Why does the lower abdomen stretch during pregnancy? Normal: physiological reasons. Nagging pain during pregnancy not related to pregnancy

Pregnancy is a kind of test for the expectant mother, physically and emotionally. Especially if a woman is in this state for the first time. She has to constantly listen to new changes occurring in her body. Changes are often frightening and alarming, especially when they are associated with pain and pulling sensations in the lower abdomen, without which no pregnancy is complete. The pain is periodic and constant and can begin at 3-4 weeks of gestation. It is important to understand why the lower abdomen feels tight during pregnancy, what is normal, and what you need to pay close attention to. Indeed, sometimes a timely visit to the attending physician saved the child’s life, since in the early stages of pregnancy the lower abdomen pulls due to the threat of miscarriage, and in later stages of pregnancy there is a threat premature birth.

Main reasons

The causes of pain that occurs during pregnancy can be divided into two groups. The first is physiological. Such pain does not affect the life and health of the baby and mother. The second is pain associated with a threat to the child’s life.

Physiological causes of nagging pain in the lower abdomen in the first trimester

From the very first days of pregnancy, a serious restructuring begins in the body, during which discomfort may be felt. This can frighten the expectant mother, especially if during pregnancy early stages. There are several main reasons that can cause pain and discomfort.

1. In the first two weeks of pregnancy, attachment occurs ovum to the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity. This can cause pain similar to menstrual pain. Sometimes minor bleeding appears.
2. The uterus requires increased blood supply, which causes some discomfort in the lower abdomen.
3. Under the influence of hormones, including progesterone, which is responsible for the safety of pregnancy, there is a slight divergence of the pelvic bones and an increase in the volume of the pelvis for the correct and easy passage of the child through the birth canal.
4. Problems in early pregnancy digestive system may cause nagging pain in the lower abdomen. Thanks to hormones, intestinal motility decreases, which is why a woman experiences constipation, bloating, and heartburn. Pain in the stomach and intestines can radiate to the lower abdomen, thereby frightening the expectant mother. But we must remember that with increasing intestinal peristalsis, the uterus also begins to contract. It is recommended to take an antispasmodic tablet, for example, No-shpu, as quickly as possible and consult your doctor.

Physiological nagging pain in the second trimester

The second trimester is rightfully called the easiest of the entire pregnancy. Many of the unpleasant symptoms inherent in the first trimester have passed, but the difficulties that await you in the third have not yet appeared. But at this time, certain difficulties and discomfort may also arise. For example:

1. In the second trimester, intensive growth of the child occurs, the uterus grows and stretches. The pressure on the ligaments increases, which can be quite noticeable. Sharp pain appears with sudden movements or sneezing, but quickly passes.
2. The lower abdomen pulls during pregnancy due to the growing uterus, which compresses the intestines, which provokes disruptions in its functioning, constipation, flatulence and dysbacteriosis. This causes a nagging pain in the lower abdomen.
3. Discomfort at this stage occurs due to excessive tension in the abdominal muscles. It is recommended to lie down and rest.

Physiological pain in the third trimester

If you experience any pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen in the third trimester, it is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible to exclude unforeseen and dangerous situations.

If the pregnancy is progressing well, then such pain may be due to the following reasons:

1. The uterus continues to grow, stretching the ligaments. The pelvic bones expand. The baby's head gradually begins to descend into the pelvic cavity. This may cause nagging pain in the lower abdomen
2. Continues to disturb the intestines, causing gas formation and constipation, which can be manifested by short-term sharp pain.
3. The child has grown up, and his movements inside the abdomen may cause discomfort.
4. During this trimester, training contractions are felt, preparing the body for the upcoming birth. They go away after taking the No-shpy tablet or using the Papaverine suppository (after consultation with your doctor).
5. If the lower abdomen feels tight during a pregnancy of 38 weeks or more, and antispasmodics do not help, labor most likely begins.

Differences between physiological pain and pathological pain

Despite the fact that it is difficult to independently determine which group nagging pains belong to - physiological or pathological, there are a number indirect signs, saying that to the expectant mother no need to worry:

• the pain is monotonous, not constant, not cramping;
• no bloody or brown discharge;
• the pain subsides after taking antispasmodic drugs;
• Rest helps relieve symptoms;
• there are no longer any third-party signs of deterioration in health (dizziness, increased sweating, chills, changes in blood pressure).

But if a woman has a tight lower abdomen during her first pregnancy, it is recommended to contact medical institution hurry up.

Pathological pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

The first trimester is called the most dangerous of the entire pregnancy. In the first 12 weeks, there is a high risk of spontaneous abortion. The state of the mother’s body determines whether the embryo will successfully attach to the uterus and its further development. At this stage, the laying of all the baby’s organs occurs. Therefore, it is very important to listen to your body.

