Can my stomach feel cramped and hurt after conception? Is it possible to get rid of unpleasant sensations?

Every second woman experiences pulling sensations in the lower abdomen during pregnancy. Often this is a needless worry, but we should not forget about the pathological conditions that can cause such a symptom. To protect your life and the health of your unborn child, you need to clearly know the main pathologies that can cause such pain.

Epidemiology

The epidemiology of this problem based on etiological factors is characterized by the fact that more than 65% of cases of such pain are caused by sprained ligaments and muscles, and therefore such pain does not pose a potential threat. But the remaining 35% is a very large number of complications that can cause such pain. According to statistics, only 88% of women with such symptoms end up in the hospital on time, which threatens termination of pregnancy. In 80% of women, nagging pain caused by a serious illness is accompanied by other symptoms, which proves the need for a full diagnosis and knowledge of these additional clinical manifestations.

Causes of nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

There can be many reasons for nagging abdominal pain during pregnancy, but it is important not only to know about them all, but also to understand where the line is when this is no longer a normal phenomenon and it is necessary to seek advice. The duration of pregnancy is also very important, because depending on this, certain disorders occur that entail such pain.

Before understanding the reasons, we need to talk about the risk factors for this pathology. In women who will become mothers for the first time, the risk of developing such symptoms is higher only because the uterus and all the muscles of the abdominal press and pelvic floor are not ready for such a load. As pregnancy progresses, the uterus stretches, and since it is a muscular organ, this is the only thing that can cause such sensations. Along with the uterus, the abdominal muscles also stretch - this leads to lengthening of the muscle fibers, which is why a nagging pain may be felt. These phenomena are normal and can occur in every woman, and they do not pose any danger. The only question is to determine the pathological condition when it is worth intervening. Among such conditions, it is necessary to highlight inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs. Women who have a history of chronic adnexitis or a cyst, or another source of infection, have very high risk factors for developing complications during pregnancy, and one of the manifestations of such complications may be just such a feeling in the lower abdomen. Moreover, such a symptom can often indicate an exacerbation of the disease. Therefore, one of the reasons that the lower abdomen feels tight during pregnancy may be infectious inflammation of the tubes or ovaries. The pathogenesis of the clinical picture is that the infectious process spreads to neighboring structures - this irritates the pain receptors of the peritoneum covering the uterus or ovaries, which causes nagging pain. But it should be noted that the inflammatory process may not always have a strong manifestation, and the symptoms may be sluggish - which, in addition to nagging pain, may not cause other symptoms.

Other etiological factors of such pain syndrome are the threat of miscarriage or its onset. Premature termination of pregnancy is now a very common problem due to many reasons. This problem refers to complications in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the fetus is most vulnerable. For one reason or another, on the part of the fetus or mother, a nagging pain begins in the lower abdomen, which corresponds to the onset of a miscarriage. The pathogenesis of this disease is associated with rhythmic contractions of the uterus of the same nature as during childbirth, which causes gradual detachment of the fertilized egg and its release. This is a dangerous condition for a woman’s life and it is very important to diagnose it in time, because you can still save the child.

A very important cause of nagging pain in the lower abdomen is ectopic pregnancy. Under normal conditions, on the seventh day after fertilization of the egg, the embryo moves along the fallopian tube and is implanted into the uterine cavity, where it further develops. When for certain reasons the embryo cannot reach the uterus, it is implanted in the tube or comes out of it and ends up on the ovary or in the abdominal cavity, this is an ectopic pregnancy. Over time, the embryo grows and space becomes scarce, which leads to stretching of the tube and the appearance of symptoms. And the first symptom is most often a nagging pain in the abdomen.

The rupture of a cyst or simply its presence, which was not previously diagnosed or was asymptomatic, can cause pain in a similar localization. The cyst, located on the ovary, leads to its irritation, stretching and the appearance of symptoms. Then the cyst can behave quietly throughout pregnancy, or it can grow and progress.

Late pregnancy can pose a potential danger in the form of placental abruption, and this condition is often accompanied by nagging pain. But there are other symptoms, so you shouldn’t focus only on pain in order to diagnose this condition in time.

At any stage of pregnancy, such pain can be a manifestation of acute pathology of the urinary tract. In this case, one should think about renal colic or acute gestational pyelonephritis. Careful differential diagnosis is simply necessary for correct treatment tactics.

These reasons are only the most common, and in order to correctly assess the situation, you must first focus on the nature and intensity of the pain, which can predict a potential threat to life for both the mother and the child.

Symptoms of nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

If the pain is caused only by stretching of the abdominal muscles and uterine fibers, then the clinical picture is limited only to a periodic feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen, as during menstruation. As pregnancy progresses, these sensations may increase. But this is the only symptom in this case, which appears from time to time and is not constant. It does not disturb the general condition of the woman and does not entail any problems.

If, in addition to nagging pain in the lower abdomen, there are other signs of the disease, then you should think about organic pathology. For example, inflammatory diseases of the appendages during pregnancy can become more active, then pain appears, as well as an increase in temperature, which is inherent in any inflammatory process. The very rise in temperature and signs of intoxication may already indicate that this is serious. There may also be purulent vaginal discharge, or just a nasty discharge or discomfort.

