Why does the stomach feel tight in the early stages of pregnancy and what to do? Treatment of nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy. What to do for nagging pain during pregnancy

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No matter how wonderful and joyful the period of pregnancy is, unfortunately, it is also sometimes accompanied by unpleasant sensations. One of them is nagging pain in the lower abdomen. Why do they appear during pregnancy, is it worth sounding the alarm or do you need to get used to unusual sensations?

The nature of nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

The causes of nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy are of two types:

  • related to the condition and development of the child (threat of miscarriage and others) - in in this case a doctor's help is required;
  • not related to the child’s condition and development (physiological) - should not cause concern.

Of course, it is difficult for an expectant mother to determine what type of pain in the lower abdomen is and what is considered normal. That is why it is necessary to observe your feelings, and if you have any suspicions, consult a doctor.

In order to somehow navigate on your own, you need to understand the reasons that cause similar species pain on different stages pregnancy.

Pulling in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy: causes

Various changes occurring in the body somehow manifest themselves. As you know, many women experience pain in the lower abdomen even during ovulation. That is, pain is felt even at the stage of maturation and release of the egg. Another pain that accompanies a woman and is localized in the lower abdomen is menstrual pain.

However, it happens that the period has already arrived, but it has not started. Why did your stomach hurt in this case? It turns out that pain also occurs in the early stages of pregnancy. Moreover, it is similar to menstrual pain, in which the lower abdomen also pulls. This condition usually occurs in the first weeks of pregnancy.

Causes of nagging pain in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy that do not require medical attention:

  • movement of a fertilized egg through the fallopian tubes ( this process usually occurs within 2-6 days);
  • fixation of the fetus on the wall of the uterus - roots take root in the epithelial tissue, thereby ensuring reliable fixation (pain is the reaction of the uterus to a violation of the integrity of the epithelium during invasion foreign body), sometimes during this period brownish discharge is observed, which does not pose a danger;
  • changes in hormonal levels.

As a rule, pain of this nature does not pose a threat to the mother and fetus. But they are quite difficult to distinguish from those that appear as a result of the development of some pathology. Therefore, if the pain does not stop, but accompanies constantly, experts recommend contacting a gynecologist to avoid possible negative consequences.

In addition, pain in the early stages of pregnancy sometimes indicates an unfavorable course of pregnancy and may indicate the following pathologies:

  • risk of miscarriage;
  • ectopic pregnancy;
  • frozen pregnancy;
  • cyst disruption corpus luteum.

Risk of miscarriage

The main cause of pain in early pregnancy, which poses a danger to the mother and fetus, is the threat of miscarriage. Unfortunately, this happens quite often in the first weeks. If the pregnancy is less than 6 weeks, doctors usually do not interfere with this process, allowing it to take its course.

Ectopic pregnancy

Another serious cause of lower abdominal pain is ectopic pregnancy. The fertilized egg did not enter the uterus, but became fixed in the fallopian tube, or less often in another place. This pathology must be identified as early as possible. Symptoms ectopic pregnancy- pain in the lower abdomen, which predominates on the affected side and can radiate to the anus. The fertilized egg is removed exclusively surgical method, often together with the fallopian tube. If you do not pay attention to pain during an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg will rupture the tube, internal bleeding will begin, which creates a threat of death for the woman. Typically, the gap fallopian tube occurs at 6-8 weeks.

Frozen pregnancy

During a frozen pregnancy, the pain is not only nagging, but also cutting. If the fetus dies early, it may be rejected by the uterus or will have to be cleaned. Otherwise, infection, sepsis and problems with reconception are possible.

Corpus luteum cyst disorder

Incorrect development of a corpus luteum cyst is another cause of pain in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy. She plays important role for the development of a fertilized egg, promotes the production of progesterone until the formation of the placenta. If the corpus luteum cyst develops incorrectly and has an uncharacteristic size and shape, this can cause pain. As a rule, no treatment is required, but consultation with a doctor is still necessary. The pain usually goes away when the placenta begins to form. But in such cases, a woman will have to take care of herself: do not lift weights, do not have sex for a while, etc. Otherwise, there is a risk of cyst rupture, which can lead to internal bleeding.