As a rule, a woman finds out about pregnancy at 4-5 weeks. This is when symptoms begin to be felt. At this time, the embryo begins to develop in the uterine cavity, and the body begins to get used to its new state. If at the 5th week of pregnancy there is pain in the lower abdomen, immediate medical intervention may be required. Let us consider the reasons in more detail.

Frozen pregnancy

Unfortunately, a frozen pregnancy can occur even in a woman who followed all the recommendations of the attending physician. This is the spontaneous death of an embryo in the uterine cavity, regardless of the age of the mother and the duration of pregnancy, although most often it occurs in the first 13 weeks. Signs appear 2-3 weeks after freezing, when the fertilized egg begins to be rejected from the uterine cavity. It may go away on its own if it happens early, or it will require medical intervention if it happens later.

Causes of fetal freezing

There are several:

1. The main cause of fetal death is genetic abnormalities and developmental defects that are incompatible with life.
2. Viral and infectious diseases suffered by a woman even before pregnancy, STDs, chronic diseases.
3. Hormonal imbalances.
4. Lifting weights.
5. Stress of the expectant mother.
6. Rhesus conflict.
7. Use of medications contraindicated during pregnancy.
8. Alcohol consumption.
9. Physical injuries.

But fetal freezing can also occur in absolutely healthy woman for no apparent reason. Therefore, it is important to listen to your body and consult a doctor at the first signs.

Signs of a frozen pregnancy

Let's list these:

1. During pregnancy, the lower abdomen feels tight.
2. The discharge is spotting or heavy, similar to menstruation.
3. Temperature increase.
4. Signs of pregnancy, such as toxicosis and chest pain, disappear.
5. Nausea, vomiting.
6. Cramping pain in the lower abdomen.
7. Ultrasound does not detect the heartbeat of the embryo or the growth of the uterus.
8. At a later date, movements disappear.

Diagnostics

There are the following types of diagnostics:

1. Ultrasound (sometimes the diagnosis is made erroneously. The reason may be an incorrect calculation of the gestational age, a poor-quality ultrasound machine, or an insufficiently competent ultrasound specialist. It is recommended that after some time you contact third-party specialists for confirmation).
2. A blood test for hCG looks at dynamics.
3. Gynecological examination.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the woman is hospitalized. Depending on the duration and condition of the pregnant woman, a natural miscarriage, medical intervention or curettage is expected. On later artificial labor is induced.

Ectopic pregnancy is a pathology in which the embryo is not implanted in the uterine cavity. Depending on the location of the fertilized egg, such a pregnancy may be:

• tubal - implantation occurred in the fallopian tube;
• abdominal - when attached to the abdominal cavity;
• ovarian - when fixed in the ovary.

All organs, except the uterus, are not intended for the development of pregnancy, therefore, with this pathology, rupture of the organ where implantation occurred can occur. It is very important to diagnose this condition as early as possible, as it can lead to severe painful shock, bleeding, and sometimes death of the pregnant woman.

Symptoms

In the early stages, it is difficult to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, because hCG increases and signs inherent in normal pregnancy. But due to the growth of the fertilized egg, the woman begins to feel nagging and then sharp pain in the lower abdomen, in the place where the fetus is located. Sometimes dizziness and fainting occur. Blood discharge of varying volumes appears. It happens that the fertilized egg detaches on its own, and a miscarriage occurs, accompanied by copious discharge blood. Large blood loss due to organ rupture is very dangerous. You need to immediately call an ambulance and stop the bleeding. IN in this case Emergency surgical care is required to save the woman's life.

Diagnostics

This is done as follows:

1. A determination test will help diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. hCG level in blood. It is done dynamically. If growth is slow or stops, this is a reason to consult a doctor.
2. Ultrasound. In this study, the fertilized egg is found not in the uterine cavity, but in the organ in which it is attached. The doctor will also be able to see blood in the abdominal cavity if an organ ruptures.
3. Laparoscopy.
4. Blood analysis.

Ectopic pregnancy is very dangerous pathology, which is a threat to infertility and a woman’s life.

Threat of interruption

During pregnancy, there is a high possibility of spontaneous abortion or the threat of premature birth. But with proper treatment and following the doctor’s prerequisites, this can be avoided.

