Stomach pain and cramps are common during pregnancy. You may experience lower stomach pain or upper stomach pain due to various reasons. The change in the position of organs inside the abdomen due to the growing fetus can cause abdominal discomfort or pain. Hormonal changes during pregnancy are the main cause of pain or discomfort in your stomach. Several other reasons may result in upper stomach pain during pregnancy. There is nothing to worry about upper stomach pain in pregnancy. However, look for signs that require immediate medical attention.
Upper abdominal pain is completely normal during pregnancy. Your abdominal ligaments expand due to the growing fetus, causing abdominal discomfort. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause abdominal pain during pregnancy. If the pain or discomfort subsides on its own, it is normal and does not require medical intervention.
The cause of upper stomach pain during pregnancy may not be limited to a single reason. Abdominal cramps or pain during 2nd-trimester may be due to the following reasons:
The ligaments, organs, and tissues in your abdomen move to accommodate your growing fetus, resulting in second-trimester abdominal pain. You may experience discomfort or pregnancy stomach pain under the ribs when your growing baby stretches the ligaments and tissues present in the abdomen. The growing uterus puts pressure on other organs in your abdomen, causing pain.
Hormones are responsible for various changes in your abdomen during pregnancy, resulting in pain or discomfort. During the start of the second trimester, the ligaments around the abdomen loosen due to hormonal changes causing pain.
The growing fetus puts extra pressure on the uterus, delaying gastric movements. This results in the formation of stomach acid, which results in heartburn and acid reflux. This causes severe upper abdominal pain that may require medical treatment.
You may suffer from intense upper abdominal pain when the implantation occurs outside the uterus, resulting in ectopic pregnancy. Typical symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain.
You may suffer from irregular bowel movements due to constipation during pregnancy, resulting in abdominal pain. Chronic constipation can affect the baby and must be treated immediately.
You may experience intense abdominal pain due to placental abruption due to the detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall. Immediate medical attention is a must, as it may lead to premature delivery or stillbirth.
It is a condition that occurs due to the inflammation of the pancreas. This condition may result in dull pain in the abdomen.
Pregnant women suffering from pre-eclampsia may be affected by hemolysis (HELLP), a condition where the red blood cells break down. This life-threatening condition can occur in the abdomen during pregnancy.
There is a chance of reduced bile release in the liver during pregnancy. This may lead to cholestasis, which may persist during the second trimester and cause pain in the abdomen. Some of the symptoms of cholestasis are abdominal pain, pale stool, nausea, and loss of appetite. Consult your doctor immediately when you suffer from cholestasis.
You may likely form gallstones during pregnancy due to reduced bile flow. If you suffer from right upper abdominal pain along with nausea and bloating, it may be due to gallstones.
Abdominal discomfort or pain is not a serious medical issue and can be treated with lifestyle and dietary changes. Home remedies are effective in treating mild abdominal pain and discomfort during pregnancy. The home remedy varies based on the cause of the abdominal pain.
● Drink plenty of fluid when you suffer from constipation during pregnancy
● Avoid eating food in large portions; split your meals into smaller portions when you have abdominal pain due to digestive issues.
● Eat a balanced diet and include fibre-rich food to avoid constipation and digestive problems.
● Mindful eating can help avoid overeating in pregnant women.
● Pregnant women suffering from heartburn must avoid the intake of oily and spicy food.
● Practice mild exercises to get rid of gastric issues, heartburn and digestion problems.
● Use an elastic belly band to support your growing bump.
● A warm bath can help you alleviate the pain.
● Maintain the right posture to avoid pressure on your abdomen.
● A warm compress on your stomach can ease the pain.
● Massaging the affected area may help to ease the pressure on abdominal muscles.
If upper abdominal pain does not subside with home remedies, you must look for medical help. Your doctor may prescribe antacids when suffering from abdominal pain due to gastric and acid reflux issues. You may need immediate medical intervention when you experience persistent and severe lower abdominal pain during pregnancy. Check for the following signs and symptoms along with lower abdominal pain that requires immediate medical attention
● Vomiting
● Weight gain
● Bleeding
● Severe lower back pain
● Abnormal vaginal discharge
● Swelling in hand and face
● Blood in urine
Consult your doctor immediately when you notice the above signs to avoid severe pregnancy complications.
Upper abdominal pain is common in pregnant women during the 2nd trimester. You can rely on simple home remedies to alleviate abdominal pain during pregnancy. However, if the pain persists, identify the actual cause of the pain so that the condition can be treated as soon as possible to avoid pregnancy complications.
Upper stomach pain is normal during the second trimester as the growing fetus puts pressure inside the abdomen. Hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy can also cause abdominal discomfort during the second trimester. You need not worry if you do not experience intense pain.
The following can help you alleviate upper stomach pain during the second trimester:
● Avoid eating spicy and oily foods
● Intake of antacids in case of acid reflux and gastric issues
● Always keep your head elevated when you lie down
● Eat food in small portions
Yes, gas and indigestion are also causes of upper stomach pain during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the increased production of progesterone hormones results in gas formation in the stomach, which causes upper stomach pain. Hormonal changes may also slow down digestion, causing bloating and other digestive issues.
