What Are The Reasons For Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a life-changing and beautiful journey for every woman. Though it comes with changes in the human body. One of the common problems that women face during pregnancy is abdominal pain. Sometimes the pain is mild and normal, while there are situations when it can be a cause of worry. This pain during pregnancy happens because of many reasons, like the body making adjustments for the baby, hormonal changes, stretching muscles, etc. There are situations when the pain is because of gas or constipation.
Therefore, not every abdominal pain during pregnancy is normal. Sometimes there can be infections, preterm labor pain, etc. This is why it’s important to listen to the body and look for remedies or precautions that can ease this discomfort. Gentle exercises, drinking plenty of water, and proper rest can help relieve this pain.
1. Constipation
One of the common reasons for abdominal pain during pregnancy is constipation. The pressure of the growing uterus, hormonal changes, and iron supplements slow down bowel movements during pregnancy. This leads to bloating, cramping, and a sharp pain. To tackle this issue, drink plenty of water and include fiber-rich food items in the diet. Regular light exercises such as walking can help to ease out this pain. Avoid processed food items, as they can worsen this situation, and in case the issue persists, you need to talk with your doctor.
2. Gas and Bloating
Gas and bloating are common causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy. During pregnancy your body produces more hormones, and this slows down digestion. This causes the gas to build up and leads to bloating. You may feel a stabbing pain in the stomach, which may feel as sharp as a knife. In addition to this, if you eat quickly and consume gas-producing foods, then it might be bad. To relieve gas, eat smaller portions and chew your food slowly. Drinking warm water with ginger helps to ease off bloating.
3. Round Ligament Pain
Another cause of abdominal pain is round ligament pain. As your baby grows, the ligaments that surround your uterus pull and stretch, causing sharp or dull pain in the lower belly or groin. This type of pain comes in the second trimester and gets worse with sudden movements or with changing positions quickly. Pregnant ladies should change their position slowly if they are experiencing this pain. Also, resting on your side with a pillow between your knees is also recommended.
4. False Labor
False labor can cause abdominal pain during pregnancy. These contractions are mild and happen in the later months of the pregnancy journey. It feels like hardening or tightening of the belly and causes pain and discomfort. They often occur because of tiredness or dehydration. To ease this pain, you need to drink plenty of water and take rest. You can even try to change position so that you no longer experience pain. These contractions are normal, and it’s your body’s way of prepping for labor.
5. Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections can cause serious abdominal pain during pregnancy. This is because, due to hormonal changes, bacteria grow in the urinary tract. Symptoms include lower belly pain, pain during urination, and smelly urine. It’s important to treat UTIs quickly, and they should not be left untreated. Drinking plenty of water flushes out bacteria, and your doctor may even provide you with antibiotics for fast recovery. Maintaining good hygiene is very important during this time.
