It is perfectly normal to experience low belly pain when pregnant. The body goes through many changes as the fetus grows, and this can cause various types of discomfort throughout the pregnancy.
There may be several explanations for lower belly pain. Most are harmless and perfectly normal.
However, severe pain or cramping that does not go away might be a sign of a serious issue.
This article will look at some of the most common causes of lower belly pain during pregnancy, how to treat them, and when to see a doctor.
During the first trimester, the following are potential causes of low belly pain:
Early pregnancy
In the early stages of pregnancy, many women experience period-like pain or cramps, usually low down in the belly. This is normal, as the egg settles into the uterus.
Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. It occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. As the egg develops, it can burst the tube, which can cause serious internal bleeding.
Early signs of ectopic pregnancy include:
- mild pain in the lower belly or pelvis
- vaginal bleeding
- pain in the lower back
- mild cramps on one side of the pelvis
These symptoms can worsen as the egg grows. Signs of a ruptured fallopian tube include:
- sudden, severe pain in the belly or pelvis that does not go away
- pain in the shoulders
- weakness
- dizziness
- fainting
A ruptured tube is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Doctors will normally use a combination of medication and surgery to treat an ectopic pregnancy. Treatments will aim to trigger the body to reabsorb the egg, and repair the ruptured fallopian tube.
Learn more about ectopic pregnancy here.
The following causes of low belly pain are more common during later pregnancy:
Braxton-Hicks contractions
A potential cause of belly pain later on in pregnancy are Braxton-Hicks contractions. Doctors sometimes call this false labor.
Braxton-Hicks contractions are part of the body’s preparations to give birth, and usually occur in the week before delivery. They help make the cervix softer and thinner. Many women will find the pain goes away if they go for a walk, or change position.
Learn more about Braxton-Hicks contractions or false labor here.
Pre-term labor
Belly pain that does not go away when the woman moves around may be a sign of pre-term labor. This means giving birth before week 37 of pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms of pre-term labor include:
- pain or pressure in the lower belly
- a dull backache that doesn’t go away
- belly cramps
- diarrhea
- contractions
- a change in vaginal discharge quantity or consistency – it might be more watery, mucusy, or bloody
Anyone who experiences any labor symptoms too early should call a doctor straight away.
Mild belly pain during pregnancy will usually go away on its own. Women can also try taking acetaminophen to ease discomfort.
UTIs, ectopic pregnancies, and pre-term labor all require medical attention.
Home remedies
There are several home remedies to ease mild cases of lower belly pain. These include:
- resting
- using a heat pad
- using a cold compress
- massaging the belly
- relaxation techniques
- exercise
Pregnant women should see a doctor if they have any of the following:
- symptoms of a UTI
- severe pain
- pain that lasts for more than a few hours
- vaginal bleeding
- a fever
- feeling lightheaded
- feeling faint
Anyone who thinks they may be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy should call 911.
It is common to experience lower belly pain during pregnancy. This discomfort is usually mild and will go away on its own, or with the over-the-counter medicine, such as acetaminophen.
If the pain is severe and lasts for more than a few hours, it could indicate a more serious condition. In these cases, people should speak to a doctor.
It’s completely understandable to worry about stomach pain in pregnancy and be anxious about this being a sign of miscarriage. But stomach pains or cramps are common in pregnancy and usually nothing to worry about.
Mild stomach pain in early pregnancy (during the first 12 weeks) is usually caused by your womb expanding, the ligaments stretching as your bump grows, hormones constipation or trapped wind. It may sometimes feel like a ‘stitch’ or mild period pain. It’s is probably nothing to worry about if the pain is mild and goes away when you change position, have a rest, do a poo or pass wind.
You may also feel light period-like discomfort or cramps at the end of your pregnancy. This is nothing to worry about, but call your midwife if you have any concerns.
When should I report stomach pain in pregnancy?
Stomach pain can be very worrying for pregnant women. Pain can make you fear the worst, such as a miscarriage. It’s important to listen to your own instincts. If you are worried about any pains you’re having, or you just feel like something is wrong, contact your midwife. Don’t be concerned about wasting anyone’s time. It’s always best to get things checked out.
If you are having persistent stomach pain (pain that won’t go away) or cramping, or if the pain comes on suddenly it should be checked by a doctor or midwife immediately.
What stomach pain and cramps should I look out for in pregnancy?
Most stomach pain and cramps in pregnancy are nothing to worry about. But there are some symptoms you should know about as they could be a sign of something more serious.
If you feel any of the following pains, even if you're not experiencing any of the other symptoms listed, call your midwife, doctor or hospital immediately.
Severe pain on one side of the lower stomach in early pregnancy
This pain could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Other symptoms may include:
Severe cramps in your stomach with or without bleeding that lasts for several hours
This could be a sign of a miscarriage or placental abruption.
Regular painful contractions/cramps before 37 weeks
This could be a sign of premature labour, especially if you also have:
- either a slow trickle or a gush of clear or pinkish fluid from the vagina or any increase in vaginal discharge
- backache that’s unusual for you
- cramps like strong period pains
- a feeling of pressure in the lowest part of your stomach (pelvis).
Severe pain in your stomach that doesn’t go away
This pain could be a sign of placental abruption. Other symptoms may include:
- tenderness when you press your stomach
- back pain with or without bleeding.
