Mid-pregnancy abdominal pain like dysmenorrhea

If abdominal pain occurs during the second trimester, it is still quite dangerous for pregnant women. Therefore, in this case, you must go to the hospital for examination and treatment in time. Generally speaking, there are three main causes of abdominal pain in mid-pregnancy, namely medical causes, surgical causes, and obstetric and gynecological causes. Below, we will introduce in detail the causes, symptoms and treatments of abdominal pain in mid-pregnancy!

1. Why does abdominal pain in mid-pregnancy resemble dysmenorrhea?

Abdominal pain that occurs after 12 weeks of pregnancy can be classified into three categories: medical, surgical, and gynecological abdominal pain, based on the characteristics of the pain (nature and location) and the presence or absence of tenderness, rebound pain, and muscle tension. Tenderness refers to the pain caused by light or heavy pressure on the abdominal wall with the hands; when the painful area of ​​the patient's abdomen is pressed and suddenly released, the patient feels an increase in pain, which is called rebound pain; muscle tension refers to the reflex contraction of the abdominal wall muscles due to stimulation by inflammatory substances, resulting in hardening of the abdominal wall.

Symptoms of abdominal pain during mid-pregnancy

1. Abdominal pain is located in the middle of the lower abdomen or uterine area. It is an occasional mild pain with a sense of tightness and hardening of the uterus. It lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes and is common in people who are sensitive to pain. This is normal uterine contraction and no medical treatment is required.

2. If the lower abdominal pain is obvious, lasts for a long time, has short intervals, and is accompanied by or without vaginal bleeding, it is highly suspected to be threatened abortion and you should go to the hospital as soon as possible to buy time for treatment. If the bleeding increases significantly, the cervix has opened, and miscarriage is inevitable, the pregnancy can be terminated in the hospital.

Treatment of abdominal pain during mid-pregnancy

1. Bed rest

When you feel lower back pain, a heavy feeling in the abdomen, or other abnormal symptoms, stop activities immediately, rest in bed more, and observe carefully. If the symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention promptly. Avoid excessive fatigue and strenuous activities. The first 3 months of pregnancy is a high-risk period for miscarriage, so sexual intercourse should be avoided as much as possible.

2. Food and daily life

It is advisable to eat small meals frequently and eat less sweet, spicy, or sticky food; do not lie flat on the bed or lie too low after meals, and try to bend over as little as possible to reduce acid reflux; keep bowel movements open. If you find symptoms of gastric reflux, you can raise your upper body about 20°. If abdominal pain is accompanied by coffee-like or brown blood discharge from the vagina, you should seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment according to the doctor's orders.