Pulling in the lower abdomen in the second trimester of pregnancy: causes

TO physiological reasons Lower abdominal pain in the second trimester includes:

  • increase in size of the uterus;
  • increased tension in the uterine ligaments - as the uterus becomes heavier, the ligaments have to strain to hold it in place, leading to pain;
  • insufficient bowel movements, bloating, constipation, which often occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy;
  • stress and other nervous system disorders.

All this is typical during pregnancy; almost all women felt such pain when they were “ interesting position" You just need to endure them; they do not require intervention from a doctor.

But, unfortunately, everything is not always so rosy. Sometimes nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy may indicate serious pathologies. They require timely medical intervention, as they pose a threat to mother and child.

So, a pregnant woman’s stomach in the second trimester may be tight due to the following pathologies:

  • placental abruption;
  • threat of premature birth;
  • increased uterine tone.

Pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy: diseases of other organs

Sometimes painful sensations are not associated with pregnancy, but are a symptom of diseases of other organs. As you know, any infection that progresses in the mother’s body has a negative effect on the fetus. Therefore, any disease must be treated. However, you cannot self-medicate; only a doctor can select medications that will eliminate the disease and be safe for the child.

So, pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy can occur due to the following diseases:

  • gastrointestinal tract(dysbacteriosis, constipation, helminthiasis and others);
  • appendicitis;
  • inflammation Bladder, kidneys, ovaries or other organs;
  • endometriosis, vaginitis (pain is a symptom of these diseases).

These are the most basic diseases that cause pain in the lower abdomen.

How to distinguish physiological pain from pathological?

A woman, first of all, needs to listen to her own feelings. Sometimes it is possible to independently determine what nature the pain is.

So, medical intervention may not be needed in the following cases:

  • the pain is temporary, not constant, subsides if you take a different body position;
  • the pain is not sharp and cramping, but dull and drawing;
  • Vaginal discharge is normal (clear or white, but not bloody or brownish);
  • after taking a painkiller (consult your doctor about what painkillers you can take), the pain goes away completely or becomes less;
  • the pain does not become more intense;
  • there is no shooting pain in the anus or lower back;
  • no pain when urinating;
  • Apart from pain, there are no other symptoms.

If the sensations cause anxiety, you can consult a doctor to calm yourself down. In any case, when a woman is registered, she is prescribed tests, which can be used to judge the presence or absence of certain pathologies.

Pathological pain can be judged in the following cases:

  • pain in the lower abdomen accompanies constantly, radiates to the lower back, intensifies with exercise;
  • red or brown spotting appears;
  • weakness, malaise, and dizziness occurred.

How to eliminate lower abdominal pain during pregnancy?

If the pain is physiological, it does not pose a danger and therefore does not require medical intervention. You just need to wait out this period, then everything will be restored.

Painkiller

If pain interferes with your work and forces you to constantly concentrate on it, you can take a painkiller.

You should be careful and not forget about your current situation. Gynecologists allow pregnant women to use No-Shpu as a pain reliever. This drug is safe for fetal development.

Rest

Sometimes simple rest helps relieve pain. The woman needs to lie down and spend time quietly until the condition improves. You can even take a nap, which will only be beneficial.

Warm diaper

Another method that is effective when the lower abdomen is pulled is a warm diaper. It must be placed on sore spot. By the way, this method can be used for algodismenorrhea, the symptom of which is pain during menstruation. However, heat is inflammatory, and especially purulent process, Absolutely forbidden. That's why warm diaper can be used only when there is firm confidence in the absence of such pathologies.

Bandage

Sometimes the cause of pain in the lower abdomen lies in the fact that a woman is carrying twins. A large load is created on the uterine ligaments, kidneys and the body as a whole. Sometimes pain accompanies the entire period multiple pregnancy. To alleviate the condition, it is recommended to wear a special bandage that will evenly distribute the load.

Progesterone

Almost all women during pregnancy are prescribed Progesterone by their gynecologist. It helps to calm the uterus and prevent contractions. Progesterone analogue - Duphaston.

Physical exercise

Stimulate blood flow physical exercise, including regular walking. There are also special exercises that are designed for pregnant women. Their goal is to stretch the muscles of the perineum and ligaments. Here are some of them:

  • the woman kneels down, spreads them and sits with her buttocks between them;
  • the woman sits on the floor, bends her knees, and then pulls her heels towards herself (at this time her knees drop to the floor);
  • the woman relaxes and squeezes the muscles of the perineum.