Pain in the upper stomach
Pain just under the ribs is common in later pregnancy because your baby is growing and the uterus is pushing up under the ribs. But if this pain is bad or persistent, particularly on the right side, it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Other symptoms may include:
- a sudden increase in swelling in your face, hands or feet
- a very bad headache or a dull headache that won’t go away
- problems with your vision, such as blurring or flashing lights
- vomiting or just generally feeling unwell.
Pre-eclampsia usually develops in the second half of pregnancy (from around 20 weeks).
Lower stomach pain or dull back pain
Call your midwife if you have this pain and one or more of the following:
-
- pain or discomfort when weeing
- a need to wee often (on its own this is common in a normal pregnancy)
- a raised temperature (over 37.5°C)
- wee that smells bad, is cloudy or bloody
- feeling sick (nausea) and vomiting.
These are symptoms of an urinary tract infection. It's not an emergency but should be treated as soon as possible.
What other kind of stomach pain should I expect?
Braxton Hicks contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions are a sign that the muscles of your womb are tightening. This can happen from as early as 16 weeks, but are more common in later pregnancy.
Braxton Hicks’ contractions are:
- irregular (more than 10 minutes apart)
- short-lasting
- uncomfortable more than painful.
You do not need to contact your maternity unit or midwife unless your contractions become painful and regular (less than 10 minutes apart).
Contractions/cramps after 37-40 weeks could be a sign of the early stages of labour. This is called latent phase of labour.
Often when you expect to receive some good news about pregnancy, you spontaneously start assuming and expecting a lot of change that is about to occur in your daily lifestyle, body and health. Some of these changes will be communicated to you by new moms, some by your own mom and some of the information will be flooded through the internet. One of the daily problems may be pregnancy cramps. Pregnancy cramps can bring you anxiety. So, it is important to know the common reasons for their occurrence. In this blog, we will see 10 causes of cramps in pregnancy. What could be the possible reasons of feeling lower abdominal pain during pregnancy?
Here are 10 causes of cramps and lower abdominal pain during pregnancy.
After you conceive, your progesterone levels rise and hence you start feeling gastric often. This happens because your gastrointestinal tract slows down and that makes food travel more slowly. Slower moving intestinal muscles mean that your digestion slows down and you produce excess gas during pregnancy.
This is one of the obvious reasons to feel cramps and pressure in the lower abdominal area. After conception, the size of the uterus starts increasing creating lesser space for other organs. This way the expanding uterus causes displacement of other intra-abdominal organs and keeps shifting the location of the pain.
This abdominal pain is usually sharp and stabbing in nature. You’ll feel this when you change positions. The type of pain can be dull, achy, lingering pain. Round ligament pain is caused by two large ligaments that join your groin and uterus. As the size of uterus increases with pregnancy, these ligaments are stretched and cause lower abdominal pain. This is harmless though.
These are quite annoying and often labeled as “practice contractions”. This is not risky and is usually of mild nature as compared to real contractions. So if you ever feel contractions while carrying on with your daily chores, then sit back and relax. There is nothing to worry about. Those are just harmless abdominal cramps named as Braxton Hicks contractions.
Stomach bugs and viruses can be quite hard to differentiate from your usual morning sickness in the early weeks of your pregnancy. You need to know that your body has many natural defenses that can keep your baby from harm. Your baby will be all fine but you might feel a bit sick and weary due to mild fever, cramps and diarrhea while dealing with harmless stomach viruses.
Fibroids can be explained as non-cancerous growth in your uterus in your childbearing years. When you conceive, you might feel pain in the second and third trimester typically. This is the most common symptom of fibroids and there is nothing to worry about the same. You will feel cramps and discomfort if the fibroids are large, as they twist during pregnancy.
These are small, hard deposits that form in the kidney and are quite painful to pass. These occur mostly in the third or second trimester and cause upper abdominal pain or pain in the back and sides. This pain can radiate to groin or lower abdomen and common symptoms can include nausea, urinary frequency and urgency, vomiting. Kidney stones are not harmful to the developing baby. (Also read: How to treat kidney stones in Pregnancy)
Your pregnancy can greatly alter your food intolerances and allergic responses to certain foods. For some women, their existing intolerances can improve and for some others, they can worsen. This might lead to stomach pain and cramps followed by diarrhea and gas. If it persists for long, you should talk to your doctor as the baby might not be receiving all the nutrients properly.
In this condition, your pregnancy will be denoted by high blood pressure and protein in the urine after 20 weeks of gestation. Upper abdominal pain and pain under your ribs on the right side could be some of its symptoms. You will feel cramps and pain due to the symptoms like nausea, vomiting and increased pressure on your abdomen. Do visit your doctor and follow the prescription as they instruct.
If ignored and left untreated, a urinary tract infection can cause some complications. Seek medical attention if you feel chills, fever, sweats, nausea as it might mean that the infection has spread to your kidneys. Often indicated by pain, discomfort and burning when you urinate, urinary tract infections can cause lower abdominal pain. (Also read: Avoid Things If you Have UTI)
Take Away
So, these were some reasons that could be prominent and unavoidable causing cramps while you are going through your pregnancy period. Although you should see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience vaginal discharge, fever, chills, severe persistent pain, spotting or bleeding, light-headedness, discomfort or persistent burning while urinating, vomiting and nausea that doesn’t go away. These symptoms could be of concern if they accompany abdominal pain and cramps. This might need medical attention at the right time. Else, you need not worry about subtle symptoms of pregnancy. Those will persist and will be harmless!
Consult online for expert advice from an experienced gynecologist.
Also read: Tips for a healthy pregnancy