Pain in the upper abdomen during pregnancy: possible causes, diagnostic tests, medical advice and treatment

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

Pain in the upper abdomen during pregnancy can be of very different localization and occur for several reasons. Often, such symptoms do not pose any threat, however, if even a slight soreness appears, you need to visit a doctor for an examination and subsequent treatment.

A woman carrying a child should be very attentive to her well-being in order to notice the existing problem in a timely manner and not aggravate its course.

Causes of abdominal pain

Pain in the upper abdomen during pregnancy can be associated with stretching of the muscles that support the uterus, and also occur as a result of the weight gain of the fetus. With the gradual growth and weight of the child, the pressure on the ligament area gradually becomes greater, and as a result, the uterus is stretched.

All organs are squeezed a little, which somewhat impairs their functioning. This pain in the abdomen can be sharp,however, it passes very quickly. Pain may occur when coughing or sneezing. To reduce it, you need to take the most comfortable position for yourself. Medications are not needed.

Pain in the upper abdomen during pregnancy may be associated with natural physiological processes. Sometimes such symptoms occur when the egg passes through the tube with its growth to the uterine mucosa. A child growing in the uterus can squeeze not only the internal organs, but also the nerve endings, which provokes a certain discomfort. In this case, you need to try to relax as much as possible.

During childbearing, almost all women experience a change in taste preferences. In order to avoid serious he alth problems, it is important to learn how to control your desires. Too frequent consumption of spicy, sour and sweet can provoke the occurrence of dysbacteriosis. During this period, you must be extremely attentive to your he alth in order to avoid problems.

Pain in various diseases

Pain in the upper abdomen during pregnancy can occur due to the occurrence of various diseases. In particular, among the main diseases it is necessary to highlight such as:

• appendicitis;
• cholecystitis;
• cystitis;
• chronic gastritis;
• pancreatitis.

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Such a condition necessarily requires surgical intervention. It is very difficult for a pregnant woman, especially in the later stages, to recognize the course of the disease, sinceshe constantly experiences a certain discomfort.

Pregnancy acts as a provoking factor for the development of appendicitis. The thing is that inflammation of the appendix occurs due to its insufficient blood supply. The enlarged uterus squeezes the blind process, as a result of which the blood flows very slowly. Among the main signs of appendicitis during childbearing, it is necessary to highlight such as:

• sharp pain in the upper abdomen;
• nausea and vomiting;
• bloating;
• temperature increase.

Symptoms manifest themselves in completely different ways and depend on the characteristics of the body. Therefore, if you experience constant soreness, you should urgently consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment is carried out only by surgery. If it is removed in the initial stages, then the woman and the child are not in danger. The appendicitis filled with pus is very dangerous. If it bursts, the purulent contents will enter the abdominal cavity and provoke peritonitis.

A fairly common disease in pregnant women is cystitis. Inflammation of the walls of the bladder can be infectious and non-infectious. Often cystitis acts as the first sign of pregnancy. Among the main signs it should be noted:

• aching pain in the abdomen;
• resi when urinating;
• blood in urine;
• frequent urination;
• temperature increase.

The danger of cystitis is that if timelytreat, the disease can turn into pyelonephritis. Treatment of cystitis is carried out with medications. There are many medicines that can be used without harm to the child. However, after the treatment, you need to undergo a course of rehabilitation therapy.

Another reason why there may be pulling pains in the upper abdomen during pregnancy is cholecystitis. This is an inflammation of the gallbladder, provoked by infections and stagnation of bile. In addition to pain in the right hypochondrium, characteristic signs will be such as:

• nausea;
• diarrhea;
• bitter in the mouth.

The main treatment is medication and a strict diet.

Cutting pain in the upper abdomen during pregnancy can occur during the course of chronic gastritis, which can be exacerbated by hormones. This disease is mainly associated with malnutrition. Also, provoking factors can be burns of mucous membranes with hot food, mechanical injuries, penetration of pathogens, poisoning. Among the main signs, it is necessary to highlight such as:

• loss of appetite;
• diarrhea;
• temperature increase;
• weakness and dizziness;
• nausea and vomiting.

Often women do not notice the symptoms of gastritis, mistakenly believing that it is toxicosis. As a result of the course of the pathology, nutrition worsens, which is bad for the condition of the fetus. In the presence of suchsymptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor who will prescribe treatment.

Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is fairly common during pregnancy. The main symptom is the presence of pain in the upper abdomen on the left side. Competent supervision of a specialist and adherence to a special diet are required.

First trimester soreness

It is very important to understand exactly why it hurts in the upper abdomen during early pregnancy, as this will prevent the occurrence of complications. It should be noted that during this period, pain does not always indicate the course of the pathology. With mild pain that occurs rarely and quickly passes, do not worry. However, for greater certainty, it is still worth consulting with a gynecologist.

This will not only save you from constant fears, but also morally set you up for bearing a child. If you constantly experience pulling pains in the upper abdomen during pregnancy, you need to urgently see a doctor, as this can be a sign of dangerous diseases. It may also indicate the development of an ectopic pregnancy, which requires urgent surgical intervention.