Seeing a doctor

If you have a disease that causes nagging pain in the lower abdomen, competent medical intervention is necessary. The doctor must conduct full examination, establish a diagnosis, and then prescribe treatment. His choice is somewhat complicated by the fact that many drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy. The qualifications of a doctor will allow you to prescribe effective and safe treatment, which will successfully relieve a woman from the disease and will not harm the fetus. This is another reason not to self-medicate. It is quite difficult to determine on your own what led to the painful sensations, and even more so, to choose the right medications.

If there is a threat of miscarriage, the woman will be admitted to the hospital, where she will be constantly under the supervision of a doctor. Maintenance therapy is prescribed to help eliminate the source of danger and preserve the fetus, ensuring its normal development.

Thus, during pregnancy, the lower abdomen often feels tight. To get rid of unpleasant sensations, you need to know what caused them. Perhaps this is physiological pain, which is perceived as normal. It’s another matter if the cause lies in gynecological or other diseases. They require immediate medical attention. From timely and effective assistance The health of the expectant mother and her child depends.

In the very early stages of pregnancy, when a girl first learns that life has begun in her, she begins to be more attentive to her health and react sharply to any problems.

A woman becomes especially anxious when her stomach feels tight during pregnancy. This can happen both at the beginning of pregnancy and during pregnancy. later.

Moreover, a similar phenomenon on early weeks may indicate hypertonicity of the uterus, which is very dangerous for the unborn child.

It is worth talking in more detail about when nagging pain in the lower abdomen in the early stages should not worry a woman, and when it can become a reason for a visit to specialists.

Causes of nagging abdominal pain in pregnant women

Exists a large number of reasons that can provoke the symptoms in question during pregnancy. We should consider them in more detail.

Reasons of a physiological nature

A tummy tug in the early stages of pregnancy is often due to physiological characteristics the body of the expectant mother.

This is explained by the fact that the body is preparing to bear a child and undergoes hormonal changes, which negatively affect a woman’s well-being.

There are a number of reasons that lead to a pregnant woman experiencing a tightness in her lower abdomen. They are:

  1. First symptoms of pregnancy. Most often, such symptoms occur during the process of implantation of the embryo into the uterine walls. During this period, a woman may feel abdominal pain, swelling of the mammary glands, general malaise, increased weakness and dizziness. The symptoms are similar to the onset of menstruation.
  2. Increased uterine circulation, with the help of which the embryo feeds and breathes. But it is worth considering that increased blood circulation can cause an increase in uterine tone, which leads to unauthorized abortion.
    In order to eliminate panic and make sure everything is okay, a woman should contact a specialist who will prescribe ultrasonography and Dopplerography.
  3. A functional change in the uterus in a pregnant woman very often provokes nagging pain in the lower abdomen in the early stages. Why is this happening? The process is explained by the fact that the ligaments and tissue around the uterus become softer and stretch, and the organ itself expands and moves to the sides.
  4. An increase in the amount of progesterone can sometimes answer the question of why the stomach feels tight during pregnancy. In addition to abdominal pain, the lady feels heaviness in the lower back and upper legs.

Such phenomena are considered normal and should not frighten the expectant mother.

Non-physiological reasons

It often happens that a woman has a tummy tuck during early pregnancy due to reasons not related to the growth and vital activity of the fetus.

Here you need to be more careful, because such a pathology can be dangerous both for the baby and for the woman herself.

  1. Infection in the kidneys or genitourinary system. For example, cystitis, which sharply reduces the body's immune defense during pregnancy. Similar phenomenon allows infections to enter the body and cause serious illness.
    In such cases, the woman experiences elevated temperature, unpleasant or painful sensations when urinating, blood and protein in urine.
  2. Digestive disorders: constipation, diarrhea, gas formation – normal phenomenon in pregnant women. As soon as bowel function returns to normal, all discomfort disappears.
    If on early stages the left lower abdomen hurts, this indicates an intestinal disorder. In this case, there is no tension in the uterus.
  3. Acute appendicitis, which can be life-threatening. Why? Because it can lead to peritonitis - inflammation in abdominal cavity. The pathology provokes nagging pain in the lower abdomen, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and a rise in temperature.

It should be clarified that surgical intervention during pregnancy will not in any way affect the vital activity of the fetus in the womb.

Due to the fact that the risk of developing these diseases in a pregnant woman is high, the first ones should not be ignored. alarming symptoms. A visit to the gynecologist never hurts.