Causes

The following are distinguished:

1. Uterine tone. Nagging pain in the lower abdomen, turning into cramping. My stomach turns to stone. You need to lie down and call a doctor.
2. Placental abruption, accompanied by dull pain. Internal bleeding begins. May lead to hypoxia and fetal death.
3. The majority of miscarriages occur at a very early stage and are associated with genetic abnormalities of the embryo.
4. Hormonal disorders. If there is a shortage of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen in a pregnant woman’s body, there may be a risk of miscarriage. In this case, the doctor prescribes drugs that can normalize hormonal background.
5. Infectious diseases moms.
6. Taking medications prohibited during pregnancy.
7. Physiological problems in a pregnant woman, e.g. irregular shape uterus and its defects.
8. Endometriosis.
9. Thin endometrium. In this case, it is difficult for the embryo to attach and stay in the uterine mucosa.
10. Stress.
11. Wrong image life.

Symptoms

There are the following main reasons indicating a miscarriage that has occurred or is about to occur:

1. Nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. With timely treatment, the interruption process can be stopped.
2. If, in late pregnancy, the lower abdomen feels tight, as during menstruation, and the pain becomes stronger, this may indicate a threat of premature birth.
3. Spotting and bleeding. With such a symptom, immediately call ambulance and ensures a horizontal position for the pregnant woman. Minor bleeding may indicate a threat of miscarriage, but if the discharge is heavy, accompanied by acute pain, this may indicate that a spontaneous abortion has begun, which, unfortunately, is very difficult to stop.

If at 32-35 weeks of pregnancy the lower abdomen pulls, and the pain is of a regular, cramping nature, this indicates early labor activity. An ambulance is urgently called. Do not be alarmed, as children born at this stage are fully viable with proper care and treatment.

Pregnancy is a wonderful time when the expectant mother needs to relax and enjoy it. But do not forget that if you experience any discomfort, even if it seems minor at first glance, you should consult a doctor.

All expectant mothers have experienced nagging pain in the lower abdomen at least once. Sometimes they are very weak and go away on their own, in other cases they are intense, indicating a threat of miscarriage and requiring emergency hospitalization of the woman.

Physiological pain during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the lower abdomen does not always feel tight due to dangerous reasons. Normally, this symptom can occur in the following situations:

• The fertilized egg is implanted into the uterine endometrium. This happens a few days after conception due to microscopic ruptures in the mucous membrane and blood vessels of the reproductive organ. At this time, the woman does not even know that she will soon become a mother, but she is already suffering from discomfort in the lower abdomen.
• While carrying a baby, hormonal levels change greatly, and the uterine ligaments begin to actively stretch. This also causes pain.
• Closer to childbirth, the stomach may hurt due to the fact that the baby is pressing on nearby organs. Then it pulls not only the stomach, but also the lower back.
• From 36 to 40-42 obstetric weeks, the expectant mother may suffer due to training contractions.

Why does the lower abdomen feel tight during pregnancy?

All of these causes of nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy are considered physiological and do not require special treatment.

Pathological nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

Often the lower abdomen feels tight during pregnancy due to pathological reasons, that is, dangerous to the health of the mother and baby. This means:

• Risk of miscarriage. A woman has been experiencing discomfort in the lower abdomen for a long time. Periodically, she may experience weak contractions. The situation is considered especially dangerous if blood is released from the genital tract of the expectant mother.
• Premature placental abruption. A very dangerous complication in which the fetus may die. In addition to abdominal pain, a pregnant woman notices spotting bloody issues.
• The baby is pushing very hard due to lack of oxygen. One should not attribute everything to temperamental characteristics during active fetal movements. The same can be observed during hypoxia. To exclude this dangerous condition, a woman needs to visit a doctor, have an ultrasound, and take a lab tests, check the fetal heartbeat using CTG.
• Ectopic pregnancy. The expectant mother cannot find out that the fertilized egg has attached outside the uterine cavity until she undergoes an ultrasound scan. The test shows that conception has taken place. A woman is preparing for imminent motherhood, and closer to 7-8 obstetric week begins to experience severe pain in the lower abdomen. She needs to call an ambulance as quickly as possible. medical care, since if you do not have time to perform the operation in time, death is possible.

Ectopic pregnancy as a cause of nagging pain in the lower abdomen

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, not related to gynecology

Aching pain in the lower abdomen does not always indicate that something is threatening the life of the fetus or that the mother’s body is preparing for the approaching birth. There are other reasons for the occurrence of an unpleasant symptom:

• Diseases of the urinary system. Very often, expectant mothers are diagnosed with cystitis - inflammation of the walls Bladder. A woman can suspect the presence of the disease not only by aching pain in the abdomen, but also by frequent painful urination and increased body temperature.
• Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract. As the load placed on a woman’s body during pregnancy increases, problems may worsen. chronic diseases- gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers. Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and disruption of the normal intestinal microflora can also cause nagging pain.
• Intestinal obstruction, peritonitis and other surgical pathologies. They can occur both in the first days of pregnancy and shortly before childbirth. Such diseases are characterized by the appearance of pain that covers the entire abdominal cavity, including the lower abdomen. The woman complains of feeling unwell, her appetite worsens, and her body temperature rises.