If the lower abdomen feels tight in the first trimester of pregnancy, this may be a sign of a threat of premature termination. In this case, only spastic pains in the lower abdomen are observed, which are repeated. If this is accompanied by bloody discharge, then we are talking about a miscarriage, and then it will not be possible to save the child. That is why, if such intense pain occurs, you need to consult a doctor immediately, and not wait for the symptoms to go away.

If the lower abdomen pulls in the second and third trimester, then the cause may be either premature birth or placental abruption. The tactics are very different for all these pathologies. The first signs of premature labor are the same as during normal labor, that is, pain in the lower abdomen. Sometimes in the last weeks before giving birth, a woman may suddenly feel such a heaviness that it will not be accompanied by the breaking of water or the onset of labor. Then we are talking about a pathological preliminary period, in which false contractions do not lead to normal dilatation of the cervix.

If there is a strong pull in the lower abdomen during pregnancy and this is accompanied by bloody discharge in the later stages, then it is necessary to exclude placental abruption. But there may not be any bleeding, so you need to focus only on the intensity of the pain.

When walking, the lower abdomen pulls during pregnancy, more often due to physical activity, then it is recommended to rest, and the symptoms should go away.

If the lower abdomen and lower back are tight during pregnancy, then most likely the woman has pyelonephritis. This is an inflammation of the kidneys, which is also accompanied by urination problems. In this case, it can pull from one side - from the right or from the left. Other symptoms of this disease may include cloudy urine, fever, headache and muscle pain.

If the lower abdomen feels tight when urinating, then most likely it is inflammation of the lower urinary tract. Cystitis is a common disease in pregnant women due to compression of the bladder. There is also pain during urination, burning, frequent urination and frequent urge.

If you experience pain in the lower abdomen and diarrhea during pregnancy, then you need to rule out food poisoning. This may be accompanied by symptoms of vomiting and nausea, which will suggest poisoning.

Thus, nagging pain in the lower abdomen is only one symptom, and to fully characterize the condition, it is necessary to evaluate others in order to provide timely help.

Complications and consequences

The consequences of nagging pain depend on the cause and the urgency of the assistance provided. If there is a threat of miscarriage, you can save the child, but if the miscarriage has already begun, then, unfortunately, treatment will not help. Speaking of inflammatory diseases, untimely treatment of such processes can cause intrauterine infection and lead to further complications - chorioamnionitis, congenital fetal pneumonia, congenital defects. The consequence of untimely diagnosis of placental abruption may be a large retroplacental hematoma, which will ultimately lead to the need to remove the uterus.

Complications that arise against the background of only one symptom - heaviness in the lower abdomen - can be very serious, what you should know in order to prevent them, rather than treat them.

Diagnosis of nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

Diagnosis of nagging pain in the lower abdomen must be timely, then all complications can be prevented. Therefore, it is necessary to exclude all pathological conditions, and only then can we say that this is a normal phenomenon during pregnancy.

First you need to establish all the medical history and clarify the duration of pregnancy, the nature of the pain, and how they are related to the load. Sometimes the fact that pain goes away after rest may indicate its physiological nature. It is important to clarify whether the nature of the discharge has changed and whether the body temperature has increased.

Tests must exclude a pathological condition, and therefore general tests are sufficient for a general diagnosis. A general blood test helps to exclude an inflammatory process, otherwise there will be leukocytosis and a shift of the formula to the left. A general urine test helps determine kidney and urinary tract function. Any increase in white blood cells or protein may indicate inflammation. Then the diagnosis can be confirmed objectively - a positive Pasternatsky symptom indicates the benefit of pyelonephritis.

If placental abruption or threatened abortion is suspected, a vaginal examination is required, which helps to establish the stage of the process. The degree of opening of the internal uterine pharynx during a miscarriage indicates the stage of the abortion and whether it is necessary to continue the pregnancy or whether this will no longer be possible. In case of placental abruption, there may be no external bleeding; then the amount of blood loss needs to be determined using instrumental methods.

Ultrasound examination allows you to accurately determine the condition of the fetus, the location of the fetal egg, and you can accurately exclude one or another condition. You can also assess the condition of the kidneys and the presence of obstruction, that is, diagnose pyelonephritis and urolithiasis. In late pregnancy, the main method for diagnosing the condition of the uterus and child is cardiotocography. This method allows you to establish the tone of the uterus, which plays a major role in the appearance of such nagging pain. And after this we can judge about premature birth or simply an increase in the tone of the uterus. It is also possible to determine the fetal heartbeat and evaluate how such pain affects the fetus.

The main thing in diagnosing such a process is to compare all the symptoms and exclude emergency conditions.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis should be carried out between all pathologies that are accompanied by similar pain.

Treatment of nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

The main principle of treatment of such pathology is etiological. Therefore, medications that are used for such pathologies should be prescribed only when the cause is determined.

1. If the cause of nagging pain is the threat of miscarriage, then they try to preserve the pregnancy with the help of tocolytic therapy. If a miscarriage is in progress, then it will not be possible to maintain the pregnancy in the first trimester. Tocolytic therapy uses drugs that reduce uterine tone.

