Stone belly during pregnancy: symptoms, causes, consultation with a gynecologist, possible risk and necessary treatment

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Pregnancy is a special period in the life of any woman. She listens to the slightest changes in her body, and every new sensation causes anxiety. A stone belly during pregnancy causes the most concern for the expectant mother, she does not understand what to do in this case. This article will describe all the nuances of such a state.

Reasons

This condition is experienced by many women at different stages of pregnancy. Most often, they feel some discomfort and pulling pain at the same time. The reasons for this condition may be:

• Uterine hypertonicity.
• Bladder pressure.
• Training bouts.
• Inflammatory processes in the female organs.
• Physical surge.
• Fetal freeze.

All of these conditions require hospital visits and medical attention. Gynecologists also note that prolonged constipation can cause such a symptom. That's whya pregnant woman must strictly monitor her diet and avoid hypertonicity.

During stress or strong unrest, a woman experiences a sharp release of oxytocin into the blood. This substance contributes to the occurrence of contractions of the muscles of the uterus and then the lower abdomen becomes stone. During pregnancy, expectant mothers should not worry, under any circumstances. If a woman feels that stress cannot be avoided, then it is better to take a sedative drug, which should be prescribed by a gynecologist.

Uterine hypertonicity

If a woman feels that her stomach becomes stony during pregnancy periodically, the sensations are similar to contractions, then this is a direct sign of such a diagnosis. Uterine hypertonicity is one of the dangerous signs that can lead to miscarriage.

The uterus consists entirely of muscle fibers that can actively contract. Such a function is essential during childbirth, but during pregnancy, hypertonicity is very dangerous.

If the expectant mother feels such contractions many times throughout the day, then hospitalization should be considered, especially in the first three months of gestation.

In the second half of pregnancy, a woman not only feels her stomach harden, but also sees this process. The abdomen is clearly beginning to change its shape. Such contractions can be observed 4-5 times within an hour.

In the early stages, hypertonicity is dangerous. The uterus is trying to "push out" the embryo, as it considers it a foreign body. Therefore, it is in the first 4-9 weeks that women oftenend up in a hospital for preservation.

Causes of hypertonicity

Most often in the first months of pregnancy, the expectant mother does not produce enough progesterone. This is a hormone that is responsible for the normal growth of the fetus.

And also chronic diseases of the thyroid gland can provoke hypertonicity. It will be associated with underproduction of certain hormones.

Polyhydramnios most often causes uterine contractions in the second half of pregnancy. And also the cause of hypertonicity can be a conflict of Rh blood between mother and baby.

Women who suffer from SARS at any time often experience how the stomach turns to stone during pregnancy. Therefore, during this period, it is necessary to adhere to bed rest.

Gynecologists note that this symptom is often observed in pregnant women after 35 years of age, as well as in women who have previously had a miscarriage.

Training bouts

A stone belly at 39 weeks of gestation may indicate the imminent start of delivery. The body begins to prepare a woman for a difficult process.

Such mild sensations can occur as early as the 34th week. At this time, the fetus gradually descends into the pelvis and presses down. Women note that such a process usually passes in 10-15 minutes and these sensations reappear only after a few days.

Sometimes, because of this process, women arrive at the hospital much earlier than the due date. It seems to them that the process of the birth of a baby has begun. In this case, the gynecologist examines the pregnant woman and gives the necessary recommendations.

Sometimessome mothers make such "journeys" to the hospital several times before giving birth. But there is nothing wrong with that. It is better to be examined by a doctor once again than to miss a very important moment and arrive late at the hospital.

Bladder pressure and bloating

The muscles of the uterus tighten when other organs press on it. So, a full bladder puts pressure on her, and she automatically contracts, for safety.

Therefore, doctors advise pregnant women to go out of need on time so that once again the baby does not experience discomfort from hypertonicity.

Often malnutrition can provoke colic and bloating in a pregnant woman. In this case, the feeling of petrification is amplified at times. To avoid this condition, it is necessary to properly provide for the menu and diet.

A woman will have to give up flour, legumes, cabbage and onions. These products cause strong gas formation. Also, do not eat too s alty and spicy food.

Physical activity

The stomach becomes stone during pregnancy and from excessive fatigue of the expectant mother. Everyone knows that a woman during this period should lead an active lifestyle. But the measure has not bothered anyone yet, so when you feel the first fatigue, it is advisable for the expectant mother to lie down and rest.

Especially often this condition occurs when walking for a long time. Therefore, long walks must be made with breaks on the bench. At home, it is better for a pregnant woman to lie down and relax the muscles of her face and neck. Doctors say that the nerve endings in them are connected with the uterus. Therefore, with such gymnastics, it stops gradually shrinking.

Inflammatory processes

A stone belly during pregnancy may indicate a pathological process in any organ system. Especially often it is determined in the bladder and in the pelvic organs.

Women who have a history of chronic colpitis, adnexitis and cystitis should definitely undergo ultrasound examinations of these organs during childbearing.

What to do: stone belly during pregnancy?

If the expectant mother, in principle, feels normal and such a symptom appears in a single order throughout the day, then, in principle, nothing needs to be done. But there are a number of additional signs that should make a woman see a doctor immediately:

• Hypertension happens more than 4-5 times per hour.
• Feeling contractions that radiate up the spine.
• Appearance of discharge of any shade except whitish.
• Weak feeling of baby's movements in the womb.

Such symptoms may indicate placental abruption, impending miscarriage or fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen).

If this condition arose as a result of physical fatigue, then the expectant mother should take a relaxing pose and breathe deeply through her nose. Thus, the body will be saturated with oxygen, which is beneficial for the fetus,relax the pelvic muscles.

It is very important to observe bed rest with prolonged hypertonicity. She should refrain from physical activity and sex.

As a maintenance drug, you can drink "No-shpu". This antispasmodic relieves the tone of the uterus and removes pain. But do not get carried away with this drug on your own, without the permission of a gynecologist.

And also a woman can take any sedative drug that is made on the basis of herbs. To avoid unpleasant situations in the future, it is advisable for the expectant mother to undergo all medical examinations on time and regularly appear for examination by her doctor.