If there is severe pain in the lower abdomen, you need to do an ultrasound

If your lower abdomen feels tight at the beginning of pregnancy

In the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman should listen very carefully to her feelings. Nagging pain at this stage most often indicates high uterine tone, which, if ignored, can lead to miscarriage. Therefore, if the expectant mother experiences severe discomfort, it is better to immediately visit a gynecologist.

It’s good if the doctor confirms that everything is within normal limits and the pain is due to physiological changes occurring in the body. If it turns out that there is a threat of miscarriage, the woman will be prescribed drug treatment or they will send her to a hospital.

Why does their stomach pull at the end of pregnancy?

In the third trimester, pain in the lower abdomen can indicate problems with digestion, the threat of premature birth, constipation, and increased pressure on the ligaments of the uterus. They usually become more pronounced when coughing and sneezing, or performing heavy physical work.

No-spa for nagging pain in the lower abdomen

Also, the lower abdomen may be pulled closer to childbirth due to incipient appendicitis, peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, or exacerbation of gastritis. Fortunately, such diagnoses are rarely made to expectant mothers.

Thus, having crossed the threshold of the last trimester, a woman does not need to attribute the nagging pain to imminent birth. If the discomfort does not go away during the day, the No-shpa tablet does not improve the condition, you need to visit a doctor or call an ambulance. In no case should you hope that the baby is already big enough and the doctors will be able to take him out.

How to treat nagging pain during pregnancy

Medical care provided to a pregnant woman with abdominal pain can be different - it all depends on the cause that caused this symptom. If the expectant mother has an independent disease, then that is what needs to be treated. Taking painkillers is not enough here.

If we are talking about physiological changes occurring in the body after conception, then no additional therapy is required. If there is a threat of miscarriage/premature birth, the patient may be prescribed No-shpu, Papaverine, valerian, a vitamin-mineral complex, Utrozhestan, intravenous infusion of magnesium, and other means aimed at normalizing emotional state, decreased uterine tone.

If your stomach hurts, you need to see a doctor

If an ultrasound shows that the embryo has attached outside the cavity of the reproductive organ, be sure to surgery. It is important to have time to carry it out before the fallopian tube ruptures. IN otherwise A woman's reproductive capabilities will be halved.

If the doctor determines that your stomach hurts due to unstable functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, you need to change your diet, give up bad eating habits, and exclude gas-forming drinks and foods from the menu.

Cystitis during pregnancy is treated with antibacterial drugs, antiseptic compounds, anti-inflammatory tablets and antispasmodics.

In other words, each situation requires an individual approach, so expectant mothers should not consider No-shpa a panacea for all diseases.

During pregnancy, abdominal pain always causes concern for the expectant mother. Even if they are insignificant, the woman perceives them as a threat to the health of her unborn child. Unpleasant sensations of varying strength may be evidence of changes natural to pregnancy, but they may also be the first symptom of an ongoing pathological process that cannot be ignored.

There are pains of different nature: acute and sudden, aching, cramping, stabbing or constant, chronic. For diagnosis, it is important to determine the location of discomfort and pain.

Causes of pain in the first half of pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, pain localized in the lower abdomen can be divided into physiological and pathological. In the first case discomfort caused by natural changes in which the entire body undergoes restructuring. Such sensations are not dangerous. In addition, they are often minor, do not get worse over time and do not cause great physical discomfort.

Very often, in the first weeks of pregnancy, a woman experiences abdominal pain, as during menstruation. Often, the expectant mother does not even pay attention to them, believing that menstruation will begin in a day or two. This is especially true for those who suffer. In fact, this discomfort is caused by the implantation of the fertilized egg into the endometrium.

There are other reasons:

• hormonal changes in the body;
• excess progesterone levels;
• ligament sprain;
• increased sensitivity of the mother's body to errors in nutrition;
• changes in the center of gravity of the body.

There may be more serious causes of pathology:

Ectopic pregnancy

Hernia

The umbilical hernia itself does not cause pain. The danger is the risk of pinching. This pathology can cause stabbing and cutting pain in the lower abdomen and in the navel area, vomiting, nausea, and heartburn. If you have such symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

Symphysitis

Painful sensations that occur in the lower abdomen when walking can be caused by inflammation of the symphysis pubis (symphysitis). It is caused by softening of the pelvic bones under the influence of hormones. Because of this, discomfort in the perineal area and a characteristic duck gait are noted. While walking, pain often occurs due to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which are aggravated due to increased pressure on them.

