Some abdominal discomfort is normal during pregnancy, but if you’re experiencing stomach pain, it’s important to speak to your GP. This could be a sign of something more serious.
There are many potential causes of abdominal pain, some of which are easily treatable. These include pulled or stretched ligaments, kidney stones, food poisoning, appendicitis, stomach virus, and bowel obstruction. More serious conditions may require medical attention, but many cases of abdominal pain can be resolved with simple at-home remedies.
Or, it may be a sign of something more serious, such as an infection. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention.
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy in which the embryo implants outside the uterine cavity. While this occurs most commonly in the fallopian tube, it can also be implanted in the ovary, abdomen, or cervical canal. When implantation occurs in the fallopian tube, it is called a tubal pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies are relatively common, affecting approximately 1% of all pregnancies. In the United States, it is estimated that there are approximately 24,000 ectopic pregnancies each year.
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy usually occur in the first trimester and include persistent and severe abdominal pain on one side. Ectopic pregnancies can be very dangerous, so it is important to seek medical attention right away if you suspect you may be experiencing them.
If ignored, an ectopic pregnancy can be dangerous. If the ectopic pregnancy is in the Fallopian tube, it can cause the tube to burst. Ectopic pregnancies can also cause heavy bleeding.
Miscarriage is the most common type of pregnancy loss. There are many reasons why a stillbirth may occur, such as chromosome issues, placenta problems, infections, a weak cervix, an unhealthy mother, or polycystic ovary syndrome. If you have had a miscarriage, you are not alone.
Spotting or bleeding from the vagina is often the first sign of an ectopic pregnancy. This is usually followed by stomach pain, which can occur a few hours to a few days later. Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition where the pregnancy grows outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.
Premature labor
If you start to experience stomach pains during your pregnancy that cause your cervix to dilate before week 37, this is known as premature labor. The pains you are experiencing are contractions.
Additionally, call your doctor or midwife immediately if your stomach pain is menstrual-like cramping, or you are having more than four contractions in one hour. This is especially important even if the contractions don’t hurt.
The symptoms of premature labor can be very mild at first. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of premature labor, so you can get help right away if you experience them.
Most commonly, premature labor is accompanied by:
-An increase in vaginal discharge
-A change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody)
-Vaginal spotting or bleeding
-An increase in pressure in the pelvic area
-Low back pain
Placental Abruption
The placenta is an organ that develops in the womb during pregnancy. It provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby and removes waste products from the baby’s blood. The placenta also produces hormones that help support the pregnancy.
In rare cases, the placenta can pull away from the uterine wall before the baby is born. This is called placental abruption. Placental abruption can be life-threatening to the baby and/or mother. The main symptoms are bleeding and pain (often like a continuous cramp or contraction). If the bleeding is heavy, an immediate Cesarean is usually required.
Around 1 in 10 pregnant women develop pre-eclampsia. This condition only arises during pregnancy and is caused by a faulty placenta. Pre-eclampsia can cause problems with your circulation, which can show up as raised blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling of the hands and feet. During the early stages, pre-eclampsia is often symptomless and is only detected through routine tests.
Contact your GP or maternity unit immediately if you have severe symptoms such as intense headaches, blurred or flashing vision, rib pain, vomiting, or significant swelling in the face, hands, and feet.
Urinary tract infections
Symptoms of a bladder infection may include:
-Stomach pain during pregnancy
-Discomfort or burning when urinating
-Pelvic discomfort or lower abdominal pain (often just above the pubic bone)
-A frequent or uncontrollable urge to pee, even when there’s very little urine in the bladder.
-Cloudy, foul-smelling, or bloody urine