Hexoprenaline is a drug from the group of selective sympathomimetics, which acts by binding to uterine receptors and leads to relaxation of muscle fibers. Therefore, the drug can be used to stop uncomplicated premature labor, which is accompanied by increased uterine tone and rhythmic contractions. The medicine cannot be used during pregnancy earlier than 22 weeks. The method of administration of the drug is intravenous, which allows you to quickly achieve the effect. Dosage – 10 micrograms of the drug should be administered slowly, and then switch to infusion use. Side effects are palpitations, heart rhythm disturbances, headache, feeling hot, increased blood pressure, tremor, diarrhea. Precautionary measures - do not use the drug if the mother has congenital heart defects.

1. Utrozhestan is a hormonal drug that is used to further treat the threat of miscarriage. Often, hormonal disorders are the cause of the threat of premature birth, so progesterone therapy is mandatory after the elimination of symptoms. Utrozhestan contains progesterone, a natural hormone that stabilizes the activity of the muscle fibers of the uterus and reduces its tone. The drug helps normalize fetal trophism and improves uteroplacental circulation. It helps prolong pregnancy by increasing the level of natural progesterone. The dosage of the drug is determined individually. Directions for use: 100 or 200 milligrams per capsule every day or every other day. Side effects - dizziness, drowsiness, pain in the mammary gland, itchy skin, vomiting, fluid retention with the formation of edema. Precautions - it is important to monitor the dosage of the drug and the effect of a given dose.
2. If the cause of heaviness in the abdomen, according to accurate ultrasound data, is pyelonephritis, then it is necessary to use complex treatment, the main element of which is the restoration of urine outflow. In pregnant women, pyelonephritis is secondary due to the fact that the uterus compresses the ureters, so a mandatory element of treatment is stenting to restore the outflow of urine. Then you need to prescribe an antibiotic that is suitable for pregnant women. Such approved antibacterial agents include unprotected aminopenicillins and cephalosporins. If we are talking about an exacerbation of chronic adnexitis or oophoritis, then it is necessary to use an antibiotic in treatment. Antipyretic and antispasmodic medications can be added to complex treatment.

Cefpodoxime– beta-lactam antibiotic of the 3rd generation, especially effective when acting bactericidal on gram-positive and gram-negative flora. The drug has a bactericidal effect on possible anaerobic pathogens of urinary tract infections, so it can also be used for cystitis. The dosage of the drug is 200 milligrams twice a day, for at least ten days. Side effects are possible if they affect the stomach - colitis or dysbacteriosis develops, which is manifested by bloating and stool disturbances. Precautionary measures - do not use the drug if you are allergic to penicillin antibiotics, as well as with congenital enzymopathies.

1. Paraverin is a combination remedy that includes the antipyretic drug paracetamol in a dose of 500 milligrams, as well as the antispasmodic drotaverine in a dose of 40 milligrams. This drug, due to its complex action, can not only reduce body temperature during inflammatory reactions, but also relieve headaches and increased uterine tone in pregnant women. The dosage of the drug is a 10-milligram tablet, which can be taken in case of fever or headache with an interval of at least 40 minutes. It is not recommended to take more than three tablets per day. Side effects occur in the form of stomach pain, dizziness, and decreased blood pressure. Precautionary measures - do not use in combination with other drugs of the same group and take with caution in case of liver diseases.

Vitamins for a pregnant woman in any case, they will be beneficial, given the increased need for various microelements. When choosing a vitamin supplement, you should give preference to those preparations that contain not only vitamins, but also microelements.

Physiotherapeutic treatment nagging pain in the lower abdomen can be widely used, for example, if there is a scar on the uterus that can cause similar symptoms. For this purpose, electrophoresis with papaverine and dimexide, as well as thermal procedures, are used. You need to undergo at least ten sessions if there are no undesirable effects of such treatment.

Alternative treatment for nagging pain during pregnancy

Alternative treatment for this type of pathology during pregnancy can be used in cases of threatened miscarriage or normal miscarriages. In this case, they use various remedies and herbs that not only reduce the tone of the uterus, but also calm the woman’s nervous system, relieve stress and improve blood circulation in the “mother-fetus” system.

1. To prolong pregnancy, use yarrow powder. To do this, you need to take the dry leaves of this plant, grind them in a mortar to a powder and take a teaspoon of this powder in dry form in the morning every day for twenty-two weeks of pregnancy.
2. Calendula tincture is an excellent tocolytic agent, and in addition it also has properties to reduce bleeding activity, therefore, if there is a threat of miscarriage, to further normalize hemostasis, you need to take medicine from this plant. To prepare medicinal tea, you need to take the flowers and fruits of calendula, add half a liter of water, and then after it has steeped for twenty minutes, strain and drink. Dosage – about a liter of tea should be drunk per day, monitoring other liquids in case of swelling.
3. Viburnum with sugar has a very good effect on the general condition of a woman, improves blood circulation of the placenta and has antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. To do this, it is enough to take viburnum ground with sugar throughout pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. It is also an additional source of vitamin C.

