Very severe pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy. If there are pulling pains in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

During pregnancy, almost every woman experiences abdominal pain. They arise for various reasons and can cause significant discomfort. Some of them are associated with natural changes in the body, and some can lead to adverse effects.

Why does the stomach hurt during pregnancy?

During this period, from time to time, a woman feels pain or discomfort in various parts of the body. As a rule, they indicate a change in hormonal levels or are associated with the growth of the abdomen. But sometimes abdominal pains indicate an exacerbation of previously sleeping diseases or the appearance of other problems.

The abdomen does not belong to a single organ, pain in this area may be associated with pathologies in various body systems. If you experience unpleasant painful sensations, it is best to consult a doctor.

Types of abdominal pain and its causes

Abdominal pain during pregnancy is conventionally divided into obstetric and non-obstetric. Obstetric includes painful sensations directly related to bearing a child and, as a rule, do not require medical intervention. Non-obstetric pain can occur in all people and be a symptom of disease.

The most common non-hazardous obstetric pains include the following:

  • At 2-3 weeks of pregnancy, the ovum is implanted into the wall of the uterus. This may be accompanied by a slight pulling pain.
  • Moderate abdominal pain in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. It is caused by physical changes in the body associated with softening the tissues to support the uterus, as well as stretching the muscles. Often this problem is faced by pregnant women who have had painful periods before. The pain is sharp, but short-term in the lower abdomen. They intensify with sudden movements and when lifting weights. There is no need to treat them, the woman should just lie down to rest.
  • In the later stages, abdominal pain may occur due to the movement of the child. Also in the 3rd trimester, pulling pain is associated with the growth of the uterus and the tension of its muscles
  • Problems with the digestive system associated with pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes, a woman can be tormented, dysbiosis and bloating, accompanied by painful sensations. The pain is pulling or aching and is accompanied by belching, nausea, vomiting or heartburn
  • This problem manifests itself, as a rule, in the second half of pregnancy and requires nutritional adjustments.
  • Before childbirth, the pelvic bones diverge, which may be accompanied by mild aching abdominal pain
  • Training contractions appear in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Thus, the body prepares for the upcoming birth. They do not cause much discomfort to a woman and are not dangerous.

It is important not to confuse false contractions with preterm labor. When regular contractions appear, especially very painful ones, you need to urgently call an ambulance.

But there are also dangerous obstetric pains arising from the following problems in the body:

  1. The threat of termination of pregnancy. At the same time, it aches and pulls in the lower abdomen and in the lumbar region. Also, bleeding is added to the pain. You can only avoid an unfavorable outcome by seeking medical help on time. If you do not take measures, then the pain becomes cramping, bleeding increases and a spontaneous miscarriage occurs.
  2. , in which the fertilized egg is fixed not in the uterus, but in the fallopian tube. In this case, there are sharp abdominal pains, accompanied by dizziness. An ectopic pregnancy can be determined by ultrasound. Most often, the symptoms characteristic of it occur for a period of 5-7 weeks.
  3. Premature placental abruption. It can be triggered by trauma in the abdomen, short umbilical cord and other pathologies. In this case, the pain in the abdomen is very strong, internal bleeding may open without external discharge. In this case, only forced delivery and stopping bleeding can save a woman and a child.
  4. dangerous at any stage of pregnancy, since at the same time nutrients and oxygen are poorly supplied to the fetus. It is often accompanied by sharp pains in the lower abdomen of a cramping character. In this case, the abdomen and uterus become hard, and over time, they relax again.

Of non-obstetric abdominal pain during pregnancy, surgical pathologies or some diseases most often occur:

  • Appendicitis is rare. With this pathology, severe pain appears in the navel, right side and right hypochondrium. Pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and fever. In the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, there are cases of acute appendicitis, which requires urgent surgical intervention. The pain in the abdomen appears suddenly and is paroxysmal, after a while turning into a constant aching.
  • Pancreatitis is characterized by sharp pain in the upper abdomen. It is accompanied by vomiting and stool disturbance.
  • manifested by pulling painful sensations and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen. They intensify when the bladder fills, becoming cutting. At the same time, urination becomes more frequent, it becomes painful.
  • Exacerbation of chronic cholecystitis or chronic gastritis is also manifested by painful sensations in the abdomen. In the first case, they appear in the right hypochondrium, in the second - in the upper abdomen. The pain is aching in nature.
  • With an intestinal infection or poisoning during pregnancy, there is pain in the navel and upset digestion.