Premature birth

Nagging pain localized in the lower abdomen - main feature(28-38 weeks of gestation).

Other signs include:

• feeling of heaviness, “stone” stomach;
• aching pain in the lower back, sacrum;
• brown or watery vaginal discharge;
• feeling of pressure on the perineum;
• leakage of amniotic fluid;
• indigestion.

The cause of pain can be a dangerous pathology - premature. The condition is one of the most severe complications that threaten the life of the fetus and require immediate medical attention.

What are training contractions?

Not strong pulling sensations at 38 weeks of pregnancy - an indicator that the body is intensively preparing for childbirth. They are called harbingers of childbirth. These also include:

• prolapse of the abdomen;
• slow fetal movements;
• increased pain in the lower back;
• stopping weight gain;
• mucous discharge from the vagina, sometimes streaked with blood;
• separation of the mucus plug;
• increased fatigue, unstable emotional state.

The pain may be cramping in nature. Sometimes they are perceived by women, especially first-time mothers, as the beginning of labor pains. In gynecology they are usually called. They are less painful, non-cyclical and do not tend to increase. Training contractions should not be a cause for concern, but they do mean that a woman should be mentally prepared for the start of labor.

38-39 weeks of pregnancy is the period when the baby is fully formed and viable. Labor can begin at any time.

What to do?

In case of severe cramping attacks in the first trimester, complicated by bleeding and fainting, you should immediately seek help from a doctor, since there is a very high probability of an incipient miscarriage or.

To reduce unpleasant symptoms caused by toxicosis, the following rules must be followed:

• stick to small meals 5-6 times a day;
• eat light plant foods, lean meats, fruits, vegetables;
• exclude smoked, spicy, fried foods from the diet;
• provide the pregnant woman with plenty of fluids to protect against dehydration (unsweetened tea, dried fruit compote, chamomile infusion, rosehip infusion);
• do not lie down immediately after eating and do not eat at night.

To prevent toxicosis in the morning, before getting out of bed, you need to eat a handful of nuts, crackers or crackers. Ginger, from which teas are prepared or its root added to salads or cereals, helps reduce attacks of nausea.

Every expectant mother should remember that painkillers can temporarily eliminate painful discomfort, but not cure the disease that is its cause.

Pains caused by stomach and other internal diseases will be overcome after treatment of the disease that caused them. For accurate diagnosis it is prescribed general tests, ultrasound and computed tomography.

If you have minor abdominal discomfort that is not caused by chronic or acute diseases, you can improve your condition by following these tips:

1. Take a warm bath or shower regularly. The water should not be very hot.
2. Periodically go to bed to rest, listening to light music, meditating.
3. Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you are prone to swelling.
4. Take leisurely walks in places where there are no crowds of people. Stay on fresh air supplies the placenta and other organs with oxygen, accelerates the elimination of waste and toxins.
5. Do yoga, fitball exercises.
6. Avoid stressful situations, physical and moral tension, and unjustified worries.
7. Follow a diet that supports intestinal microflora, prevents dehydration, and relieves swelling.
8. Visit your gynecologist regularly and follow all his instructions and recommendations.
9. Fight constipation: drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, eat foods rich in fiber, exercise physical exercise. Taking laxatives, especially without consulting a doctor, is not advisable.
10. Monitor your blood pressure and consult a doctor if it spikes.
11. To ease the condition during training contractions, you can lie on your left side, placing a pillow under your stomach, take a knee-elbow position for a few minutes, inhale deeply, counting to four, and exhale, counting to six. The same exercises in the future will alleviate the condition during childbirth.

The belly becomes the main focus of attention for expectant mothers. If there is a tug in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, any pregnant woman will feel uneasy.

Pain can be different - their nature, intensity, localization, associated symptoms. They cannot always be caused pathological reasons. Conventionally, they are divided into physiological and pathological. Let's find out what they may be connected with.

For the first time, a feeling of pulling in the lower abdomen during pregnancy may appear as early as a week after conception. At this moment, the fertilized egg penetrates the endometrium of the uterus, causing microscopic damage to the vessels and mucous membrane of the organ. A woman may not even realize that pregnancy has occurred - it begins to show its presence at about 5 weeks.

You can also explain why the lower abdomen feels tight in the first days and weeks of pregnancy by hormonal changes that begin the process of stretching the uterine ligaments. And from the second trimester, from approximately the twelfth week of pregnancy, nagging pain can be caused by a change in the center of gravity of the body, intensive growth of the fetus and its pressure on nearby organs. In the third trimester, physiological pain is caused.