Why does my stomach hurt late in pregnancy?

Late pregnancy is considered the most important and alarming period for the expectant mother, because labor can begin at any time.

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen is an integral symptom characteristic of last weeks pregnancy.

The fact is that the body is intensively preparing for labor, which provokes excessive production of progesterone. This hormone relaxes the muscles and stretches the uterine fibers, preparing the organ for childbirth.

But at the same time, the organs of the gastrointestinal tract also relax. Therefore, pregnancy sometimes causes abdominal pain, heaviness, heartburn and belching.

In the later stages of pregnancy, the stomach may pull due to the fact that the fetus turns over and lies head down.

The baby develops very quickly, so the uterus increases sharply, causing stretching of its ligaments, which also leads to abdominal pain.

Sometimes a lady feels abdominal pain when sneezing or coughing, or discomfort when turning her body.

To remove nervous tension and reduce pain, a woman should perform the exercises recommended to her. For example, spend time doing yoga, water aerobics, and swimming.

Similar physical activity helps strengthen muscles and make childbirth much easier.

What conditions pose a danger to mother and child?

There is a list dangerous conditions, in the event of which a woman should immediately call an ambulance.

In the case when at any time the stomach hurts very strongly, the pain becomes cramping in nature, and bloody issues from the vagina, the girl and the fetus are in danger.

The causes of such conditions should be considered in more detail. They are:

  1. Spontaneous termination of pregnancy as a result of separation of the fetus from the uterus. Nagging pain can appear in the first trimester and provoke a miscarriage. But with timely contact medical institution the child can be saved.
  2. Many infectious diseases are sexually transmitted and often worsen during pregnancy. In order to exclude such pathologies, a pregnant woman is prescribed tests when she is registered at the antenatal clinic.
  3. The stomach always hurts when pregnancy is fading, characterized by the cessation of embryonic growth. This is evidenced by stopping the increase hCG level in the patient’s blood and ultrasound diagnostics, which does not record the fetal heartbeat.
  4. Ectopic pregnancy is the most dangerous pathology threatening the life of the mother. If pregnancy proceeds correctly, the fetus attaches to the uterine walls, but if something goes wrong, the egg attaches to the wall of the fallopian tube or even to one of the abdominal organs.

With an ectopic pregnancy, the lower abdomen pulls quite strongly, especially during pressure.

In addition, there is vaginal discharge, a decrease in hCG levels in tests, and pain radiating to the rectum while sitting or walking.

This condition is very dangerous, because there is a risk of damage to the uterus and internal bleeding.

Pathology is diagnosed only using ultrasound. Therefore, a woman who is faced with a tummy tug in the early stages of pregnancy should seek the help of a qualified specialist.

Based on what is written above, we can conclude: during pregnancy, warning symptoms cannot be ignored. Better once again visit a gynecologist and start timely treatment, if required.

What is important to consider in late pregnancy

Any woman, being pregnant, thinks about why her lower abdomen pulls during pregnancy. It is worth considering this process at a later date.

Pregnancy at 36 weeks is characterized by the appearance of training contractions, preparing the woman for labor.

Pain in which the lower abdomen pulls appears suddenly and after a while disappears just as quickly. Such attacks can be stopped by taking No-shpa.

But if the lower abdomen drags for too long, and the pain becomes cramping, we may be talking about placental abruption.

This condition is characterized by vaginal bleeding and occurs due to physical strain or a jump in blood pressure.

With such a pathology, the woman must be immediately taken to the hospital and have a caesarean section.

At 37 weeks, the lower abdomen feels tight due to increased activity of the uterus. Cramping pain indicates that labor will begin soon.

The sensations are often accompanied by cramps with abdominal contractions, which are explained by the slow opening of the cervix.

If seizures occur and brown discharge, the woman should urgently call an ambulance. For when the uterus opens completely and the waters break, labor will begin.

This should not be allowed, because it is too early for the baby to leave the mother’s womb.

At week 38, nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy is caused by the dilatation of the uterus, which causes the woman to feel severe discomfort, which is not present in the early stages.

From features functional structure uterus and the duration of the pain depends on the girl’s hormone levels: it lasts from several hours until childbirth.

When should you urgently call a doctor?

It’s worth summing up and understanding in what situations a doctor’s help is required if you have lower abdominal pain during pregnancy.

