Abdominal discomfort is common in pregnancy. Most of the time, it does not cause harm. There are many causes of abdominal pain. Some causes are more serious than others. Some of the causes of abdominal pain in pregnancy are easily diagnosed. Occasionally, the diagnosis takes time to understand. Other times, the cause is not determined.
Causes
Common and harmless causes of abdominal pain include:
Constipation
Excess gas and bloating
Round ligament pain. This id pain that is felt in the folds of the groin
Baby kicks
Braxton-Hicks contractions. There are mild contractions that do not cause cervical dilation
Serious causes of abdominal pain include:
Ectopic pregnancy. This happens when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus
Miscarriage
Preterm labor. This is when labor starts at less than 37 weeks of pregnancy
Placental abruption. This is when the placenta partially or completely separates from the uterus
Preeclampsia. This is often associated with high blood pressure and has been referred to as “toxemia in pregnancy”
Uterine or amniotic fluids infections
Causes unrelated to pregnancy include:
Urinary tract infection
Gallbladder stones or inflammation
Hepatitis or other liver illness
Intestinal problems, stomach flu, food poisoning, or ulcer
Appendicitis
Kidney (renal) stones
Kidney infection (pylonephritis)
Home care instructions
For mild pain:
DO NOT have sexual intercourse or put anything in your vagina until your symptoms go away completely.
Get plenty of rest until your pain improves. If your pain does not improve in 1 hour, call your doctor
Avoid solid food as long as you are uncomfortable or nauseous
Seek immediate medical care if:
You are bleeding, leaking fluid, or passing tissue from the vagina
You have increased pain or cramping
You have persistent vomiting
You have painful or bloody urination
You have a fever
You notice a decrease in your baby’s movements
You have extreme weakness or feel faint
You have shortness of breath, with or without abdominal pain
You develop a severe headache with abdominal pain
You have abnormal vaginal discharge with abdominal pain
You have persistent diarrhea
You have abdominal pain that continues even after rest, or gets worse