The danger of intestinal infections during pregnancy is that, together with intestinal tone, they cause uterine tone.

What to do with abdominal pain during pregnancy

As you can see, abdominal pain during pregnancy can occur for various reasons. Some of them are capable of threatening the health of both the expectant mother and the child. In the normal course of pregnancy, there may be minor pain in the abdomen without dynamics. In this case, the body simply adapts to a new physical state.

Self-treatment of abdominal pain during pregnancy is not worth it, as you can harm yourself and the baby. It is best to consult with your doctor first.

Physiological pain during pregnancy can be relieved by staying in the knee-elbow position for 10 minutes several times during the day. Taking a warm shower, chamomile tea or aromatic relaxing oils (rose, mint, jasmine, lavender) will also help. After the doctor's permission, you can drink a glass of mint infusion or lemon balm broth at night. The tool will help you relax, eliminate pain and fall asleep quickly.

For pain caused by digestive problems, normalization of nutrition, including a large amount of fresh vegetables, fruits and dairy products in the diet, will help. You need to try to adhere to the regime and eat at the same time every day. It is important to give up fatty, fried and spicy foods.

In case of inflammatory processes in the body that cause abdominal pain, a woman is prescribed antibiotics compatible with pregnancy, as well as permissible antispasmodic drugs. With the threat of miscarriage, hypertonicity of the uterus and initial placental abruption, bed rest, sedatives are indicated. Antispasmodics, which also reduce the tone of the uterus, help relieve pain in the abdomen.

If surgical intervention is necessary, they try to postpone it until the end of pregnancy, stopping the symptoms of pathology. In emergency cases, they try to resort to laparoscopy, rather than strip surgery.

Prevention of abdominal pain during pregnancy

The following recommendations will help reduce physiological pain during pregnancy:

The bandage should only be worn in a prone position and should not be tightened too much.

Infectious diseases, stressful situations, injuries and sudden movements can provoke the risk of various pathologies, so it is better to avoid them. Timely consultation with a doctor, as well as compliance with all his recommendations, will help reduce the risk of atypical abdominal pain during pregnancy.

Stomach hurts during pregnancy - Video:

In the article we will tell you why the lower abdomen aches during pregnancy. You will learn what to do in such cases and how it can be prevented.

Why does the lower abdomen ache during pregnancy

Aching pains in the lower abdomen can have different causes.

Expectant mothers throughout the entire period of pregnancy may be bothered by pain in the lower abdomen. This phenomenon can be associated both with natural physiological processes, and designate various pathologies, diseases of the mother or fetus.

Let's look at what such pains can mean at different stages of pregnancy.

At the initial stages, some discomfort and slight pulling pains can be one of the signs of pregnancy.... The uterus is stretched, which is why the stomach aches at 6 weeks of gestation. In this case, the pain has a pulling or cramping character and soon releases.

If the stomach aches like before menstruation during pregnancy, it constantly hurts in the lower abdomen for early dates, an urgent need to see a doctor. This can signal such diseases and pathologies:

  • genitourinary infection;
  • ectopic pregnancy;
  • miscarriage;
  • inflammatory process in the fallopian tubes;
  • hypertonicity of the uterus.

At week 10, the expectant mother has a 2 visit to the gynecologist according to the schedule. During this period, a woman may also complain of abdominal pain. Under the influence of hormones and in connection with the growth of the fetus, the ligaments holding the uterus soften and stretch. This can be accompanied by occasional pulling pains on the sides of the abdomen and in the groin area. If, at the 10th week of pregnancy, the lower abdomen aches, while the pain is accompanied by bloody discharge, this may indicate a threat of miscarriage.

The same symptoms occur if the stomach aches at the 12th week of pregnancy.

