Many women experience countless sensations and discomforts during pregnancy. In some cases abdominal pain may be defined as something worrisome depending on the pain threshold and the area where it manifests. The first few months are usually the most hectic, so restlessness can create some discomfort.
Abdominal pain in the upper part is not the same as in the lower part of the belly. Therefore, we are going to do a little analysis of when it has to revert to a serious problem and what to do about it.
What type of abdominal pain exists in pregnancy
The first trimester of pregnancy is usually the most susceptible to changes. Many women due to physical changes experience certain discomforts and others, on the other hand, do not take well the hormonal change. Among these changes, you suffer from pelvic pain during the first few months.
It can become acute and colic-like, similar to menstrual cramps, where they appear and disappear. It can be constant and even deaf, so it is not a cause for concern, but it is when accompanied by vaginal bleeding, or in cases where a dangerous drop in blood pressure. In this case, it is necessary to go to the emergency room due to a possible abortion.
gas pain It is also very common in the abdominal area. There is a slower digestion during pregnancy and it is the consequence of favoring gases. This may also be aided by muscle relaxation due to high levels of progesterone. The intestines are more relaxed and this may be the effect of general distention.
Other discomforts are derived or produced by "pulling" in the ligaments of the uterus or produced by its growth. This pain usually occurs and is more common in the first trimester and usually presents as discomfort in the lower half of the abdomen, radiating to the pelvis or groin.
The muscular and abdominal structure is stretching throughout the pregnancy and in this case the pain is focused on the flanks and groin. It is usually very common about the second trimester. In this case the uterus grows and compresses, growing more skin and causing the organs to start moving back and up.
During the fifth to sixth month of pregnancy, discomfort can be caused by contractions. In this case, the 'Braxton Hicks' contractions They are usually present without great relevance.
When is pain an alarm symptom?
In general, all the abdominal pains that appear during pregnancy dissipate with partial rest. Annoying postures will be avoided and it will be possible to manage a special girdle for pregnant women. If the pain is due to gas, you should be told to the doctor or midwife to do an assessment and a special diet. However, sometimes this type of pain is detecting other more serious problems, such as:
- Abort alarm. When there is blood loss and is accompanied by abdominal pain.
- For an ectopic pregnancy. In this case, the egg has been implanted in the fallopian tube or near an ovary, so it has gone unnoticed until now. Its symptoms are severe cramping pain in the abdomen and vaginal spotting.
- For preeclampsia. Your pain manifests in the upper abdomen, just below the ribs. This condition is caused by distension of the liver due to high blood pressure values. It manifests itself with great pain, headache and even vision problems.
- Other pathologies: Several pathologies can occur that have nothing to do with pregnancy. A urinary tract infection, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, a serious constipation problem or cases such as appendicitis. In the latter case, a surgical removal will be performed, where it will not affect the pregnancy at all.