It should be taken into account that the nature of the pain should not be pronounced and intensifying. Otherwise, you should consult a doctor to find out why the lower abdomen feels tight during pregnancy.

Pathological pain

The reasons why the lower abdomen feels tight during pregnancy may be factors associated with pathological conditions and the development of complications:

• The lower abdomen may feel tight during pregnancy. In this case, the woman notices discomfort and cramping pain in the abdomen, often with blood, which in the later stages may indicate a miscarriage that has already begun.
• Severe abdominal pain at about 8 weeks may be a symptom. This pathological condition accompanied by bleeding, pain, and a general deterioration in the woman’s well-being. The situation is urgent and requires immediate assistance.
• The pain may be associated with an active unborn child, which is not always the norm. Intense tremors of the baby may indicate that he is experiencing problems associated with pathological conditions such as, etc.

Not obstetric pain

Sometimes the reasons that explain why the lower abdomen pulls during a normal pregnancy are not obstetric. They are not related to gynecology, but at the same time they require no less careful attention, since they are also dangerous to the health of the mother and child.

Let's list them:

• Pathologies of the urinary system . Most expectant mothers experience frequent and extremely painful urination caused by. Inflammatory damage to the bladder can cause intrauterine infection of the fetus and premature onset of labor. To avoid these problems, you need to consult a urologist.
• Digestive complications . While carrying a baby, a woman may experience worsening of chronic diseases or the appearance of new ones, these include intestinal disorders, etc. Changes affecting a woman’s hormonal levels, as well as the growth of the uterus, can lead to constant constipation and pain in the intestines associated with excessive formation gases In this case, a woman experiences a pulling and bursting pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, most often on the left. With these complaints, you need to contact your doctor, who will help not only adjust your diet, but also, if necessary, select safe drugs to normalize digestion.
• Surgical pathologies . No one is safe from them, including pregnant women. A feeling of pulling in the lower abdomen during pregnancy can occur at any stage, both in the first trimester, for example, at 11-12 weeks, and after 28. The problem may be intestinal obstruction or peritonitis, the pain spreads to the entire peritoneum, has acute in nature and accompanied by vomiting, lack of appetite, severe weakness and increased body temperature. Urgent surgical intervention is required.
• The abdominal muscles and ligaments are greatly stretched under the pressure of the growing uterus . The load on the ligaments that support it also increases. Against this background, a displacement of the pelvic organs occurs, which can cause minor aching pain in the lower abdomen. At the same time, a divergence of the pelvic bones occurs shortly before childbirth, which can provoke a moderate feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.

Nagging pain at the beginning of pregnancy

If you feel pain in your lower abdomen in the early stages of pregnancy, you need to determine the type of pain. It can be caused by physiological and pathological reasons.

Physiological pain is associated with the sensations that arise after conception - the lower abdomen can pull at the 3rd and 4th week of pregnancy due to implantation of the fertilized egg. Abdominal discomfort can be caused by tension in the abdominal muscles, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, or an enlarged uterus. The pain, as a rule, is mild, that is, the woman has the feeling that her stomach did not hurt, but was slightly stretched.

As noted above, pathological pain in the early stages of pregnancy can be associated with such threatening conditions as ectopic pregnancy, threatened miscarriage, placental abruption, with severe pulling and pain in the lower abdomen.

Nagging pain at the end of pregnancy

If pain appears in the later stages, this can be explained by the following reasons:

• Digestive problems associated with overeating, flatulence, pressure from the growing uterus on the intestines, etc.
• Increased pressure on the ligamentous apparatus. It increases simultaneously with the growth of the child, uterus and abdomen. Pain and a feeling of pulling in the lower abdomen, caused by sprained ligaments during pregnancy, may intensify in the later stages in a pregnant woman due to sudden movements, for example, sneezing.
• Excessive tension in the abdominal muscles.
• Gynecological diseases, infectious and inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.
• Pathological causes - pancreatitis and intestinal obstruction. Fortunately, nagging pain that occurs in the lower abdomen during pregnancy for these reasons appears very rarely.

Pain due to ectopic pregnancy

We mentioned this reason above. Now let's look at it in more detail.

This pathological condition is caused by implantation of the embryo outside the uterine cavity. An ectopic pregnancy can be diagnosed using an ultrasound. The situation when the lower abdomen pulls appears at the very beginning of pregnancy, this is especially felt in the 5th and 6th week.

