Low Belly Pain When Pregnant: Causes & Treatment

Low abdominal pain during pregnancy is quite typical. As your baby develops, your body undergoes numerous changes that leads to a variety of discomforts throughout pregnancy, including lower abdominal pain.

In most cases, pain in your lower abdomen isn’t considered a cause for concern, but if you experience severe cramps, then it could be an indication of an underlying health issue. In this post, we discuss some of the most typical causes of lower abdominal pain throughout pregnancy, along with solutions to overcome the issue.

Why Low Belly Pain Happens In Pregnancy: Know The Causes

Factors that can result in low abdominal pain throughout pregnancy include:

• UTI (Urinary Tract Infection), which exhibits symptoms like pressure or pain in your lower belly area, a burning sensation while urinating, fever, feeling exhausted all the time, the urge to urinate more often, reddish colour urine. 
• Gastric issues due to the growing uterus that puts pressure on your digestive system.

Causes of Low Belly Pain In First Trimester

Early Pregnancy 

Many women feel period cramps in the early stages of pregnancy, commonly in the lower belly. This is quite normal as durting this time the eggs settle into the uterus.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is an uncommon but possibly fatal illness. It happens when an egg is fertilised and develops outside of the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube. As the egg grows, it ruptures the tube, which results in life-threatening internal bleeding.

Causes of Low Belly Pain In Second Trimester

Stretching Muscles & Ligaments

As your belly grows later during pregnancy, the muscles and ligamentssupporting your uterus stretch. You may experience a throbbing pain on one side or a dull ache throughout your tummy. Getting out of bed, taking a bath, or coughing can make it worse.

Causes of Low Belly Pain In Third Trimester

Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Braxton-Hicks contractions come is referred to as fake labour by some doctors. It typically happens a week before your delivery and aids in softening and thinning of  the cervix.

Preterm Labour 

Preterm labour is indicated by persistent belly pain that does not go away leads to childbirth  before week 37 of pregnancy. Signs and symptoms of preterm labour pains include- left side pain during pregnancy in the lower belly, belly cramps, diarrhoea, and changes in vaginal discharge.

Treatments for Low Belly Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy-related mild abdominal pain typically goes away on its own. To relieve discomfort, you can consider taking acetaminophen. Preterm labour, ectopic pregnancies, and UTIs all require medical attention.

Home remedies such as resting, using a heat pad, a cold compress, massaging the belly, and exercising can also ease lower belly pain.

When To See A Doctor

You should consult a doctor if you face any of these issues such as UTI symptoms, severe belly pain that also lasts for more than a few hours and days, vaginal bleeding, fever and dizziness.

FAQs

Is lower belly pain normal in early pregnancy? 

Many women suffer cramps or pain similar to their period in the early stages of pregnancy in their lower abdomen as the egg settles inside the uterus.

When should I worry about lower abdominal pain during pregnancy? 

If you’re experiencing unusual vaginal discharge, lower back pain during pregnancy that is becoming severe or does not go away after you’ve rested for 30 to 60 minutes, then without any doubt, call your doctor.

How long does lower abdominal pain last in early pregnancy? 

Few minutes.

What do miscarriage cramps feel like?

Many pregnant women miscarry early on without even being aware of it. They might merely believe they are experiencing a heavy menstruation. If this occurs to you, you will feel cramps, heavier-than-normal bleeding, abdominal, pelvic, or back pain, as well as a feeling of weakness.

Which part of your stomach hurts in early pregnancy?

Lower belly area because of hormonal changes as the womb grows. 

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