Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy: Causes and Home Remedies

Pregnancy unfolds as a journey filled with profound joy and anticipation. In this journey a mother can encounter some unexpected challenges. Stomach pain during pregnancy is a frequent concern that can arise due to various reasons. Mild abdominal cramping and pain often result from the expansion of the uterus, the stretching of ligaments, and the changing hormonal levels in the body. On the other hand, severe or constant pain in the stomach while pregnant may indicate more serious issues such as ectopic pregnancy, preterm labour, or complications like preeclampsia. Digestive problems such as gas, constipation, and indigestion can also cause stomach pain during pregnancy. Additionally, monitoring for other symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, fever, or changes in fetal movement, is crucial.

Causes of Stomach Pain During Pregnancy

Harmless stomach pain is abdominal pain or cramps that do not cause any impairment to the mother and child in the womb. They can be mild discomfort to sharp pain in either or both sides of the stomach. The following are some causes of stomach pain due to pregnancy, which are harmless:

• Constipation: Common cause of stomach pain during pregnancy. Bloating or trapped wind also causes stomach pain.
• Growing Pain: Ligaments attached to the uterus stretch as your belly grows. Ligament pain is the leading cause of abdominal cramps during the 2nd trimester. Many pregnant women can also feel ligament pain in early pregnancy.
• Mild Period-like Pain: Many women may experience lower stomach pain during early pregnancy, which mimics period pain. It may go away with some rest.
• Contraction Pain: Pregnancy hormones are the main culprit for tightening or contracting the uterus muscles. The Braxton Hicks contractions can occur early in pregnancy but are more prominent in the second or third trimester. Most of the time, these contractions subside after some rest, but if you are experiencing stronger and regular contractions, contact your doctor.

Serious Causes of Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy

Many women may experience constant stomach aches in early pregnancy, which can be due to severe conditions. Let's understand when abdomen pain during pregnancy is severe:

• Ectopic Pregnancy: It is the prime cause of severe pain in one side of the abdomen and internal bleeding.
• Miscarriage: Pregnancy loss can be a cause of lower abdomen sharp pain in pregnancy. Miscarriage can manifest with abdominal discomfort during early pregnancy (before 20 weeks), often accompanied by vaginal bleeding.
• Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia manifests as high blood pressure and organ damage and can contribute to abdominal pain.
• Placental Abruption: Premature detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall may be a cause of abdominal pain.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are common in pregnancy and can cause abdominal pain. It can sometimes spread to the kidneys and cause severe stomach discomfort.
• Gastrointestinal Infections: Another common cause of stomach cramps in pregnancy.
• Premature Labour: Premature labour happens when you get regular painful contractions or cramps before 37 weeks of pregnancy. You also have pain and pressure in the vaginal area, a backache and a water leak.

If you experience continuous pain in your lower abdomen, consult your doctor immediately. 

How to Ease Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy?

Many women experience mild backache and stomach cramps while pregnant, which are common and are usually nothing to worry about. But if you are experiencing constant stomach pain with other symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, severe cramping or sharp ache, immediately contact your doctor.

The following are some home remedies for abdominal pain during pregnancy:

• First, change your posture. Try to sit and stand with good alignment to reduce strain on your back and abdomen.
• Stay well hydrated. 
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fibre to prevent digestive problems like gas or constipation.
• Take proper rest. Take breaks while working & put your feet up when possible.
• Some gentle exercises like approved prenatal yoga or walks can keep your muscles toned and flexible. 
• Place a warm compress on your lower stomach to soothe and ease muscle tension. Taking a bath in lukewarm water is another relaxing option.
• In later stages of pregnancy, your belly grows and puts extra pressure on your body. So use pregnancy support belts to get some relief.

When Should I Call My Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms along with abdominal pain or discomfort, seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe or Persistent Pain
• Accompanying Symptom: Spotting or bleeding, fever, chills, fainting, or unusual vaginal discharge
• Sudden Pain on One Side: It might be a sign of a more severe condition, such as an ectopic pregnancy.
• Nausea and Profound Vomiting
• Discomfort while Urinating: It may be an indicator of UTIs.

FAQs

1. Is it common to have abdominal pain in pregnancy?

Abdominal pain in pregnancy is very common. Many women experience it. But it is always better to check with your doctor if it is troubling you.

2. What are the causes of abdominal pain in early pregnancy?

Abdominal pain in early pregnancy can be due to many reasons. It can be due to stretching of ligaments as the uterus expands, hormonal changes, gas, constipation and digestive adjustments.

3. I am experiencing lower abdominal pain. Am I pregnant?

Lower abdominal pain can be due to many reasons. Pregnancy can be one of them. But it is better to take a pregnancy test and consult a doctor for confirmation.

4. What does abdominal pain during pregnancy feel like?

The feeling of abdominal pain during pregnancy can vary from person to person. Most women usually say they feel mild discomfort, cramps, dull ache, sharp and stabbing pain.

5. What are the causes of stomach cramps during pregnancy?

Many reasons can cause stomach cramps during pregnancy. Some of the most common causes are uterine expansion, ligament stretching, digestive issues and hormonal changes.

6. I am pregnant and experiencing abdominal pain on my right side. Is it normal?

Pain in the right side of the abdomen is common during pregnancy. But it is better to talk to your gynaecologist if you feel the pain is unusual.