  1. The abdominal pain increases even after the girl drinks No-shpa. Before the doctor arrives, you need to lie down and not get up unless necessary.
  2. The lower abdomen pulls during pregnancy, and the pain is constant. The norm is a slight ache, which does not prevent the lady from doing her usual activities. If the lower abdomen regularly aches and distracts you, then it is better to consult a specialist.
  3. If in the early stages of pregnancy it is the lower abdomen that is pulling, then it is possible to ultrasound diagnostics to determine the exact cause of this phenomenon.
  4. When spotting appears, pregnancy is often in jeopardy. Why is this happening? There are many reasons for this, only a doctor can name the exact one.
    The discharge may be pink or pale, and they also require additional examination.
  5. Pregnancy is accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen, which intensify with pressure or walking.

All women are individual, so their bodies can react differently to conception and pregnancy.

If a woman has a tightening in her lower abdomen, then she should listen more carefully to other symptoms so as not to miss the onset of a dangerous pathological process.

With periodic amplification pain, do not put off visiting a specialist.

But this does not mean that you need to call a gynecologist for every imaginary alarming symptom.

A woman is strictly forbidden to worry during pregnancy, so she needs to control herself and not get hung up on negative thoughts.

Under the influence of hormones, ladies can overwhelm themselves, provoking various unpleasant situations.

If you contact a qualified doctor and tell him about all the exciting moments, especially if you have pain in the lower abdomen, then the specialist will definitely diagnose the body, even if the pregnancy is still very short.

Such an examination must be carried out throughout the entire period in order to promptly recognize the problem and preserve the health of the unborn baby. It is very important to know why you should not worry.

In the event that during pregnancy there is a pull at the bottom for physiological reasons, the doctor will dispel the woman’s anxiety and prevent her from worrying.

Useful video

When it comes long-awaited pregnancy, many expectant mothers worry and cannot understand why their stomach feels tight during pregnancy. Thoughts come to mind that something has gone wrong.

The fact is that such sensations in pregnant women are considered harmless only in two periods - during implantation ovum in the first week after conception and just before childbirth, when painful sensations signal the onset of contractions. If during pregnancy your stomach feels tight during the periods described above, you should consult a gynecologist. But first, listen to your body.

In the early stages

At the beginning of pregnancy, many women feel nagging abdominal pain. Unpleasant sensations are associated with the fact that the fertilized egg passes through the fallopian tubes and is implanted into the uterine cavity. The uterus reacts to this process with a rush of blood and begins to increase in size. The uterine ligaments are stretched under the pressure of a rapidly growing organ. All this is accompanied by an unpleasant feeling in the lower abdomen.

Abdominal pain can occur due to problems with the digestive tract. During pregnancy, expectant mothers sometimes have an irresistible desire to eat foods that are incompatible with each other. This may cause constipation, bloating, dysbacteriosis, flatulence, or pain in the stomach and intestines.

If there is discharge and a tugging sensation in the lower abdomen, this may indicate a missed pregnancy or miscarriage. Also, such symptoms are characteristic of an ectopic pregnancy, when a fertilized egg gets stuck in the uterine tubes.

With an ectopic pregnancy, the pain increases over time, often accompanied by vomiting or even fainting. This condition is dangerous for a woman’s life, so you need to call immediately ambulance.

Often in the early stages of pregnancy, the stomach pulls due to chronic diseases of the organs genitourinary system(for example, with inflammation of the bladder or ovaries).

In the later stages

In the second and third trimester, the uterus grows rapidly, compresses the ligaments, stretching the abdominal wall and expanding the pelvis. At this time it is very useful to visit special sports activities. Regular exercise will strengthen the muscles involved in labor and stretch due to the increase in the size of the abdomen.

Pulls in the stomach during pregnancy and last month when the body prepares for upcoming birth: the uterus trains, the elasticity of the ligaments improves. The baby himself is also getting ready - his head gradually moves lower into the pelvic cavity. All this is accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen. If you regularly wear a special prenatal bandage, you can avoid stretching the muscles and skin of the abdomen.

If your stomach feels tight in the later stages, your doctor can diagnose premature detachment placenta from the uterine wall. This condition is dangerous for the fetus, as it deprives it of necessary useful components and oxygen. Placental abruption is accompanied by red, brown or brown discharge.

If pain occurs at regular intervals around week 38, you are most likely going into labor. Take a shower, prepare your bags and call an ambulance.