The use of herbs and herbal teas also helps to normalize the tone of the uterus and calm increased nervous excitability.

1. To prepare medicinal tea, you need to take 50 grams of stinging nettle and the same amount of erysipelas, boil this over low heat for five to ten minutes and then strain. You need to drink this tea three times a day, half a cup, after which you need to lie down for a while, as you may feel dizzy due to a decrease in blood pressure. This is not a side effect, but on the contrary, the complex action of the two plants helps to increase blood flow in the placenta area.
2. You need to take 100 grams of cinquefoil and marigold herbs, make tea from a liter of water and drink in small sips throughout the day. The course of treatment is four weeks after the onset of nagging pain, then all processes should normalize and the symptoms will subside.
3. Licorice root, elecampane root and pine leaves need to be poured with dill and boiled for fifteen minutes. Then you need to add currants and let the infusion cool. After half an hour, you can drink this tea up to five times a day.

Homeopathy in the treatment of threatened miscarriage has its advantages, since the drug is selected individually and the dose is always adjusted. In addition, long-term use of such homeopathic medicines is possible even before pregnancy.

1. Sabina is a homeopathic medicine that is used for abdominal pain of a pulling nature, especially when it radiates to the pubic area and bladder. It is available in the form of drops and is used in a dosage of eight drops per dose. Directions for use – the solution should be dripped into 100 milliliters of boiled water and drunk half an hour before meals. The course of treatment can be started before pregnancy with a dose of three drops, and then taken eight drops during the first trimester. Precautions - it is not recommended to use the drug in obese women with arterial hypertension or gestosis. Side effects are rare, allergic skin reactions are possible.
2. Actea rakemosa is a homeopathic remedy that consists of herbal preparations that are more effective in patients with pain that is localized on one side of the abdomen or migrates from one side to the other, which causes weakness and asthenia. The method of using the drug is three drops three times a day, under control of the heartbeat; if tachycardia occurs, the dose can be reduced. No side effects were identified. Precautionary measures - do not take if you are allergic to pollen.
3. Hydrastis is a homeopathic remedy based on the goldenseal plant, which is very effective in maintaining pregnancy due to its action, which is similar to the natural hormone progesterone. The drug reduces the tone of the uterus and normalizes blood circulation, preventing spontaneous contractions. The drug is especially effective in the presence of early gestosis, which is accompanied by nausea and constipation. The drug is available in granules and is dosed at six granules every six hours. Taking the drug before pregnancy is not recommended.
4. Plumbum is a drug of homeopathic origin from the group of inorganic drugs. Used to treat miscarriage with severe spasmodic abdominal pain. The method of use of the drug depends on the form. The dosage when taking drops is one drop per year of life, and when taking capsules – two capsules three times a day. Side effects are possible in the form of hyperemia of the skin of the hands and feet, as well as a feeling of heat. Precautions - do not use if body temperature rises.

Surgical treatment pathology, which is accompanied by nagging pain in the abdomen, is unfortunately used for miscarriage, which does not allow saving the life of the child. At the same time, if the uterine pharynx opens to a significant size, when conservative treatment is ineffective, it is necessary to stop the bleeding surgically. Then they resort to surgical removal of the fertilized egg by scraping out the uterine cavity. In the case of premature birth, which is not amenable to tocolytic therapy or there are indications from the fetus, surgical intervention is also performed - cesarean section. If abdominal pain is caused by placental abruption, then this is an indication for surgical treatment; sometimes it is necessary to remove the uterus if the hematoma is large.

If the lower abdomen feels tight during pregnancy, this may not necessarily be a serious pathology, but you should not miss this symptom, since any changes in the body of a pregnant woman affect the child. You definitely need to tell the doctor about such pain, and he is already looking for the cause. In any case, if you are afraid for your health and the health of your baby, then you need to be examined and identify the cause.

The belly becomes the main focus of attention for expectant mothers. If there is a tug in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, any pregnant woman will feel uneasy.

Pain can be different - their nature, intensity, localization, and accompanying symptoms differ. They may not always be caused by pathological reasons. Conventionally, they are divided into physiological and pathological. Let's find out what they may be connected with.

For the first time, a feeling of pulling in the lower abdomen during pregnancy may appear as early as a week after conception. At this moment, the fertilized egg penetrates the endometrium of the uterus, causing microscopic damage to the vessels and mucous membrane of the organ. A woman may not even realize that pregnancy has occurred - it begins to show its presence at about 5 weeks.

You can also explain why the lower abdomen feels tight in the first days and weeks of pregnancy by hormonal changes that begin the process of stretching the uterine ligaments. And from the second trimester, from approximately the twelfth week of pregnancy, nagging pain can be caused by a change in the center of gravity of the body, intensive growth of the fetus and its pressure on nearby organs. In the third trimester, physiological pain is caused.

It should be taken into account that the nature of the pain should not be pronounced and intensifying. Otherwise, you should consult a doctor to find out why the lower abdomen feels tight during pregnancy.

