Pregnant woman's stomach hurts

Pregnant women will experience a lot of discomfort during pregnancy, so you must learn more about this aspect, at least so that you can be mentally prepared or take emergency measures. There are several reasons why pregnant women experience pain on the side of their abdomen, such as normal reactions to early pregnancy, pressure from an enlarged uterus, pain in the round ligament of the uterus, etc.

1. Early pregnancy reaction abdominal pain

It manifests as some not very severe abdominal pain and discomfort in the early stages of pregnancy, but it does not last long and is often accompanied by vomiting. This is a manifestation of early pregnancy reaction. Pain in the upper abdomen is mostly caused by the physiological increase in gastric acid secretion in early pregnancy; occasional cramps in the lower abdomen are related to the enlarged uterus pulling upward on the ligaments that support the uterus. These pains and discomforts will naturally disappear as the early stages of pregnancy pass.

2. Uterine enlargement and oppression pain

It manifests as lower abdominal pain during the 3rd to 4th month of pregnancy. During this period, the uterus grows rapidly and the organs around the uterus are squeezed, causing lower abdominal pain. As the pregnancy progresses, the symptoms of uterine compression gradually improve, and the pain will be alleviated or disappear completely.

3. Pain in the round ligament of the uterus

It manifests as persistent dull pain in the lower abdomen without any cause during the 5th to 6th month of pregnancy. At this time, the uterus grows fastest, and the round ligaments supporting the uterus also stretch, lengthen, and increase in tension. The uterine wall where the round ligament is attached is pulled, causing pain.

4. Hiatal hernia

It manifests as upper abdominal pain during the 4th to 7th month of pregnancy, often accompanied by chest tightness, shortness of breath, chest pain, feeling of fullness, acid reflux, hiccups and other symptoms. During this stage, as the uterus grows, the intra-abdominal pressure increases, and about 30%-50% of pregnant mothers experience widening of the esophageal hiatus, leading to the formation of esophageal hiatal hernia. When the esophagus is compressed and spasmed, it can cause upper abdominal pain, which is sometimes more obvious in the late stages of pregnancy.

5. Early uterine contractions

The symptoms are occasional abdominal tightness starting from the third month of pregnancy, sometimes accompanied by mild pain, with irregular occurrence and no vaginal bleeding. This is caused by irregular uterine contractions during the development and growth of the fetus in the uterine cavity. Exercise, tension and fatigue can also cause protective uterine contractions. It is a physiological phenomenon and there is no need to worry.

6. Threatened abortion

It manifests as a small amount of vaginal bleeding within 7 months of pregnancy, which is often less than the menstrual volume and is mostly bright red, sometimes accompanied by lower abdominal pain, back pain and a feeling of falling. Factors that lead to threatened abortion include endocrine dysfunction, infectious diseases, high fever, severe anemia, severe malnutrition, exposure to radiation, toxic substances, reproductive tract malformations, uterine fibroids, etc. Chromosomal abnormalities in the fertilized egg can also cause threatened miscarriage.