In the 2nd trimester, if the pregnancy is proceeding normally, most often women do not complain of painful sensations. Now the fetus is still not large enough to cause inconvenience to mom. The uterus is constantly growing, it has not yet reached the size when it begins to put pressure on the internal organs.

However, some expectant mothers complain that the lower abdomen aches at the 15th week of pregnancy. If there are no other unpleasant symptoms, then this means that the muscles of the uterus are very stretched. This, in turn, can cause mild pain that does not threaten pregnancy. Do not panic prematurely, the woman's body is preparing for the upcoming birth, so stretching the muscles of the uterus is quite normal.

The threat of miscarriage during this period is significantly reduced, but pain can occur for the following reasons:

  • physical stress;
  • stress, nervous exhaustion;
  • movement of the baby inside the uterus;
  • problems in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, constipation.

In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the woman's body begins to intensively prepare for the upcoming birth.... Already at this stage, the expectant mother periodically has training contractions, which can lead to abdominal pain. Also, if the lower abdomen aches at 34 weeks of gestation, this may indicate a number of problems:

  • genitourinary infection;
  • premature birth;
  • placental abruption.

Placental abruption is accompanied by bleeding. Sometimes it can be internal, and the blood does not come out through the genital tract, it collects in the abdominal cavity. In this case, the woman develops sharp abdominal pains. In this case, urgent hospitalization is required.

Does the lower abdomen ache at 35 weeks of gestation? What does this mean:

  1. training fights;
  2. early birth.

If the pain disappears within 15-20 seconds, then your body is preparing for the upcoming birth with contractions. If the time between contractions starts to shorten, pack your things and go to the hospital.

If the lower abdomen aches at 36 weeks of gestation and at the same time pulls the lower back, but the pain is not strong, then this is a sign of the norm. You should rest, change your body position. If the pain persists even after a long rest, you need to see a doctor. These symptoms may indicate the development of oligohydramnios. If the pulling pain in the abdomen is accompanied by vaginal discharge, this indicates premature birth, which is undesirable at this time.

Within a week, the stomach begins to sink. The child is almost fully formed, breathes independently and is able to digest food. The fruit has already taken up a permanent position. Almost all children are already upside down by this time. It is quite normal for the stomach to ache at 37 weeks of gestation. A pulling, slightly painful sensation in the lower abdomen is a harbinger of an impending birth.

38 week of pregnancy is the period when a child can be born without fear for his life. These days, false contractions are becoming much more intense, and some women panic at the same time. As in the previous week, do not be afraid if the lower abdomen aches at the 38th week of pregnancy - very soon you will become a mother, and the baby will let you know about it.

If your belly hasn't dropped in the last 14 days, it will happen in the last week before giving birth. If the stomach aches at 39 weeks of gestation, and the pain radiates to the lower back, this indicates that childbirth is very soon.

What to do if your stomach aches

Pain in the abdomen can accompany a woman throughout the entire period of bearing a child. In some cases, this is the norm. But if the abdominal pain does not go away for a long time and is accompanied by bloody discharge and a general deterioration in the woman's condition, you need to consult a doctor to find out the reason.

If the pain becomes sharp and very noticeable, call an ambulance immediately. This, depending on the duration of pregnancy, can mean a threat of miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, a frozen fetus, detachment of the amniotic sac, premature birth or exacerbation chronic diseases at the mother.

Abdominal pain can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • dizziness;
  • weakness;
  • fainting;
  • bloody vaginal discharge;
  • bleeding.

The doctor will conduct a thorough examination and find out if there is a threat to the fetus. In some cases, drastic measures may be needed: surgery, hospital treatment, etc. If you seek medical help on time, doctors will be able to provide you with the help you need and keep your pregnancy.

Some expectant mothers come with complaints that the right side of the lower abdomen aches during pregnancy. On the right side of the abdomen are the liver, gallbladder, part of the intestines and the right side of the diaphragm. Such pain may indicate diseases of these internal organs or inflammation of appendicitis.

When the left side aches during pregnancy, it may indicate problems with the stomach, pancreas, spleen, bowel loops, and the left side of the diaphragm.