Pathological pain

The reasons why the lower abdomen feels tight during pregnancy may be factors associated with pathological conditions and the development of complications:

• The lower abdomen may feel tight during pregnancy. In this case, the woman notices discomfort and cramping pain in the abdomen, often with blood, which in the later stages may indicate a miscarriage that has already begun.
• Severe abdominal pain at about 8 weeks may be a symptom. This pathological condition is accompanied by bleeding, pain, and a general deterioration in the woman’s well-being. The situation is urgent and requires immediate assistance.
• The pain may be associated with an active unborn child, which is not always the norm. Intense tremors of the baby may indicate that he is experiencing problems associated with pathological conditions such as, etc.

Not obstetric pain

Sometimes the reasons that explain why the lower abdomen pulls during a normal pregnancy are not obstetric. They are not related to gynecology, but at the same time they require no less careful attention, since they are also dangerous to the health of the mother and child.

Let's list them:

• Pathologies of the urinary system . Most expectant mothers experience frequent and extremely painful urination caused by. Inflammatory damage to the bladder can cause intrauterine infection of the fetus and premature onset of labor. To avoid these problems, you need to consult a urologist.
• Digestive complications . While carrying a baby, a woman may experience worsening of chronic diseases or the appearance of new ones, these include intestinal disorders, etc. Changes affecting a woman’s hormonal levels, as well as the growth of the uterus, can lead to constant constipation and pain in the intestines associated with excessive formation gases In this case, a woman experiences a pulling and bursting pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, most often on the left. With these complaints, you need to contact your doctor, who will help not only adjust your diet, but also, if necessary, select safe medications to normalize digestion.
• Surgical pathologies . No one is safe from them, including pregnant women. A feeling of pulling in the lower abdomen during pregnancy can occur at any stage, both in the first trimester, for example, at 11-12 weeks, and after 28. The problem may be intestinal obstruction or peritonitis, the pain spreads to the entire peritoneum, has acute in nature and accompanied by vomiting, lack of appetite, severe weakness and increased body temperature. Urgent surgical intervention is required.
• The abdominal muscles and ligaments are greatly stretched under the pressure of the growing uterus . The load on the ligaments that support it also increases. Against this background, a displacement of the pelvic organs occurs, which can cause minor aching pain in the lower abdomen. At the same time, the pelvic bones diverge shortly before childbirth, which can provoke a moderate feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.

Nagging pain at the beginning of pregnancy

If you feel pain in your lower abdomen in the early stages of pregnancy, you need to determine the type of pain. It can be caused by physiological and pathological reasons.

Physiological pain is associated with the sensations that arise after conception - the lower abdomen can pull at the 3rd and 4th week of pregnancy due to implantation of the fertilized egg. Abdominal discomfort can be caused by tension in the abdominal muscles, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, or an enlarged uterus. The pain, as a rule, is mild, that is, the woman has the feeling that her stomach did not hurt, but was slightly stretched.

As noted above, pathological pain in the early stages of pregnancy can be associated with such threatening conditions as ectopic pregnancy, threatened miscarriage, placental abruption, with severe pulling and pain in the lower abdomen.

Nagging pain at the end of pregnancy

If pain appears in the later stages, this can be explained by the following reasons:

• Digestive problems associated with overeating, flatulence, pressure from the growing uterus on the intestines, etc.
• Increased pressure on the ligamentous apparatus. It increases simultaneously with the growth of the child, uterus and abdomen. Pain and a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen, caused by sprained ligaments during pregnancy, may intensify in the later stages in a pregnant woman due to sudden movements, such as sneezing.
• Excessive tension in the abdominal muscles.
• Gynecological diseases, infectious and inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.
• Pathological causes - pancreatitis and intestinal obstruction. Fortunately, nagging pain that occurs in the lower abdomen during pregnancy for these reasons appears very rarely.

Pain due to ectopic pregnancy

We mentioned this reason above. Now let's look at it in more detail.

This pathological condition is caused by implantation of the embryo outside the uterine cavity. An ectopic pregnancy can be diagnosed using an ultrasound. The situation when the lower abdomen pulls appears at the very beginning of pregnancy, this is especially felt in the 5th and 6th week.

Unpleasant sensations are concentrated outside the body of the uterus and are of an acute, growing type. At this time, the embryo continues its growth and development, stretching the organ in which it is anchored - in 98% of cases this is the fallopian tube. This cannot continue indefinitely, and after a few weeks the pregnancy is terminated. This usually occurs at the 8th week of pregnancy, and the lower abdomen does not just pull on the right or left, depending on the location of the ruptured fallopian tube: the pain is sharp and cutting, the woman experiences painful shock and massive bleeding.

It is important to prevent the development of this situation, since such a condition threatens the life and health of a woman, and in the future it is fraught, since the damaged pipe cannot be restored.

Dangerous causes of pain

The threat of miscarriage is always accompanied by a feeling of pulling in the lower abdomen in the first and subsequent weeks of pregnancy. This pain is often accompanied by the appearance of blood from the genitals. The expectant mother needs to be hospitalized and treated in a hospital. If you consult a doctor in a timely manner, the fetus can be saved.