Unpleasant sensations are concentrated outside the body of the uterus and are of an acute, growing type. At this time, the embryo continues its growth and development, stretching the organ in which it is anchored - in 98% of cases this is the fallopian tube. This cannot continue indefinitely, and after a few weeks the pregnancy is terminated. This usually occurs at 8 weeks of pregnancy, and the lower abdomen does not just pull on the right or left, depending on the location of the rupture fallopian tube: the pain is sharp and cutting; the woman experiences painful shock and massive bleeding.

It is important to prevent the development of this situation, since such a condition threatens the life and health of a woman, and in the future it is fraught, since the damaged pipe cannot be restored.

Dangerous causes of pain

The threat of miscarriage is always accompanied by a feeling of pulling in the lower abdomen in the first and subsequent weeks of pregnancy. This pain is often accompanied by the appearance of blood from the genitals. The expectant mother needs to be hospitalized and treated in a hospital. If you consult a doctor in a timely manner, the fetus can be saved.

Another dangerous condition is placental abruption. It is accompanied by sudden sharp pain and heavy bleeding. The condition also requires hospitalization. The causes of placental abruption may be gestosis, arterial hypertension, injuries and intense physical activity from the second trimester of pregnancy.

How to get rid of pain?

If the lower abdomen pulls at the beginning or end of pregnancy (up to 41 weeks), we are not talking about an independent disease, but about a sign of a probable pathology. Treatment is necessary if a woman’s examination reveals threats to pregnancy.

On initial stage Placental abruption requires complete rest and bed rest. Medications prescribed include antispasmodic (No-shpa), hemostatic (Vikasol), and iron-containing drugs (Ferrum Lek).

To solve problems in the intestines, it is recommended to follow a diet excluding foods that increase gas formation (peas, cabbage, etc.) and the principles of fractional nutrition.

Infectious and inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system are eliminated with the help of antibiotics (Sumamed, Zitrolide), antispasmodics (Papaverine, Drotaverine) and uroantiseptics (Furadonin, Palin).

How to avoid pain in the lower abdomen?

To prevent the occurrence of pain during pregnancy, you need to follow simple recommendations:

• avoid overwork and stress;
• walk more in the fresh air;
• wear a special one;
• Take a warm, relaxing shower or bath regularly.

Small meals, the introduction of plant fiber into the diet, and sufficient fluid intake will help improve intestinal function.

Regular visits to the doctor antenatal clinic and carrying out planned ones from 12-13 weeks will allow you to get rid of fears about what is pulling in the lower abdomen during pregnancy - after this there will be no reason for concern.

Useful video about ectopic pregnancy as one of the causes of nagging pain in the lower abdomen

Almost all women experience a slight tug in the stomach during pregnancy, and sometimes pregnant women experience this not the most pleasant sensation quite early on. The feeling of pulling in the lower abdomen during pregnancy is especially frightening for expectant mothers.

We have all heard that nagging pain, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, can mean a threat of miscarriage. But an experienced doctor will never rush to conclusions.

The causes of this vague pain are many and varied, let's figure out why this happens and when you should panic. Where do nagging pains in the lower abdomen come from during pregnancy?

Sources of pain can be divided into those that are associated with the child, and those that do not affect him and the obstetric situation as a whole.

The second group of reasons is not at all dangerous.

Why does the stomach pull during pregnancy for obstetric reasons?

This sensation is generated by the contracting muscles of the uterus, and by placing your hand on your stomach in the later stages, you can feel how it turns to stone. A hard belly and uterine tone can be dangerous for the baby.

But much more often the reasons are not dangerous at all, and they are different depending on the different dates pregnancy. Many people even consider nagging pain in the lower abdomen as a sign of pregnancy.

Signs of pregnancy, tummy tugging?

2 lines on a pregnancy test and nagging pain in the abdomen are so common that these sensations are regarded as the first signs of pregnancy.

Why does the stomach feel tight during pregnancy in the first weeks?

Responsibility for the baby that lives in the mother’s “belly” forces a pregnant woman to listen with special care to her own feelings and the slightest manifestation of pain or discomfort causes real panic - how is my baby? Is everything okay with him? Is there a threat to his comfortable existence?

Early pregnancy, tummy tugs, causes

In the early stages, the stomach usually feels like it is before menstruation; these vague sensations can cause anxiety about the risk of miscarriage. This fear is natural and has a basis; if pink or brown discharge appears from the vagina, it is quite possible that the baby is really in danger.

Why is it normal for the lower abdomen to pull in the early stages of pregnancy?

These pains are associated with a rush of blood to the uterus and increased blood circulation here. In most cases, they are physiological and can be regarded as signs of pregnancy; dangerous reason, but still, consultation with a gynecologist in the presence of these complaints is necessary.