Prevention of aching pain

Do not forget to rest, observe the daily routine

If you went to the doctor with a complaint that the lower abdomen aches during pregnancy, and he did not reveal any serious deviations, then it is worth reviewing some of your habits and diet.

  1. Review your diet... Eliminate spicy, fried, and smoked foods from your menu. Choose light meals that contain protein (white meat, lean fish, nuts). Remember to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Be sure to observe the water regime. Do not get carried away with carbonated drinks and coffee.
  2. Limit physical exercise ... This does not mean that you have to lie in bed all the time. If the doctor did not find any threats to your health and the life of the baby, you need to walk more in the fresh air, engage in gentle sports. Well suited for women carrying a baby, gymnastics for pregnant women, yoga, swimming.
  3. Do not take hot baths.... Even foot baths can trigger the loss of a child in the early stages.
  4. Don't forget about healthy sleep... Sleep during pregnancy should be at least 9 hours. It is also advisable to take a short nap.
  5. Pay attention to your psycho-emotional state... Don't be nervous about trifles. Avoid stress and mental stress. If you have a stressful job, try to take maternity leave early. This is allowed by law, you need to contact a gynecologist, he can help in opening a sick leave for pregnancy before 7 months.

If your stomach aches during early pregnancy, and the examinations do not confirm any danger, do not worry. Your body adjusts to a new, unusual state for it. Here once again it is necessary to remind about proper nutrition and lifestyle.

In the later stages, with aching abdominal pains, you need to take more rest breaks. Change your position: if you were standing, sit down, if you were lying on your right side, roll over to your left. Take deep breaths. It is better to take courses for expectant mothers, which teach the basics of breathing exercises.

For more information on abdominal pain during pregnancy, see the video:

What to remember

  1. Now you know why the lower abdomen aches during pregnancy. In most cases, this is the norm. However, if the pain persists for a long time, discharge or other painful sensations appear, see your doctor.
  2. We told in what cases the lower abdomen and lower back ache at 38 weeks of gestation. Such pains are harbingers of the approaching birth. At this time, you no longer need to worry that labor activity began prematurely. There is no threat to the baby's life at all, his organs are fully formed. The child can already breathe and digest food on its own.

Very many women in the position are interested in why the stomach hurts during pregnancy, especially if it occurs in the lower peritoneum.

Perhaps, it is this question that expectant mothers most often ask, because they consider such pains to be the most dangerous.

Pain as a sign of pathology

And there is every reason for this opinion.

Indeed, one of the first signs for various types of pathologies that arise over the course of 9 months is precisely the pain that covers the lower abdomen.

For example, in the case of peeling of the placenta, you will feel painful sensations in the lower abdomen (the period is not decisive).

Pain in this place will appear in the event or during.

How to understand what the sensations that arise in a given area are talking about?

First of all, you do not need to experience panic when the lower abdomen begins to ache, whether it is at least the first month, at least the ninth.

Pain can not only be an indicator that something out of the ordinary has happened, but is also a common occurrence.

However, in any case, it is important to immediately consult a doctor if the sensation is strong, stabbing and its intensity only increases over time.

Norm or problem

Please note: the pains that arise in the process of carrying a baby, at some point become for the expectant mother just the norm of life.

Still - after all, they accompany a woman throughout her pregnancy, without retreating even for a week!

  • first, the ligaments that support the growing uterus begin to ache;
  • with an increase in the term, the back hurts more and more;
  • pulls the stomach;
  • at the end of the term, there is a feeling that the whole body hurts: its own weight has increased, the baby kicks, the uterus presses on the organs.

During pregnancy, the lower abdomen can hurt from the very first day, as if warning you about the fusion of the sperm and the egg.

But some will only experience them closer to childbirth. It all depends on the individual characteristics of each woman!

It is this type of sensation that is characterized by the fact that it informs the pregnant woman about the most varied changes that occur in her body.

It is not for nothing that doctors divide the pains that cover the lower abdomen of a pregnant woman into two groups: obstetric and non-obstetric.

  • The first group includes those that warn of existing pathologies, sometimes even in the first month, (ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption) or talk about the threat of termination of pregnancy.
  • The second is those that arise in connection with changes in the "pregnant" body, some of which are associated with the growth of the abdomen.