Another dangerous condition is placental abruption. It is accompanied by sudden sharp pain and heavy bleeding. The condition also requires hospitalization. The causes of placental abruption can be gestosis, arterial hypertension, trauma and intense physical activity from the second trimester of pregnancy.

How to get rid of pain?

If the lower abdomen pulls at the beginning or end of pregnancy (up to 41 weeks), we are not talking about an independent disease, but about a sign of a probable pathology. Treatment is necessary if the examination of a woman reveals threats to pregnancy.

How to avoid pain in the lower abdomen?

To prevent the occurrence of pain during pregnancy, you need to follow simple recommendations:

• avoid overwork and stress;
• walk more in the fresh air;
• wear a special one;
• Take a warm, relaxing shower or bath regularly.

Small meals, the introduction of plant fiber into the diet, and sufficient fluid intake will help improve intestinal function.

Regular visits to the doctor at the antenatal clinic and scheduled visits from 12-13 weeks will help you get rid of fears about what is pulling in the lower abdomen during pregnancy - after this there will be no reason for concern.

Useful video about ectopic pregnancy as one of the causes of nagging pain in the lower abdomen

Pregnancy is accompanied by various symptoms, for example, nagging pain in the lower abdomen. Why do painful sensations appear? Most often they are caused by natural physiological factors, but sometimes pain can indicate some kind of pathology. Pain also manifests itself in diseases not related to the woman’s reproductive system.

Why does my stomach sometimes feel tight in the early stages of pregnancy?

Women can feel discomfort in the lower abdomen at any stage of pregnancy, but more often it occurs in the early stages, when the body is being rebuilt in preparation for bearing and giving birth to a child. At the same time, the uterus increases in size, and the muscles tighten, which is why there is pulling in the abdomen.

The beginning of pregnancy may be accompanied by slight pain due to the implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterus. Some women may feel this symptom 5-7 days after intercourse on the day of ovulation. The fertilized egg is implanted into the endometrium, breaks the integrity of the membrane, pushes the tissue apart and takes root, which causes a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen.

Each woman has a different degree of pain and depends on individual sensitivity. Some people notice nothing more than mild discomfort, while others feel severe cramping.

Pain can also occur due to pathological conditions in which there is a risk of miscarriage. In this regard, if painful sensations in the lower abdomen occur, it is necessary to find out their cause.

Physiological causes of nagging pain

This article talks about typical ways to solve your issues, but each case is unique! If you want to find out from me how to solve your particular problem, ask your question. It's fast and free!

Nagging pain in early pregnancy appears for the following reasons:

• The blood supply to the uterus increases, which causes stretching in the lower abdomen. Increased blood flow can lead to hypertonicity, which threatens spontaneous abortion.
• Progesterone begins to be produced. A change in hormonal levels causes the muscles of the pelvis and uterus to relax. In addition to pain, there is a feeling of heaviness in the lower back and legs.
• Due to the pressure of the expanding uterus, the pelvic bones diverge slightly in order to make it easier for the baby during childbirth. This happens due to the loosening of joint ligaments and cartilage under the influence of progesterone and relaxin.
• The intestinal muscle tissue relaxes, which is accompanied by a change in peristalsis. In this case, flatulence, constipation, and diarrhea are possible. Because of this, you feel heaviness, fullness, and sipping in the stomach.

Monitoring your body and accompanying symptoms will help determine that the pain is not pathological. Signs of pain of physiological origin:

• pain occurs periodically; it is not intense, not sharp, not cramping, does not radiate to the back;
• disappears after a short rest;
• does not interfere with normal life activities;
• after taking an antispasmodic it goes away;
• is not accompanied by symptoms such as fever, weakness, clouding of consciousness, increased sweating, or decreased blood pressure.

Pathological causes

If the cause of pain is any pathology, then it is usually accompanied by other symptoms. They cannot be ignored, since pathological conditions during pregnancy lead to the death of the fetus and can threaten the life of the mother. In this case, urgent medical intervention is required.

Ectopic pregnancy as a cause of discomfort

In an ectopic pregnancy, the egg is implanted not in the uterus, but on other organs: the fallopian tube, ovary, cervix or abdominal cavity. The embryo begins to grow, the hCG level rises. The result of the pregnancy test will be positive, but the concentration of hCG is lower than during normal pregnancy, so the pathology can be recognized by a blood test and ultrasound.

Pain during an ectopic pregnancy is severe, constant, and does not disappear. When you press on the abdomen, it increases, and as the embryo grows, it intensifies. Possible shooting in the lower back, tailbone, legs.

Additional signs of ectopic pregnancy are:

• bloody discharge, bleeding is possible over time;
• weakness;
• decreased blood pressure;
• headache;
• loss of consciousness;
• general deterioration of condition.

By 5-7 weeks, the fetus blocks almost the entire tube, which threatens its rupture. Heavy bleeding appears and the woman’s life is in danger. It is impossible to carry a child when it is attached outside the uterus. To save a woman, timely intervention is necessary.

Fading pregnancy

The reasons for fetal death are:

• hormonal disorder;
• poor mother's lifestyle;
• gene failure.