Despite the fact that the symptom of pulling in the lower abdomen is regarded by most as a sign of pregnancy, this can indicate not only the norm, but also pathology.

Normally, there is a pulling in the lower abdomen during early pregnancy, not only due to the rush of blood to the uterus, but also due to swelling and stretching of the uterine ligaments. They need to have time to stretch following the rapidly growing uterus, which may cause discomfort. It is normal for the stomach to pull at the beginning of pregnancy not all the time; it is enough to just lie down and relax for the discomfort to go away.

In what cases should you be wary?

If you are in the early stages of pregnancy, your stomach is tight, and the unpleasant sensations do not go away even while lying down, and are not relieved by a no-shpa tablet, this may indicate a threat of miscarriage. In this case, the nagging pain quickly increases and is also accompanied by bloody discharge. There is only one piece of advice - don’t wait a single extra minute, call an ambulance.

In the first weeks of pregnancy, the stomach feels tight in some cases due to the fact that the embryo has attached in the wrong place, for example, in the fallopian tube. This is an ectopic pregnancy. Since only one tube is affected, right or left, it pulls on the left or right in the lower abdomen. It is important that these pains are intense and constant. That is, if normally in the first trimester of pregnancy the stomach pulls almost imperceptibly, you can continue to go about your business, distracted from these sensations, but with ectopic pain it is intrusive and interferes with life. Fallopian tube rupture ectopic pregnancy is dangerous due to massive bleeding, and even the death of the mother, therefore, the earlier the diagnosis is made, the better for you. If you are pregnant in the early stages and feel that your stomach is pulling, visit your doctor as soon as possible and make sure that the diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy that threatens your life is 100 percent excluded. Agree, rather than guessing and suffering - is everything okay with me, is my stomach pulling normally during pregnancy - it’s easier and safer to undergo a simple medical examination, including an ultrasound, and dispel your own fears, continuing to calmly enjoy your interesting situation, which, unfortunately, does not always pamper us with ideal well-being.

If at the beginning of pregnancy the lower abdomen feels tight and you notice any spotting (pink, brown, pale, it doesn’t matter), you need to see a doctor immediately, this happens with an ectopic pregnancy, a frozen pregnancy, or a threatened miscarriage.

A tummy tug during pregnancy is not only due to obstetric reasons; there may be other problems not related to the ongoing pregnancy. Sometimes pain occurs for physiological reasons not related to the fetus and uterus. The point is that when early toxicosis Intestinal function is often severely impaired, vomiting and nausea, flatulence are common phenomena, and intestinal spasms may well bother you. These causes of nagging pain are not obstetric and are not dangerous to the health of the baby and mother, of course, only if they do not increase and become very pronounced.

Is tummy tugging at the end of pregnancy normal or pathological?

Even if you manage to avoid discomfort in the early stages, as your belly grows, you will inevitably find out whether your belly feels tight during pregnancy and how it happens. All women have to face this.

The growth of the uterus and the increase in the weight of the child stretches the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall; if you are pregnant for the first time and they are elastic enough, they will cope with supporting the tummy for a long time, and you will only feel that the abdominal muscles are being pulled. During pregnancy with a second or third child, muscle tone is weakened, and this can cause the tummy to sag, this is especially noticeable if the pregnant woman has a narrow pelvis, and the sagging belly feels like it is being pulled down.

A little later, when the pregnant uterus grows significantly and acquires impressive weight, discomfort can be caused by stretching of the ligaments that support the uterus. In this case, the pregnant woman will feel as if her abdominal muscles are pulling, and there may be pain on the sides of the uterus, which goes away when changing positions.

Just in case, every expectant mother needs to know the signs of such a terrible condition as premature placental abruption, which can happen at a later date. Premature placental abruption is also characterized by a situation where the lower abdomen pulls during pregnancy. Most often, this may result in the appearance of bloody discharge - from very scanty to heavy. Take care of yourself - any brown, dark, or scarlet spotting, regardless of whether the stomach is tugging or not, requires immediate medical attention.

Sometimes the stomach feels a little tight during pregnancy due to a scar on the uterus after a previous operation caesarean section or an existing other postoperative suture, for example, after a previous appendicitis operation.

The last few weeks have been causing discomfort for literally everyone. The baby is already very big, so it is difficult for you to get out of bed, you cannot sit for a long time, the baby rests on the ribs and pulls the upper abdomen, and pulls the stomach when walking. The pregnancy ends and last weeks you may encounter such a phenomenon as precursors of childbirth. If you are 37-40 weeks, your stomach regularly pulls, and it looks like contractions - you are about to give birth. Good luck to you.