Is it normal to have pain in the lower left abdomen during pregnancy?

In the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus is not very stable and miscarriage may occur if not careful. Therefore, pregnant women will be very worried about various reactions. Many female friends will experience lower abdominal pain in the early stages of pregnancy, which will make pregnant women very worried. So, what is the cause of lower abdominal pain in early pregnancy? Is it normal? Let's take a look at the relevant introduction made by authoritative experts.

1. Physiological abdominal pain in early pregnancy

Many expectant mothers always feel some stomach pain, sometimes accompanied by early pregnancy reactions such as vomiting. This is mainly caused by increased gastric acid secretion in early pregnancy. At this time, you should pay attention to diet adjustment. The meals should be light and easy to digest. You can eat some toasted steamed bread slices or soda crackers for breakfast. The discomfort will disappear naturally as the first trimester ends.

2. Pathological abdominal pain in early pregnancy

If you experience abdominal pain in early pregnancy, especially lower abdominal pain, the first thing you should consider is whether it is a pregnancy complication. Common complications include threatened miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. It is recommended that you go to the hospital for examination to avoid delaying the disease.

In the early stages of pregnancy, the uterus enlarges and the round ligament of the uterus is stretched, causing abdominal pain. This type of pain is mostly located on one or both sides of the uterus in the lower abdomen, and is referred pain, dull pain or lack thereof. The pain becomes more obvious when walking a long distance or changing body position. In addition, exerting too much force during sexual intercourse in the early stages of pregnancy can also cause abdominal pain in the early stages of pregnancy. However, there are some situations that require attention. If you experience abdominal pain in the early stages of pregnancy, especially lower abdominal pain, you should first consider whether it is a pregnancy complication. Common complications include threatened miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.

Is it normal to have lower abdominal pain in early pregnancy?

Pregnant women often experience lower abdominal pain in the early stages of pregnancy. If the abdominal pain is mild, it will be relieved after rest and is generally not a big problem. However, if the abdominal pain is intermittent, or there is continuous pain in the lower abdomen, like the pain before or during menstruation, and is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, it is likely a pathological phenomenon and you should go to the hospital for treatment in time.

Strictly speaking, abdominal pain can be divided into two types: physiological abdominal pain and pathological abdominal pain.

Physiological abdominal pain is caused by the gradual enlargement of the uterus during embryonic development, coupled with the effects of hormones in the body and the pulling of the uterine ligaments. Many pregnant women will experience abdominal pain and discomfort at this time, but this pain is often mild and can be relieved after rest.

Common causes of pathological lower abdominal pain include:

1. Threatened abortion: The main clinical manifestations of abortion are lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy.

2. Ectopic pregnancy: This type of embryo cannot grow healthily due to its incorrect developmental position, and can also cause disease and harm to the mother, which requires active management and treatment.

3. Uterine fibroids: This type of pain usually comes suddenly, and the pain point is fixed, which is local pain.

4. Ovarian tumors: Complications caused by ovarian tumors are also quite common during pregnancy. These complications include tumor torsion and tumor rupture. The vast majority of ovarian tumors during pregnancy are benign, with malignant tumors accounting for only 2%-5%. In any case, if an ovarian tumor is discovered in the early stages of pregnancy, please keep in close contact with your gynecologist. If you experience colic, abdominal discomfort, abnormal abdominal distension, ascites, etc., you must seek medical attention as soon as possible.

What are the categories of abdominal pain during pregnancy?

1. Physiological abdominal pain

1. The enlarged uterus compresses the ribs: As the baby grows, the expectant mother's uterus also gradually enlarges. The enlarged uterus constantly stimulates the lower edge of the ribs, which can cause dull rib pain in expectant mothers. Generally speaking, this is physiological and does not require special treatment. Lying on the left side can help relieve pain.

2. False labor contractions: In the late pregnancy, false labor contractions may cause mild distension and pain in the lower abdomen. They often occur in the dead of night and disappear at dawn. The frequency of contractions is inconsistent, the duration is not constant, the intervals are long and irregular, the intensity of contractions does not gradually increase, and there is no feeling of falling, and the symptoms are relieved during the day. False labor indicates that pregnant women will soon go into labor, so they should be prepared, such as getting enough rest and eating more high-energy foods such as chocolate to conserve their energy. The contractions before delivery are rhythmic. Each contraction goes from weak to strong and lasts for a period of time, usually 30-40 seconds. After disappearing, it enters an interval period of 5-6 minutes.

3. Fetal movement: Fetal movement is most obvious between 28 and 32 weeks. After 32 weeks, the fetus gradually occupies the space in the uterus, and his (her) space for movement will become smaller and smaller, but he (she) will occasionally still kick you very hard. When his or her head hits the muscles of your pelvic floor, you will suddenly feel like you have been hit hard.

Pathological abdominal pain

1. Placental abruption

It often occurs in the late pregnancy, and the expectant mother may have pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome, chronic hypertension, or abdominal trauma. Tearing pain in the lower abdomen is a typical symptom, often accompanied by vaginal bleeding. The degree of abdominal pain is affected by a combination of factors such as the size of the abruption area, the amount of blood, the internal pressure of the uterus, and whether the uterine muscle layer is damaged. In severe cases, the abdominal pain is unbearable, the abdomen becomes hard, the fetal movement disappears, and even shock may occur. Therefore, in the late stages of pregnancy, expectant mothers with high blood pressure or abdominal trauma should go to the hospital in time to prevent accidents. When the placenta is detached by more than 50%, it usually causes abnormal coagulation mechanism of the pregnant woman and fetal death.

2. Threatened uterine rupture

Uterine rupture refers to the rupture of the uterine body or lower segment in late pregnancy or during delivery. It is an obstetric complication that directly threatens the life of the mother and fetus. The chance of a uterus rupture that has not been operated on is extremely rare. However, if a pregnant woman has the following conditions, uterine rupture may occur even if the uterus has not been operated on. For example, if a pregnant woman has congenital uterine malformations, the uterus may rupture if she uses excessive amounts of labor-inducing drugs or if there is an obstruction in the birth canal. In addition, erosion of the viculogenic placenta may also cause spontaneous uterine rupture in mid-pregnancy.

From the above introduction, we can understand that there are many reasons that cause lower abdominal pain in pregnant women. Some reasons may have very serious effects on the fetus in the abdomen and the pregnant woman herself, while some reasons are normal phenomena. Therefore, in order to determine whether lower abdominal pain will be harmful, pregnant women should go to the hospital for a detailed examination in time after this situation occurs, understand the cause and determine whether treatment is needed.