A frozen pregnancy may go unnoticed for some time, but the woman feels slight discomfort and nagging pain, and sometimes brown or bloody discharge appears. Freezing is determined using ultrasound by the absence of a heartbeat in the child. In the early stages, a frozen pregnancy is detected by the hCG content - its level drops or stops growing.

If pathology is not detected in time, intoxication of the body may begin. It is characterized by fever, malaise, severe pain, and unhealthy skin color. The embryo must be removed surgically. Sometimes a miscarriage occurs when the body itself rejects the dead flesh.

Threat of interruption

Abortion of pregnancy is caused by increased uterine tone, which is manifested by a feeling of tension and stiffness in the lower abdomen. It can lead to miscarriage.

Other factors can also trigger pregnancy termination:

• nervous tension;
• excessive loads;
• infections;
• changes in hormonal balance.

The pain associated with the pathology is aching, nagging, constant, does not go away for a long time, and becomes stronger after exercise. Additional symptoms are:

• bloody issues;
• lethargy;
• weakness;
• darkening of the eyes;
• dizziness.

If these symptoms are detected, you should immediately go to the hospital. If timely measures are taken, pregnancy can be saved.

Placental abruption

Placental abruption is possible at all stages of pregnancy. It is caused by physical overexertion, stress, injuries, pressure surges, a short umbilical cord of the fetus, and infections. In this case, a sharp cramping pain appears in the lower abdomen, and lumbago is possible. The discomfort stops if you lie down and choose a comfortable position. Later, weakness, dizziness, and general malaise appear.

With this pathology, the embryo ceases to receive adequate nutrition and its blood supply decreases. If the detachment is significant, the fetus may die in the womb. In this condition, hospitalization is necessary to take measures to preserve the pregnancy. If her timing is already late, doctors prefer to start inducing labor.

Causes of pain not related to gynecology

Pain is often caused by processes not related to pregnancy. Such pathologies are dangerous for both the baby and the mother. These include:

• Inflammation. During pregnancy, a woman's immunity decreases, which contributes to the development of inflammatory processes in the ovaries, uterus, and bladder. They manifest themselves as nagging pain, fever, painful urination, and blood in the urine. Inflammation must be identified and treated as early as possible, otherwise it can slow down the development of the fetus.
• Intestinal disorders. Due to changes in peristalsis, gases and constipation are formed, and the intestinal microflora changes. This is accompanied by an unpleasant sensation, heaviness, pain and pain in the abdomen. To eliminate the problem, you need to change your diet. Sometimes taking laxatives that do not have a harmful effect on the fetus is indicated.
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, gastritis. Symptoms characteristic of these diseases appear.
• Cyst formation. Accompanied by pain that occurs after physical activity, nausea, frequent urination, and fever. The type of treatment depends on the type of cyst: medical or surgical.
• Appendicitis. The pain is sharp, constant, and becomes more intense. There is nausea and high fever. The operation is performed laparoscopically. The surgeon must carefully remove the appendix to avoid damaging the uterus and preserve the pregnancy.

What to do if you have a feeling in your lower abdomen?

If your stomach hurts a little in the early stages, there is nothing to worry about. If the pain is pronounced and constant, it is better to consult a gynecologist.

To ensure the normal course of pregnancy, you need to register early and take a blood test, the results of which determine the level of hCG.

If the pain below is constant, sharp, cramping, radiating to the back and legs, you should definitely visit a doctor. Also, contacting a specialist should not be postponed if your health worsens, dizziness, nausea, bleeding appear, the temperature rises and other alarming signs are present.

If the doctor has confirmed the absence of pathologies, but the woman is bothered by nagging pain due to a low pain threshold, you can use traditional methods to eliminate it (after consulting with a gynecologist). At home you can use the following products:

• For flatulence: 1 tsp. Pour a glass of boiling water over the coriander seeds and boil for a few minutes. Strain and take before meals.
• For constipation, gastritis: 2 tbsp. l. Pour boiling water over the leaves of the three-leaf watch and let it brew for an hour. Drink several times a day.
• For nervous tension: motherwort decoction or valerian tablets.

If the pain is caused by a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to reconsider the diet. It is necessary to exclude foods that contribute to gas formation: cabbage, legumes, bread products, sweets, and also avoid fatty, smoked foods, and coffee. The daily menu should include green vegetables, fruits, nuts and fermented milk products, which normalize the intestinal microflora.

All expectant mothers have experienced nagging pain in the lower abdomen at least once. Sometimes they are very weak and go away on their own, in other cases they are intense, indicating a threat of miscarriage and requiring emergency hospitalization of the woman.

Physiological pain during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the lower abdomen does not always feel tight due to dangerous reasons. Normally, this symptom can occur in the following situations:

• The fertilized egg is implanted into the uterine endometrium. This happens a few days after conception due to microscopic ruptures in the mucous membrane and blood vessels of the reproductive organ. At this time, the woman does not even know that she will soon become a mother, but she is already suffering from discomfort in the lower abdomen.
• While carrying a baby, hormonal levels change greatly, and the uterine ligaments begin to actively stretch. This also causes pain.
• Closer to childbirth, the stomach may hurt due to the fact that the baby is pressing on nearby organs. Then it pulls not only the stomach, but also the lower back.
• From 36 to 40-42 obstetric weeks, the expectant mother may suffer due to training contractions.

