Abdominal pain may appear during pregnancy. If sometimes the causes are benign, in other cases, they require a consultation. Explanations and advice from Dr. Sylvain Mimoun, gynecologist-obstetrician.
Many pregnant women experience abdominal pain at different stages of their pregnancy. Localized in the abdomenthe lower abdomen, or the region of the uterus, these stomach pain can persist and be uncomfortable for the mother-to-be. Belly pain is quite common during pregnancy. But in some cases, if they are accompanied by other symptoms, they can be a sign of pregnancy complications. “This is a common source of worry among expectant mothers“, notes Dr. Sylvain Mimoun, gynecologist-obstetrician. What are the causes of these abdominal pains? Why does a pregnant woman have a stomach ache throughout her pregnancy? How to relieve these pains? Answers.
When does abdominal pain appear during pregnancy?
From the first trimester of pregnancyfuture mothers may have abdominal pain.
What symptoms do pregnant women feel in the event of abdominal pain?
In case of abdominal pain, the pregnant woman may have several symptoms. She can feel a little pain like a big pain, tightness in the abdominal area. Some may also suffer from nauseaof ligament pain at the bottom of the belly. In some cases, these stomach aches can cause digestive disorders (reflux, diarrhea etc.).
Why do I have stomach pain throughout pregnancy?
If a pregnant woman has stomach pain, this is usually due to the size of the uterus stretching out and taking up more space as the fetus develops and grows. By occupying more space, the organs in the abdomen are compressed, which can cause pain and stomach ache. It can also be a benign “pelvic ligament syndrome”. Lower back pain may be associated with it.
To relieve abdominal pain, the pregnant woman must above all rest and lie down. Resting in this position allows you to relax your stomach, to release the tension that can be created in the abdominal area. Moreover, place a hot water bottle (not hot) on the belly of the pregnant woman can relieve her. THE pregnancy pillow can also be useful for the mother-to-be to adopt a comfortable position that can soothe her pain. Acupuncture, by acting on specific points, can also be effective on this type of pain.
If a pregnancy complication has been detected, “the right treatment for pain is to treat the cause“, insists Dr. Sylvain Mimoun. In the case of a torsion of an ovarian cyst, surgery can be practiced to reverse the twist. If it is a retro-placental hematoma or eclampsia, the causes must once again be determined in order to be able to act. “If there is eclampsia, it is not uncommon that when treating the mother’s hypertensionall symptoms disappear“, he adds.
What to do in case of abdominal pain in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy?
If they are felt at third trimester of pregnancyand especially after the second trimester of pregnancy, it will be necessary to carry out additional examinations, in particular an ultrasound. In all cases, the presence of bleeding is an additional warning sign that should lead the mother-to-be to consult.
Where does abdominal pain in pregnant women come from?
Several causessometimes mild, sometimes more serious, may explain abdominal pain during pregnancy.
Retroplacental hematoma
retroplacental hematoma is a rare but very serious pathology that occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy (1% of pregnant women). It engages the vital prognosis of the fetus and the mother. Half the time, it appears at the start of labor (delivery). One third of haemorrhages occurring in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy are also linked to an HRP. “appear sudden and very intense abdominal pain as a “stabbing”, a feeling of rigidity/hardness of the abdomen, pain on palpation and a state of shock in the most severe cases. By pregnancy ultrasound, we manage to identify it, to know its size and activity“, specifies the gynecologist.
Premature delivery
A premature birth occurs before 37 weeks of amenorrhea (the normal term is 41 weeks of amenorrhea). If premature delivery is very early, it involves the vital prognosis of the child and can lead to sequelae affecting its development. Appear contractions of the uterus (acute, regular and prolonged), periodic pain and a change in the appearance of the cervix. “The goal is to ensure that the baby does not come out before six months, even twenty-six weeks. With advances in medicine and modern incubators, the child can do just fine. But the longer the pregnancy takes place in the mother’s womb, the better it will be for the child.”details the gynecologist.
Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a pathology manifested by increased blood pressure in the mother, causing poor blood circulation. It requires close medical supervision, as it may cause retroplacental hematoma or eclampsia. Then occur epigastric pain (“in bar”), nnausea, vomiting, headache and tinnitus. Eclampsia, a very serious but extremely rare complication of pregnancy, concerns 1% of pre-eclampsia. It involves the vital prognosis of the mother (risk of haemorrhage in particular) and of the child. Intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and significant edema then appear.
Ovarian cyst torsion
The formation of ovarian cysts can also lead to complications during pregnancy. One of the most common is torsion of the ovarian cyst. “Clinical examination identifies intense pain. The patient no longer knows which position to adopt“, specifies the gynecologist. Nausea and vomiting may be associated with it and in some cases a state of shock.
Thanks to Dr Sylvain Mimoun, gynecologist-obstetrician in Paris.