This means that there are stretched ligaments, increased weight or characteristic changes in the gastrointestinal tract.

This also includes pain in the lower peritoneum caused by various kinds of diseases that can be eliminated surgically (for example, appendicitis).

Causes of pain in the 1st trimester

The first months is the period during which you need to especially carefully monitor your body, paying special attention to the pains that arise in the lower abdomen.

The fact is that most miscarriages occur during this time. And the reasons may be as follows:

  • most often in the first month, the stomach hurts (its bottom) simply because the body is preparing to carry a pregnancy and hormonal changes take place.

In this case, sometimes the lower back also hurts.

  • already in the first month, the uterus grows, because the ligaments, which are not used to even such a load, begin to ache.

The time will come when they become thicker, and the stomach will be very large - cramps will cover its bottom at the end of the day with excessive activity of the pregnant woman

  • a woman may begin rejection of the embryo or ovum, which will result in a miscarriage.

In this case, the spasms may be accompanied by bleeding. Sometimes the process, if the deadline is very early, can go unnoticed altogether.

The stomach will just ache or there will be periodic cramps in the lower peritoneum as during menstruation, or it can be confused with the onset of menstruation

  • at ectopic pregnancy there will be severe abdominal pains, but not in the first month of an interesting position, but in the second.

It is important to see a doctor on time, otherwise there is a threat of rupture of one of the fallopian tubes. When a piercing sharp pain that can not be tolerated, the process is probably in full swing.

Features of the first 3 months

It is worth noting: in the first (second) month, cramps that "hit" the lower abdomen, during which bleeding occurs, do not always mean that a pregnant woman is having a miscarriage.

Almost every fourth woman in a position has something similar, which is a feature of the course of pregnancy, which can continue safely.

But during an involuntary abortion, the pains in the lower abdomen do not stop, and there will be so much blood that you cannot do without a pad.

It happens that shortly before the rejection of the ovum, other "charms" of pregnancy also disappear.

By the way, each stage of the process is characterized by its own pain. If you try to distinguish between them, then by contacting a doctor at the right time, you can save the pregnancy. They are accompanied by heaviness in the lower abdomen and discomfort in the sacrum region.

You do not need to immediately run to the hospital yourself, even when the period is not long, and your stomach does not hurt so much that it could keep you at home.

Pain in the 2nd and 3rd trimester

Why does the stomach ache, if the gestational age has already "passed" for 7 months?

  • Most often this is due to digestive problems, which are bound to occur in almost everyone.

And they are caused by the pressure of the uterus on the intestines and the menu, which combines antagonist products.

Also, overeating, eating large portions can affect the gastrointestinal tract.

Bottom line: a woman in a position has gas, even colic.

Naturally, sometimes they can cause very unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen - this is the difference in the period of 5-9 months.

  • The ligaments that hold the uterus are in constant tension.

If a pregnant woman happens to walk a lot, lie in one position, she feels pulling pains in the lower abdomen, which disappear when changing position or resting.

Such sensations intensify when sneezing or laughing: at this moment, an electrical discharge pierces the stomach below. The pain can even be sharp, but the time during which it will be felt strongly is minimal.

  • Late is the time when a woman gets tired incredibly quickly, especially when.
  • It happens that the stomach hurts for a very commonplace reason - overstrain of the abdominal muscles (especially after 5 months, you are familiar with this).

In this case, it is better to lie down and everything will pass. It is necessary to reduce the load, reduce the speed when walking ..

  • The belly, or rather its bottom, hurts if the baby (people say about this phenomenon "belly sank")

For you, this is a signal:, getting closer.

In this case, the pressure on this area increases, sometimes discomfort is interspersed with the expansion of this area, pain in the legs, which are also similar to weak electric shocks.

What to look for

There are other reasons as a result of which the stomach hurts. And they require the obligatory intervention of a doctor.

  • For example, sometimes during pregnancy there is an exacerbation of such chronic diseases as pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction occurs.