Why does the lower abdomen feel tight during pregnancy?

All of these causes of nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy are considered physiological and do not require special treatment.

Pathological nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

Often the lower abdomen feels tight during pregnancy due to pathological reasons, that is, dangerous to the health of the mother and baby. This means:

• Risk of miscarriage. A woman has been experiencing discomfort in the lower abdomen for a long time. Periodically, she may experience weak contractions. The situation is considered especially dangerous if blood is released from the genital tract of the expectant mother.
• Premature placental abruption. A very dangerous complication in which the fetus may die. In addition to abdominal pain, the pregnant woman notices spotting.
• The baby is pushing very hard due to lack of oxygen. One should not attribute everything to temperamental characteristics during active fetal movements. The same can be observed during hypoxia. To exclude this dangerous condition, a woman needs to visit a doctor, do an ultrasound, undergo laboratory tests, and check the fetal heartbeat using CTG.
• Ectopic pregnancy. The expectant mother cannot find out that the fertilized egg has attached outside the uterine cavity until she undergoes an ultrasound scan. The test shows that conception has taken place. A woman is preparing for imminent motherhood, and closer to the 7-8th obstetric week she begins to experience severe pain in the lower abdomen. She needs to call an emergency medical team as quickly as possible, since if she does not have time to perform the operation in time, death is possible.

Ectopic pregnancy as a cause of nagging pain in the lower abdomen

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, not related to gynecology

Aching pain in the lower abdomen does not always indicate that something threatens the life of the fetus or that the mother’s body is preparing for the approaching birth. There are other reasons for the occurrence of an unpleasant symptom:

• Diseases of the urinary system. Very often, expectant mothers are diagnosed with cystitis - inflammation of the walls of the bladder. A woman can suspect the presence of the disease not only by aching pain in the abdomen, but also by frequent painful urination and increased body temperature.
• Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract. As the load placed on a woman's body during pregnancy increases, chronic diseases - gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers - can worsen. Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and disruption of the normal intestinal microflora can also cause nagging pain.
• Intestinal obstruction, peritonitis and other surgical pathologies. They can occur both in the first days of pregnancy and shortly before childbirth. Such diseases are characterized by the appearance of pain that covers the entire abdominal cavity, including the lower abdomen. The woman complains of feeling unwell, her appetite worsens, and her body temperature rises.

If there is severe pain in the lower abdomen, you need to do an ultrasound

If your lower abdomen feels tight at the beginning of pregnancy

In the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman should listen very carefully to her feelings. Nagging pain at this stage most often indicates high uterine tone, which, if ignored, can lead to miscarriage. Therefore, if the expectant mother experiences severe discomfort, it is better to immediately visit a gynecologist.

It’s good if the doctor confirms that everything is within normal limits and the pain is due to physiological changes occurring in the body. If it turns out that there is a threat of miscarriage, the woman will be prescribed medication or sent to a hospital.

Why does their stomach feel tight at the end of pregnancy?

In the third trimester, pain in the lower abdomen can indicate problems with digestion, the threat of premature birth, constipation, and increased pressure on the ligaments of the uterus. They usually become more pronounced when coughing and sneezing, or performing heavy physical work.

No-spa for nagging pain in the lower abdomen

Also, the lower abdomen may be pulled closer to childbirth due to incipient appendicitis, peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, or exacerbation of gastritis. Fortunately, such diagnoses are rarely made to expectant mothers.

Thus, having crossed the threshold of the last trimester, a woman does not need to attribute the nagging pain to an early birth. If the discomfort does not go away during the day, the No-shpa tablet does not improve the condition, you need to visit a doctor or call an ambulance. In no case should you hope that the baby is already big enough and the doctors will be able to take him out.

How to treat nagging pain during pregnancy

Medical care provided to a pregnant woman with abdominal pain can be different - it all depends on the cause that caused this symptom. If the expectant mother has an independent disease, then it is necessary to treat it. Taking painkillers is not enough here.

If we are talking about physiological changes that occur in the body after conception, then no additional therapy is required. If there is a threat of miscarriage/premature birth, the patient may be prescribed No-shpu, Papaverine, valerian, a vitamin-mineral complex, Utrozhestan, intravenous infusion of magnesium, and other means aimed at normalizing the emotional state and reducing the tone of the uterus.

If your stomach hurts, you need to see a doctor

If an ultrasound shows that the embryo has attached outside the cavity of the reproductive organ, surgical treatment is mandatory. It is important to have time to carry it out before the fallopian tube ruptures. Otherwise, a woman’s reproductive capabilities will be halved.

If the doctor determines that your stomach hurts due to unstable functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, you need to change your diet, give up bad eating habits, and exclude gas-forming drinks and foods from the menu.

Cystitis during pregnancy is treated with antibacterial drugs, antiseptic compounds, anti-inflammatory tablets and antispasmodics.

In other words, each situation requires an individual approach, so expectant mothers should not consider No-shpa a panacea for all diseases.