. In any case, the lower abdomen will be the main site of pain localization. The discomfort is especially increased when the bladder is full, and at the end of urination, the pain can be simply unbearable. All these are clear signs of cystitis. Such a pathology always causes frequent urge to go to the toilet, but the liquid itself comes out in very small portions. The appearance of blood impurities in the urine is not excluded.

For a woman in position, this causes a lot of discomfort. Moreover, the infection can penetrate the genital tract, so you need to get rid of the inflammatory process. The most correct decision in this case would be to see a doctor. Only he can prescribe the most suitable treatment that will eliminate inflammation and not harm the unborn child.

Crick

If the expectant mother is actively involved in sports while carrying a child, then she runs the risk of earning a sprain or muscle strain, since the load increases with the growth of the fetus. Moreover, even those who are not physically tense may notice pulling pains in the lower abdomen, which are caused by the stretching of muscle tissue. The fact is that the active growth of the uterus puts a lot of stress on the ligaments that support it in the pelvic area. The displacement of internal organs also makes itself felt, as it affects the state of the ligamentous tissue.

The abdominal muscles also suffer a little. With the growth of the abdomen, they stretch and diverge. When the belly grows particularly strongly, the pain will be felt more severe.

Most often, such a pain symptom does not mean anything serious. However, if we are talking about a large fetus or multiple pregnancy, the development of a hernia is not excluded. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor the state of your body.

Necessary treatment

It all depends only on the cause of the unpleasant sensations. In any case, if the stomach begins to ache or other unpleasant sensations appear, it is advisable to consult a doctor in order to get an accurate diagnosis and exclude the possibility of the development of pathology. Particularly dangerous will be pain in the lower abdomen, which is similar to menstrual pain. In this case, it is necessary to call an ambulance, as this is a clear sign of a possible miscarriage. In addition, in no case can you ignore the pain in the right side of the abdomen, which is most often a harbinger of appendicitis.

It does not matter if the pain is acute or dull, you do not need to self-medicate. The expectant mother should remember that any medicine, even herbal tea with an unsuccessfully selected composition, can greatly harm the baby. Some drugs do not terminate the pregnancy, but they do affect the development of the baby. Therefore, treatment should be agreed with the attending physician.

The only thing that a woman in a position can afford is to relax and rest until an ambulance arrives. Taking medications will not only reduce the ability to make an accurate diagnosis by muffling important symptoms, but can also spoil laboratory results.

Proper nutrition during pregnancy is imperative. This will help avoid many of the problems that can cause abdominal pain. If you follow a diet, do not overeat and consume only quality foods, this will significantly reduce the risks of developing pancreatitis, appendicitis and food poisoning. It must be remembered that hormonal changes that always occur in the body of expectant mothers are the reason for the slowdown of the intestines and the gastrointestinal tract in general. As a result, food that was previously easy to digest can now linger for a long time and create trouble. Overeating is often the cause of stomach pain, so the expectant mother should plan her daily diet so that there is little, but often, 5-6 times a day. This will prevent the development of flatulence and fermentation, which creates severe stomach discomfort. As a preventive measure, it is worth periodically eating dried apricots, prunes and other foods with a high content of organic acids, which improve the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract.

Moderate exercise is a good preventive measure. Swimming and fitness are beneficial for expectant mothers to strengthen the muscles of the abdomen, hips and back. The main thing is not to overdo it, so as not to cause even more stretching of the muscles and ligaments.