When to call a doctor

Let's summarize when you should definitely consult a doctor:

  • The painful sensations are of an increasing nature and do not disappear after taking the no-shpa tablet. In this case, you must call medical care, and before the doctors arrive, lie down and try to relax.
  • There is a pulling in the lower abdomen and the pain is very intense and constant. Normally, a pregnant woman may feel a slight nagging pain, during which she calmly goes about her business. If obsessive painful sensations haunt and distract you, you should definitely visit a gynecologist.
  • If the pain is localized in a specific area of ​​the abdomen (right or left), then an urgent ultrasound may be necessary.
  • If there is discharge and there is pain in the lower abdomen, you should definitely call an ambulance. The discharge may be pinkish, brownish, or pale. Doctors can stop the pathological process by prescribing the necessary medications.
  • Unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen are accompanied by vomiting or nausea.

Every woman experiences pregnancy differently. If your stomach is tight, you need to carefully monitor the pain, paying attention to the intensity and frequency of the pain. If the pain intensifies, you should consult a specialist.

Pulling in the lower abdomen during pregnancy - this complaint is made by both healthy expectant mothers and those who have been diagnosed with “threat of miscarriage.” The reasons for the appearance of uterine hypertonicity, as this phenomenon is called, are different. Just as the consequences may be different. Let's look at why the lower abdomen feels tight at different stages during pregnancy.

Doctors consider pain in the first weeks after conception to be an unfavorable symptom. After all, it is before 12 weeks that miscarriages most often occur. Many people say that a peculiar sign of pregnancy is a tugging in the lower abdomen of the expectant mother. It is important to quickly understand what to do if pain occurs - wait or consult a doctor immediately. Gynecologists themselves recommend paying attention to the nature of the pain. If it is not sharp, but dull, and weakens or goes away completely during sleep and at rest, you can wait a little. But if your lower abdomen feels tight as if you have your period regularly, you need to go for a consultation. It is especially dangerous if bloody discharge occurs. In such cases, pregnancy can only be saved in a hospital setting. A woman needs complete physical and sexual rest. Doctors prescribe mild herbal sedatives, antispasmodics and progesterone. If the lower abdomen is tight during early pregnancy, it would be useful to undergo an ultrasound examination to make sure that the baby is developing normally.

This often happens in the second trimester. An unfavorable factor is nagging pain in the lower abdomen, since if they occur regularly, such contractions can provoke premature dilatation of the cervix. And it is by the condition of the cervix that doctors judge whether uterine hypertonicity poses a danger in this case and whether medical intervention is necessary. If the cervix, when examined by ultrasound with a vaginal sensor, turns out to be less than 3 cm long, doctors may recommend that the expectant mother wear a special pessary ring, which will prevent the cervix from “ripening” further or be sutured; the sutures are removed before childbirth.

Almost all women experience a tightening in the lower abdomen during late pregnancy. And this does not always signal a possible, premature onset of labor. If there is no pain, uterine contractions are not regular - most likely these are so-called preparatory contractions. For the uterus to return to normal tone, it is enough to lie down for a while or take a bath. These uterine contractions do not disturb the woman and do not disturb her sleep.

During pregnancy, abdominal pain always causes concern for the expectant mother. Even if they are insignificant, the woman perceives them as a threat to the health of her unborn child. Unpleasant sensations of varying strength may be evidence of changes natural to pregnancy, but they may also be the first symptom of an ongoing pathological process that cannot be ignored.

There are pains of different nature: acute and sudden, aching, cramping, stabbing or constant, chronic. For diagnosis, it is important to determine the location of discomfort and pain.

Causes of pain in the first half of pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, pain localized in the lower abdomen can be divided into physiological and pathological. In the first case, unpleasant sensations are caused by natural changes during which the entire body undergoes restructuring. Such sensations are not dangerous. In addition, they are often minor, do not get worse over time and do not cause great physical discomfort.

Very often, in the first weeks of pregnancy, a woman experiences abdominal pain, as during menstruation. Often future mom doesn’t even pay attention to them, believing that menstruation will begin in a day or two. This is especially true for those who suffer. In fact, this discomfort is caused by the implantation of the fertilized egg into the endometrium.

There are other reasons:

  • hormonal changes in the body;
  • excess progesterone levels;
  • ligament sprain;
  • increased sensitivity of the mother's body to errors in nutrition;
  • changes in the center of gravity of the body.

