What to do if you have stomach pain during 6 months of pregnancy

During pregnancy, stomach pain is a common symptom for pregnant women. This is mainly because the gradual enlargement of the uterus puts pressure on the digestive system, which can easily lead to stomach pain. For example, acid reflux can cause a decrease in appetite, which can cause pain. For pregnant women, once stomach pain occurs, certain methods should be used to relieve it, such as acupoint massage, diet adjustment, etc.

What to do if you have stomach pain during 6 months of pregnancy

The reason why pregnant women have stomach pain is that their stomach acid is prone to reflux. The reason for acid reflux in pregnant women may be that after pregnancy, the sphincter of pregnant women tends to relax, thus causing acid reflux; it may also be that the gradually enlarging uterus presses on the stomach and intestines, causing acid reflux easily.

Sphincter relaxation causes stomach pain in pregnant women: After a woman becomes pregnant, the hormones in her body will change, which will cause the sphincter to relax. A common phenomenon is that after a pregnant woman eats food, the food easily comes up. This is because the sphincter is located at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach. Normally, it makes the food we eat only go down and not come up. When the sphincter relaxes, it is easy for the acidic contents in the stomach to reflux into the esophagus, throat and mouth, irritating the mucosa and causing stomach pain in pregnant women.

The uterus compresses the stomach and intestines, causing stomach pain in pregnant women: In the late stages of pregnancy, the growing uterus can easily compress the stomach and intestines. In addition, hormones relax the muscles that separate the esophagus and stomach, making it easier for stomach acid to surge upward and cause a burning sensation in the chest, making pregnant women prone to stomach pain. So, what should pregnant women do when they have stomach pain?

Acupoint massage to relieve stomach pain in pregnant women.

1. Rub Neiguan: Neiguan acupoint is located in the middle of the wrist, about three horizontal fingers (the width of three fingers put together) away from the transverse wrist line, and the acupoint is located between the two tendons. Use your thumbs to massage and circle the area 3 to 6 times, alternating between your hands. You can increase the amount of pressure when pain occurs.

2. Press Zusanli: Zusanli is located three inches below the edge of the knee (equivalent to the width of four fingers put together), between the tibia and fibula. Press the Zusanli acupoint with the tips of both thumbs, 3 to 6 times at normal times. You can increase the number of times when it hurts, and use a slightly heavier pressure.

In addition to massaging acupuncture points to relieve pain, there are two simple and easy-to-learn postures that can be used to relieve stomach pain. The two postures are kneeling forward and standing with bent knees, which are described as follows:

1. Kneel forward. Kneel on both knees, with your knees to toes touching the ground, keep your upper body upright, and let your hands hang naturally. Sit down slowly until your weight is completely on your ankles, place your hands naturally on your knees, and keep breathing normally. Hold this position for about 30 seconds, relax, and then lean your upper body forward. Repeat 3 to 5 times. This movement helps eliminate bloating, gastrointestinal syndrome (such as gastrointestinal cramps, diarrhea, etc.), and can also strengthen the thigh muscles.

2. Stand with your knees bent. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, hands lightly placed on your knees, and body slightly bent forward. Take a deep breath, and when you exhale, slowly contract your abdominal muscles so that they become concave, but don't force yourself, otherwise you will feel uncomfortable. Maintain this position for 5 to 20 seconds without holding your breath, then expel the gas from your lungs and relax your muscles. Repeat 4 to 7 times. This movement is very helpful in relieving indigestion and constipation.