What causes abdominal pain during pregnancy?

Lower abdominal Pain during Pregnancy

Many women experience occasional bouts of lower abdominal pain during pregnancy. Abdominal pain during pregnancy is more often than not a normal and harmless condition. Lower abdominal pain during pregnancy could sometimes suggest a more serious problem however, so it is important you consult with your doctor or health care provider if you have any concerns regarding such abdominal pain during pregnancy.

Causes of Abdominal Discomfort during Pregnancy

A majority of women experience lower abdominal pain during early weeks of pregnancy. There are various reasons for this. For some women occasional or irregular abdominal discomfort in pregnancy similar to menstrual cramps can simply be a sign that the uterus is preparing to carry the baby through the next 9 months of pregnancy. However, abdominal pain that is accompanied by other symptoms including chills, fever, spotting or bleeding can be a sign that something serious is happening and in such cases, you should contact your health care provider at once for a proper diagnosis of abdominal pain.

Some of the common conditions associated with abdominal pain during pregnancy are as follows:

Ectopic Pregnancy - This is a very serious condition that occurs in early pregnancy when a fertilized egg attaches outside a woman's uterus. By and large the egg attaches to a fallopian tube. Typically this condition is caught in the first few weeks of pregnancy. If not treated, an ectopic pregnancy may result in rupture of the fallopian tubes. Signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include abdominal pain and tenderness, spotting, bleeding, shoulder pain, back pain, dizziness or faintness. If you doubt an ectopic pregnancy contact your doctor right away.

Miscarriage - Occasionally lower abdominal pain signals a pending miscarriage. Symptoms of miscarriage include bleeding that is light or heavy and menstrual like cramping which slowly increases in intensity. Certain women experience back pain. If you confirm a pregnancy and then experience spotting, bleeding and cramping, make sure to contact your doctor immediately.

Preterm Labor - Certain women experience lower abdominal pain or cramping further in their pregnancy. This may signal that your uterus is stretching, but could also be a sign of premature labor. Preterm labor is characterized by regular abdominal contractions that start dilating as well as effacing the cervix. You may also experience vaginal discharge which is a bloody mucous and it may be accompanied by cramping or lower back pain. Be sure you contact your doctor immediately to rule out the chances of premature labor. In most cases early labor can be effectively stopped allowing mothers to carry the baby to term.

A few other causes of lower abdominal pain in pregnancy include round ligament pain, placental abruption or preeclampsia. Remember that if any of your cramps are consistent and accompanied by bleeding, excessive discharge or other worrying symptoms you must contact your doctor immediately. Some women may also experience abdominal pain during pregnancy related to gallbladder disease, kidney stones, or even pancreatitis. These diseases could result in debilitating pain and in a few cases warrant surgery during pregnancy.

Many women may experience mild abdominal discomfort throughout the pregnancy, occasionally occurring from the uterus stretching, from gas or maybe even from constipation. Round ligament pain could result in short, stabbing and sharp aches in one or sometimes both sides of the abdomen. Luckily this pain is relieved quickly simply by relaxing or changing positions. Try and remain calm regardless of what you are experiencing, and remember when in doubt call your health care provider immediately. Your doctor can help identify the actual cause of your abdominal pain during pregnancy and put your mind at ease in most of the cases.