There may be more serious causes of pathology:

Ectopic pregnancy

Hernia

Herself umbilical hernia does not cause pain. The danger is the risk of pinching. This pathology can cause stabbing and cutting pain in the lower abdomen and in the navel area, vomiting, nausea, and heartburn. In the presence of similar symptoms you need to see a doctor.

Symphysitis

Painful sensations that occur in the lower abdomen when walking can be caused by inflammation of the symphysis pubis (symphysitis). It leads to softening pelvic bones under the influence of hormones. Because of this, discomfort in the perineal area and a characteristic duck gait are noted. While walking, pain often occurs due to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which are aggravated due to increased pressure on them.

Premature birth

Nagging pain localized in the lower abdomen - main feature(28-38 weeks of gestation).

Other signs include:

  • feeling of heaviness, “stone” stomach;
  • aching pain in the lower back, sacrum;
  • brown or watery discharge from the vagina;
  • feeling of pressure on the perineum;
  • leakage of amniotic fluid;
  • indigestion.

The cause of pain can be a dangerous pathology - premature. The condition is one of the most severe complications that threaten the life of the fetus and require immediate medical attention.

What are training contractions?

Not strong pulling sensations at 38 weeks of pregnancy - an indicator that the body is intensively preparing for childbirth. They are called harbingers of childbirth. These also include:

  • prolapse of the abdomen;
  • slow fetal movements;
  • increased pain in the lower back;
  • stopping weight gain;
  • mucous discharge from the vagina, sometimes streaked with blood;
  • separation of the mucus plug;
  • increased fatigue, unstable emotional state.

The pain may be cramping in nature. Sometimes they are perceived by women, especially first-time mothers, as the beginning of labor pains. In gynecology they are usually called. They are less painful, non-cyclical and do not tend to increase. Training contractions should not be a cause for concern, but they do mean that a woman should be mentally prepared for the start of labor.

38-39 weeks of pregnancy is the period when the baby is fully formed and viable. Labor activity can start at any moment.

What to do?

In case of severe cramping attacks in the first trimester, complicated by bleeding and fainting, you should immediately seek help from a doctor, since there is a very high probability of an incipient miscarriage or.

To reduce unpleasant symptoms caused by toxicosis, the following rules must be observed:

  • stick to fractional meals 5-6 times a day;
  • eat light plant foods, lean meats, fruits, vegetables;
  • exclude smoked, spicy, fried foods from the diet;
  • provide for the pregnant woman drinking plenty of fluids to protect against dehydration (unsweetened tea, dried fruit compote, chamomile infusion, rosehip infusion);
  • do not lie down immediately after eating and do not eat at night.

To prevent toxicosis in the morning, before getting out of bed, you need to eat a handful of nuts, crackers or crackers. Ginger, from which teas are prepared or its root added to salads or cereals, helps reduce attacks of nausea.

Every expectant mother should remember that painkillers can temporarily eliminate painful discomfort, but not cure the disease that is its cause.

Pains caused by stomach and other internal diseases will be overcome after treatment of the disease that caused them. For accurate diagnosis it is prescribed general tests, ultrasound and computed tomography.

For minor abdominal discomfort that is not caused by chronic or acute diseases, you can improve your condition by following these tips:

  1. Take regularly warm bath or shower. The water should not be very hot.
  2. Periodically go to bed to rest, listening to light music, meditating.
  3. Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you are prone to swelling.
  4. Take leisurely walks in places where there are no crowds of people. Stay on fresh air supplies the placenta and other organs with oxygen, accelerates the elimination of waste and toxins.
  5. Do yoga, fitball exercises.
  6. Avoid stressful situations, physical and moral stress, unjustified experiences.
  7. Follow a diet that supports intestinal microflora, prevents dehydration, and relieves swelling.
  8. Visit your gynecologist regularly and follow all his instructions and recommendations.
  9. Fight constipation: drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, eat foods rich in fiber, and exercise. Taking laxatives, especially without consulting a doctor, is not advisable.
  10. Monitor blood pressure when sharp jumps consult a doctor.
  11. To ease the condition during training contractions, you can lie on your left side, placing a pillow under your stomach, take a knee-elbow position for a few minutes, inhale deeply, counting to four, and exhale, counting to six. The same exercises in the future will alleviate the condition during childbirth.