“Is It Normal To Feel Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy?”

Is It Normal To Feel Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy?

Many women experience abdominal discomfort throughout their pregnancy. This is especially common in early pregnancy as your body adapts to rapidly changing hormones that will prepare your body to carry a baby for nine months. Many times abdominal discomfort during pregnancy is normal, however it can be a sign that something is wrong thus you should always report any unusual symptoms to your doctor.

It is not normal for pregnant women to experience severe or debilitating abdominal pain during pregnancy. If this happens be sure to contact your doctor immediately. Other signs and symptoms to look out for include:

•  Bleeding or spotting during pregnancy
•  Chills or fever
•  Vaginal discharge and cramping
•  Nausea or vomiting accompanying abdominal pain during pregnancy
•  Pain that doesn’t go away with rest

Causes of Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy
Many women experience menstrual like cramping in the early weeks of pregnancy. This can occur from about the time of ovulation through the first trimester. Typically this discomfort is mild and not persistent.

Abdominal pain that is short-lived is usually a sign that everything is normal, though you should still report any abdominal pain or discomfort to your doctor for advice. Some women also note throughout pregnancy their abdomen cramps up after sex or orgasm. This is also normal and this discomfort usually subsides within a short time.

There are many causes of abdominal discomfort during pregnancy. Some of the more common include:

• Bloating, gas or water retention Pregnant women are much more likely to experience bloating, edema and gas pain during pregnancy. This results from the pressure the growing uterus places on the intestines and stomach and is quite normal.
•  Constipation Many women experience constipation during pregnancy, which can result in menstrual like cramping. Be sure to drink plenty of water and eat high fiber foods to help alleviate the discomfort associated with constipation during pregnancy.
•  Braxton Hicks Contractions Braxton Hicks contractions during pregnancy are often mistaken for real labor contractions. While usually painless they can cause some degree of abdominal discomfort. Typically Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular in nature.
•  Round ligament pain Round ligament pain is a common side effect of pregnancy. Typically it manifests as a sharp stabbing or shooting pain in one or both sides of the abdomen or in the groin. Typically round ligament pain during pregnancy resolves itself with a change of position or in a few short moments. You are more likely to experience round ligament pain with sharp movements or sudden changes in position, so take your time moving about.

There are times when abdominal pain can signal a severe problem. Examples of serious problems associated with abdominal pain during pregnancy include:

• Miscarriage Typically occurring during the first trimester, miscarriage often involves abdominal pain accompanied by light or heavy bleeding. You may feel crampy or rhythmic pains in the lower abdomen.
•  Ectopic pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy occurring when the fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus. This is a life threatening condition if left untreated. Signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include vaginal bleeding, discharge or spotting and pain or tenderness in the abdomen. You may also have clammy skin, dizziness and other signs of malaise. Be sure you contact your doctor immediately or head to the emergency room if you have any of these symptoms.
•  Preterm labor Rarely abdominal pain is a sign of preterm labor. This typically occurs during pregnancy when you have rhythmic contractions that get stronger and dilate the cervix prior to 37 weeks pregnancy.
•  UTI - Some women develop urinary tract infections during pregnancy. Signs and symptoms of a UTI may include lower abdominal pain and burning or irritation on urination. Still other women feel an uncontrollable urge to urinate, but nothing comes out when they use the bathroom. If you have signs and symptoms of a UTI be sure to check in with your doctor, as if left untreated a UTI can turn into a serious kidney infection.

Remember, most of the time mild abdominal discomfort during pregnancy is nothing to worry about. Always discuss your condition and symptoms however, with your healthcare provider to ensure proper care and treatment!  When in doubt, your best bet is to always ask. Your healthcare provider can decide whether your symptoms are serious enough to warrant an evaluation or will at the minimum put your mind at ease and allow you to enjoy your pregnancy!