In the first month of an interesting situation, this does not happen, more often this happens when at least half of the term has passed. Such a misfortune will be indicated not only by an aching stomach, but also by nausea, fever, dizziness. In such cases, it is imperative to call an ambulance.

  • Pain can indicate gynecological problems. It is possible that the woman has some kind of infection that can affect the health of the baby.

It is important to get rid of this problem as soon as possible. After all, even if the child does not become infected during pregnancy, the infection will touch him when he decides to leave the mother's belly and will pass through the birth canal.

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes a lot of changes aimed at adapting it to bearing a fetus, which grows rapidly, exerting pressure on the surrounding internal organs. Quite often during this period, doctors have to hear that the stomach hurts during pregnancy, and this naturally scares a woman. Such a problem can be both a natural reaction of the body to changes in it, and a symptom of serious problems when urgent help is needed.

Pregnancy can bring some inconvenience to a woman in terms of well-being and discomfort. In fear for the baby, the expectant mother begins to worry sharply, which only aggravates the situation. It is necessary to understand in advance all the risks and be prepared for the presence of problems, then nervous fears will not interfere with labor, and the doctor will help solve the problem.

Abdominal pain in women during pregnancy

Abdominal pain during pregnancy is a fairly common case, it can be associated with natural causes and be negative, but before you panic and worry without a clear reason, you should listen to your feelings and make an appointment with a doctor. This will not be superfluous, since the nerves must be protected, however, it is worth understanding some points herself.

Types of abdominal pain during pregnancy

Painful sensations can be observed in each of the trimesters of pregnancy and be localized in different parts. The following types appear most often:

  • Sharp pain in the groin and pubic area in the early stages (in the first trimester, the presence of pain in the pubic area can be negative. It is worthwhile to immediately consult a doctor);
  • Pain in the pubic area in the later stages (during this period, such pains are considered normal if they are pulling and pass from the pubis to the femoral part. This is because the body is preparing for childbirth. In case of pain when lifting the leg up from a lying position, contact your gynecologist );
  • Feeling of tension in the abdomen (it is considered normal if the pregnancy is proceeding well, in the case of the effect of a "hard belly", pathologies may be present);
  • Soreness when the baby pushes (the baby's activity in the abdomen can be unpleasant for the mother, but if the baby can be reassured, there is nothing terrible. And if the tremors are too strong, you should consult a doctor for a hypoxia (oxygen starvation) checkup).

Causes of abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain during pregnancy can be both natural and require emergency assistance. The first category includes the following points:

  • Slight pulling sensation at 2-3 weeks, when the fertilized egg is implanted into the wall of the uterus;
  • Sharp short-term pain. Aggravated by sudden movement or heavy lifting, in the first trimester due to muscle stretching and tissue softening;
  • Unpleasant sensations in the third trimester due to movement of the baby;
  • Drawing pains due to muscle tension and uterine growth in the last trimester. As well as a slight discrepancy of the pelvic bones and training contractions.


To improve the condition when the stomach hurts for natural reasons during pregnancy and does not require the intervention of a doctor, follow these rules:

  • Walk down the street more often;
  • Avoid overwork and high physical exertion;
  • Do special exercises for pregnant women;
  • Use a bandage at a later date;
  • Sleep as much as possible (a maternity pillow helps a lot with this).

A good way to relieve discomfort is to be in the elbow position for 10-15 minutes (you can do this several times a day). This should be done if your stomach hurts during pregnancy and you do not need a doctor's help,

When is medical attention needed?

Pulling or sharp pains in the lower abdomen during pregnancy may indicate serious problems (if in doubt, it is better to play it safe and consult a doctor for advice). To prevent problems, it is important to know the following main symptoms when an urgent visit to a doctor for help is required:

  • Aching pains in the lower abdomen and in the lumbar region, which are accompanied by bloody discharge. In this case, you need to call an ambulance. Since in the absence of adequate treatment, pain can take on a cramping character and there is a risk of spontaneous miscarriage.
  • Sharp abdominal pain with simultaneous dizziness may indicate the presence of an ectopic pregnancy. It is determined during an ultrasound examination (most often this problem occurs at a period of 5-7 weeks).
  • If the stomach hurts very sharply and severely in the lower part during pregnancy, then this may indicate a premature placental abruption in the uterus. The latter can be caused by any trauma, gestosis, or a number of other pathologies. In this case, you need to call an ambulance. It may be necessary to induce labor forcefully and stop possible internal bleeding.
  • Sharp cramping pains in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, in which it, together with the uterus, becomes hard for a while. We are talking here about the increased tone of the uterus, which is dangerous at any stage of pregnancy. This is due to impaired blood supply to the raft, leading to a lack of supply nutrients and oxygen. It is important to consult a doctor who will prescribe therapy to reduce the tone, and, if necessary, send you to hospital for inpatient treatment (treatment includes taking antispasmodics, hormonal and other drugs) ..

Also, complaints that the stomach hurts during pregnancy may be due to the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. As well as internal organs. Usually a woman knows about them in advance. To prevent problems, it is advisable to undergo a general examination before conception. If necessary, treatment of existing diseases.

What are training contractions?

If during 38 weeks pregnancy is accompanied by pulling pains, not of a strong nature, this means the approach of contractions. Such sensations are often called by doctors as harbingers of the imminent birth of a baby. They are accompanied by:

  • The belly drops slightly;
  • the fetus may be slightly slowed down;
  • ache in the lower back;
  • weight growth stops;
  • discharge may be streaked with blood;
  • the mucous plug is separated;
  • the state of fatigue increases;
  • emotions can be volatile.


These sensations are like training before childbirth, and they can be a little painful. You should not worry about them, since this is a moral and physical preparation for the birth of a child. Labor may begin at 38 and 39 weeks, after such training, but if this did not happen, you should not panic, the child may be born at 40 weeks or later.

Checklist for abdominal pain during pregnancy

In the event that pain continues to accompany you, this checklist will help. What you need to do to ease the discomfort:

  1. Find a comfortable position.
  2. Try to relax and get some rest. Take 30 minutes to find the most comfortable position.
  3. Could something be causing the pain? Whenever you go to the toilet, don't you strain? What did you eat? Have you overworked?
  4. Look carefully: do you have any unnatural discharge (yellow, brown, gray or other shades, what is their consistency?)

It's time to see a doctor

If abdominal pain is accompanied by one of these factors, you should go to the doctor for an appointment:

  1. The discharge changed color and began to smell unpleasant.
  2. If pain occurs when going to the toilet.
  3. The back pain is too severe and does not go away with rest.

Call an ambulance

  1. If bleeding occurs or discharge is accompanied by a considerable amount of blood.
  2. With regular contractions and severe pain.
  3. The pain in the abdomen becomes worse and does not go away within half an hour to an hour after rest.

Sometimes abdominal pain during pregnancy can be taken by surprise. Don't be nervous, it can only hurt you more. Calmly follow the checklist. If there are abnormalities, call a doctor or call an ambulance. Modern medicine can eliminate problems and help you give birth to a healthy baby.

During the period of carrying a child, a woman becomes more sensitive and attentive to her health and well-being. However, this does not save many expectant mothers from painful sensations. Almost half of all women in an interesting position experience discomfort in the peritoneal region. This article will tell you about why pulling pains occur during pregnancy. It is worth noting that such symptoms may appear at different times. In all cases, their reasons will be distinctive. It is also worth mentioning why there is a cutting pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy and what needs to be done while doing this.

Causes of pulling pains in the earliest stages of gestation

If you have early pregnancy, can be caused by the attachment of the ovum to the wall of the genital organ. Most often, women do not notice such a symptom or attribute it to the fact that menstruation will begin soon.

After fertilization, a set of cells begins to divide continuously and descend into the uterine muscle. Here the ovum is introduced into the loose structure of the endometrium and can provoke pulling or stabbing pains in this area. Also, some women have a so-called which has insignificant volumes and ends after a few days.

Why does the stomach hurt in the first weeks of pregnancy?

A pulling or cutting pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy can be completely normal. Immediately after conception, a cardinal hormonal change occurs. In large volumes, progesterone begins to be produced. It slightly inhibits smooth muscle contractions and can lead to stool retention.

