21 weeks pregnant, stomach pain

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus has already begun to take shape. Pregnant women in their 21st week can already clearly see their abdomens begin to grow. The baby in the belly has slowly grown into the shape of a little boy. Pregnant women and fetuses at this time are very sensitive and may be injured or have miscarriage if not careful. Let’s discuss what causes abdominal pain during the 21st week of pregnancy?

1. Pain caused by compression due to enlarged uterus

The main symptom is lower abdominal pain during the third and fourth months of pregnancy. During this period, the uterus grows rapidly, and the internal organs around the uterus are squeezed and formed, causing lower abdominal pain. As the pregnancy progresses, the symptoms of uterine compression will gradually improve, and the pain will be relieved to a certain extent or completely disappear.

2. Pain in the round ligament of the uterus

The main manifestation is persistent dull pain in the lower abdomen without any cause during the 5th and 6th months of pregnancy. At this time, the uterus grows faster, and the round ligaments supporting the uterus also flex, stretch, and increase their supporting force. The endometrium at the adhesion site of the round ligament is pulled, causing pain.

3. Hiatal hernia

The main symptoms are upper abdominal pain during the 4th to 7th month of pregnancy, often accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath, chest pain, feeling of fullness, acid reflux, hiccups and other symptoms. This stage is accompanied by the enlargement of the uterus and the increase of intra-abdominal working pressure. About 30%-50% of pregnant women have their esophageal fissure widened, resulting in esophageal hiatal hernia. When the esophagus is stressed and spasmed, it can cause upper abdominal pain, which is sometimes more pronounced in late pregnancy.

4. Initial uterine contractions

The main symptom is occasional abdominal tightness starting from the third month of pregnancy, sometimes accompanied by slight pain, which has no periodicity and no vaginal bleeding. It is the irregular uterine contractions caused by the fetus in the uterine cavity during its growth and development. Exercise, anxiety and fatigue can also cause defensive uterine contractions. It is a physiological phenomenon and there is no need to worry about it.