Pregnancy can be a time filled with excitement and joy, but it is also filled with questions and worries. One of the most common worries that pregnant people have is abdominal pain during pregnancy.
While some abdominal pain is normal during pregnancy, it’s important to know when it’s time to seek medical advice.
Here’s what you need to know about abdominal pain during pregnancy.
When is abdominal pain normal during pregnancy?
It’s normal to experience some mild cramping or abdominal discomfort during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
This could be anything from minor twinges and cramps to more noticeable discomfort. It may also feel like pressure or bloating in your abdomen, rather than sharp pain.
These types of aches are usually nothing to worry about, but if they become worse or continue for a long period of time, then you should make an appointment with your doctor or midwife for further evaluation.
What causes it?
There are many possible causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy, ranging from harmless issues such as gas or constipation to more serious issues such as preterm labor or ectopic pregnancy.
Hormonal changes in your body can cause gas pains and constipation by slowing down digestion and creating gas bubbles in your intestines.
Regular contractions before 37 weeks of pregnancy can be a sign of preterm labor, while an ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants outside of the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes.
When should I worry about abdominal pain during pregnancy?
It’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to any type of abdominal discomfort during pregnancy.
If you experience any type of pain that is severe or lasts for more than a few minutes, contact your doctor immediately.
Other signs that your abdominal pain may be something serious include bleeding from your vagina, dizziness, nausea/vomiting. Or, fever/chills, shortness of breath and/or abnormal vaginal discharge.
In addition, if you experience any type of abdominal trauma (such as a car accident) then you should seek medical attention immediately.
This could potentially lead to complications such as miscarriage or preterm labor.
Conclusion
If you are pregnant and experiencing any type of abdominal discomfort, it’s important to pay attention and take note if it worsens over time or does not go away after a few minutes.
Most cases will turn out to be harmless issues such as gas pains or constipation. These are due to hormonal changes in your body.
But, it is still important not to ignore these symptoms as they could potentially point towards something more serious. Such as preterm labor or ectopic pregnancy which would require immediate medical attention.
Ultimately, all pregnant people should listen carefully to their bodies. Then, they can identify any potential health issues early on and get the help they need right away!