Also, expectant mothers in the early stages have flatulence and gas formation. This is due to a change in diet and taste preferences. All this leads to the appearance of cuts and stitching pains in the intestinal region.

Unpleasant (pulling) sensations in the middle of the term

Abdominal pain during pregnancy can occur due to the rapid growth of the uterus. This happens between 20 and 30 weeks. The ligaments that hold the genital organ stretch and can cause aching pain. Also, with a sharp movement, most pregnant women feel a sharp pulling sensation.

It is worth noting that the growth of the uterus provokes the displacement of internal organs, in particular the intestines. Because of this, some women experience constipation and the formation of hemorrhoids.

Severe pain during pregnancy (in later stages)

The appearance of discomfort at the end of pregnancy may indicate childbirth. In this case, a woman may feel pulling pains in the lower back and lower part of the peritoneum. It is worth noting that such sensations are not permanent. They have a certain frequency. Doctors call this pain contractions.

When this occurs during pregnancy, you should immediately go to the maternity ward of the hospital. Most likely, you will return home with your baby.

Cutting pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

This feeling occurs much less frequently than pulling sensations. In most cases, cutting pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy indicates pathology. This is why it is so important to go to the hospital. Perhaps everything will work out, but it's better to play it safe. Sharp pain during pregnancy can appear at any time. Moreover, the cause of this symptom is always different. Consider the main pathologies in which there is a pain in the peritoneum during pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy

It makes itself felt from the first days. In this case, the ovum is not fixed in the uterine cavity, but in another place. The most common occurrence is tubal pregnancy. With the growth of the embryo, the walls of the organ are stretched. This causes unbearable pain to the woman.

In addition, there may be spotting vaginal discharge, weakness and fever. Treatment should be carried out immediately. V otherwise the organ will rupture and internal bleeding will begin, which can be fatal.

The threat of termination of pregnancy

Cutting pain often occurs when a miscarriage is threatened. In this case, the causes of pathology can be absolutely any: lack of hormones, overexertion, stress, illness, and so on. With timely assistance, there is a high probability that the pregnancy can be saved. To do this, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

In addition to cutting pains, in this case, a woman can feel a pulling sensation in the lumbar region, the cessation of toxicosis. Bloody discharge from the genitals is also common.

Frozen pregnancy

In some cases, a spontaneous stop of fetal development occurs. After a while, the woman begins to feel cutting pains in the abdomen. They say that the inflammatory process has begun. Do not hope that everything will go away on its own. Treatment of such a pathology is carried out only by surgery (curettage).

With a frozen pregnancy, the following symptoms are also noted: a decrease in engorgement of the mammary glands, cessation of toxicosis, increased vaginal discharge. At a later date, a woman may feel a lack of fetal activity.

Placental abruption

In the second, another pathology may arise. It is always accompanied by severe cutting pains in the abdominal cavity. In addition, heavy bleeding often occurs. The woman feels weakness, a decrease in heart rate and a drop in blood pressure.

Treatment in this case can only be surgical. It should be noted that the earlier the intervention occurs, the more likely save a kid's life.

Pathologies that are not associated with pregnancy

Cutting pains in the abdomen can cause various processes that are completely unrelated to pregnancy. These include the following:

  • rupture of an ovarian cyst or torsion of its legs;
  • the formation of intestinal obstruction;
  • violation of microflora and dysbiosis;
  • due to previous operations or inflammation;
  • the progression of a sexually transmitted disease;
  • poisoning or eating stale food;
  • abuse;
  • liver and spleen diseases (lack of enzymes);
  • diseases of the urinary tract (bacteriuria, pyelonephritis).

Most of them do not pose any threat to the baby's life with timely treatment.

Summing up and conclusion of the article

You now know the main causes of pulling and cutting pain during pregnancy. It is worth noting that the sensations can be sharp or aching. In the first case, you should visit your gynecologist or call an ambulance as soon as possible. Remember that pregnancy is a very demanding period. The health and development of your future baby will depend on what you are doing now. If you experience unpleasant and unusual sensations, contact a specialist and, if necessary, follow the recommendations for treatment. Easy pregnancy for you and painless birth of a healthy baby!