Stomach pain during pregnancy is a common pregnancy complaint, which is normally seen in some women, and it may occur in the upper stomach or upper abdomen during third trimester, according to report from some women. This pain may be sharp and shooting or a full ache.
Stomach pain is common during pregnancy. In the first trimester (weeks 0 to 12) it is common to feel mild pains in the lower tummy area. It is caused by hormonal changes and by your growing womb.
Some people experiences pain in the upper layer of their stomach or abdomen during pregnancy. It depends on the nature of your body, because everyone are not the same. It is usually nothing to worry about, but sometimes if it repeating itself constantly, it might be necessary to see a doctor or your midwife.
Many things that can cause upper abdominal pain are harmless, but the feeling of intense pain can signal a serious problem. Speak to your doctor or your midwife about any unusual or very painful sensations.
Is Stomach pain normal?
Stomach pain during pregnancy is normal but intense pain is not normal. I mean a very serious pain that can be frequently occurring is not normal at all.
Abdominal pain can occur in the third trimester, as a result of crowding the organs by the uterus.
Stomach or abdomen pain is more common during early pregnancy, when hormonal shifts can trigger the vomiting and nausea of morning sickness. In the middle of the second trimester, at around 19-20 weeks, stomach pain gradually goes away.
Abdominal pain can reappear as the uterus begins to crowd the organs in the third trimester. The experience of heartburn or a sensation that the skin of the stomach is stretching in some women will start having stomach pain in the third trimester may indicate a more serious problem if so, see your doctor or midwife.
What is the cause?
Many causes of upper abdominal pain in the third trimester are harmless. However, because premature labor, placenta issues, and other concerns can endanger the woman and the baby, it is important to be cautious and tell a doctor or midwife about any unusual symptoms.
Possible causes of upper abdomen pain during the third trimester include:
Constipation and gas, which is one of the most common pregnancy complaints. Because, During the first trimester, hormonal shifts may trigger constipation. But by the third trimester, the uterus is putting significant pressure on the intestines and making it more difficult for a person to have a bowel movement.
Another possible symptoms of a severe constipation can be.
Experiencing a vague feeling of fullness in the upper stomach or abdomen. Other symptoms might include gas, straining to have a bowel movement, and having very hard or small bowel movements.
When the stomach pain is severe
Stomach pain feels like tightening, and tightening of your tummy could be a sign that you are having a contraction and may be going into labor.
In the period of contraction your womb often goes hard to touch, and your abdomen can feel very tight. See your midwife or doctor if you start experiencing such.
If you have symptoms like pain while urinating (peeing), high temperature, urinating more than normal and cloudy or smelly urine. These are all signs of a urinary tract infection.
What can cause severe or sharp tummy pain in pregnancy?
1. an ectopic pregnancy
2. a miscarriage
3. a urinary tract infection
4. Constipation or trapped wind
In the second and third trimester,
5. Placental abruption
6. Premature or preterm labor if you are less than 37 weeks pregnant
7. pre-eclampsia if you are more than 20 weeks pregnant.
Other symptoms are –
Headache,
Swelling of hands,
Swelling of feet and/or face, blurred vision and nausea
Nausea and vomiting.
How to ease the pain.
1. Engage in a soft exercise at your comfortable place, not on a rough surface.
2. Have enough rest.
3. Manage stress, in other words. You should not stress too much .
4. Eat appropriate, do not eat everything that you see around you. Rest as you are prescribed by your doctor or midwife.
5. Stop frequently lying down on one side, or sitting. Sometimes you stand up and walk around your neighborhood.
6. Gently massage the area that is painful.
7. Always visit your midwife for check up or follow up.
In conclusion
Stomach pain during pregnancy is not a bad thing, but severe pain is bad and the best thing to do it to see your doctor or your midwife. Do not make use of every advice you see by people around, because what works for the other person may not work for you. Let your midwife decide based on what your body tells.
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Thanks.