Besides this, miscarriage should be singled out among the main reasons. However, there may be additional spotting and lower back pain. Causes of abdominal pain can also be non-obstetric problems. Similar symptoms occur with disorders of the digestive system or surgical pathologies. In any case, a doctor's consultation is required,to prevent irreversible consequences.

Second trimester pain

Pain in the upper abdomen during pregnancy in the second trimester may indicate less dangerous problems and pathologies. During this period, the body has already rebuilt and got used to the new state. Increasing in size, the uterus gradually presses on the muscles and ligaments, thereby provoking aching pain in the upper abdomen or only on one side of the body, which occurs with sudden movements.

Such symptoms in the second trimester usually occur as a result of nervous strain, stress, excessive physical activity. Soreness also develops against the background of impaired functioning of the intestines and stomach. Spasms of the digestive system can provoke malnutrition.

Third trimester soreness

If your stomach hurts at the top of the 36th week of pregnancy, then this may be a sign of premature birth or placental abruption. In addition, such soreness may indicate acute surgical pathology and indigestion.

If at the 36th week of pregnancy the stomach hurts at the top, then this is mainly due to the activity of the fetus itself. An already almost fully developed child moves its legs and arms, pushes off, causing a certain discomfort to a woman. However, in general, symptoms only occur when the baby moves.

In the case when at the 38th week of pregnancy it hurts at the top of the abdomen, then a doctor's consultation is required, as this may be due to the fading of the fetus. Besides,this may be a completely natural process, since during this period the pregnancy is full-term. The body begins to gradually prepare for delivery. Such adjustments are almost always accompanied by painful manifestations.

In the case when at the 39th week of pregnancy the pain in the upper abdomen is very sharp, you need to urgently visit a gynecologist or call an ambulance, as this may be a sign of the onset of delivery.

Pain in the center of the abdomen

Quite often during pregnancy it hurts in the upper abdomen in the middle, which may be due to various diseases or provoked by natural causes. The soreness is very pronounced on an empty stomach, this is the so-called hungry pain. Sometimes this symptom indicates manifestations of early toxicosis. However, if the condition progresses, then this may indicate the flow of gastritis.

Cramping pains in the upper abdomen during pregnancy, which are accompanied by stool disorder, nausea and bitterness in the mouth, may indicate a serious intestinal infection. This condition is almost always accompanied by fever and chills.

When an infectious agent enters the stomach or intestines, gastritis, enteritis or colitis may develop. The most dangerous conditions are dysentery and salmonellosis. At any time, this situation requires an urgent examination by a doctor and often hospitalization.

Mostly at the 39th week of pregnancy, it hurts at the top of the abdomen, and the reason for this is the ever-increasingthe uterus, which gradually begins to squeeze the organs of the peritoneum. In the last trimester of pregnancy, the stomach throws gastric juice up the esophagus, causing severe discomfort. To avoid the occurrence of such symptoms, you need to follow a special balanced diet.

Stitching pains in the upper abdomen in pregnant women can occur for a variety of reasons. This can provoke stagnation of feces in the intestines, which provokes constipation and flatulence. This can cause hemorrhoids to develop.

If the skin at the top of the abdomen hurts during pregnancy, then this may be due to the fact that the fetus is growing and the skin is stretched. It also provokes periodic itching. If there are no additional signs, then this condition should not be a concern.

Pain on the right side

If it hurts in the right upper abdomen during pregnancy, then this may be a sign of inflammation of the gallbladder, with cholecystitis or bile stasis. Sometimes stones are present in this organ, which impede the normal outflow of bile, but can also be a possible cause of pain.

In this case, the pain can be very strong, cramping. Sometimes the shade of the skin and sclera of the eyes can change. Feces become light, and urine, on the contrary, dark. Often, pain in the upper right abdomen during pregnancy is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Disease progression continues if the woman:

• overeating;
• suffers from constipation;
• eating irregularly;
• is sedentarylife.

In this case, it is imperative to visit a doctor and conduct an examination, since diseases of the liver and gallbladder cannot be treated on their own and can lead to very serious consequences.

The doctor prescribes medication and in the rarest cases surgery is required. Soreness can occur with pathologies of the right kidney and duodenum 12.

If during pregnancy, the stomach hurts at the top right, then this may be a sign of too active fetal movement. Often a similar manifestation is observed at the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy. In this case, no specific treatment is required.

Soreness can be triggered by an attack of acute pancreatitis. This is a very painful process, which is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and increased sweating. The pain literally penetrates the back, and in the supine position it only intensifies, and in the sitting position, leaning forward a little, you can notice that the soreness is somewhat reduced. To make a correct diagnosis, you need to conduct a thorough examination, which will be prescribed by the doctor.

Pain on the left

Abdominal pain on the left during pregnancy can be triggered by various diseases of the internal organs. They may indicate various lesions of the stomach and pancreas, spleen and left kidney. If a pregnant woman has severe abdominal pain on the left, this may be caused by an increase in the spleen in size. This can cause very severe pain. In addition, the inflamed organ can rupture and in this casethe skin around the navel will turn very blue.

When the intestines are affected, there will be very severe abdominal pain in the upper left side of the abdomen. This can be in the case of diarrhea or constipation, as well as bloody discharge during bowel movements and fever. Another reason may be the consumption of fatty and spicy foods, as well as potent antibiotics. However, the pain is constant, aching. In addition, a hiatal hernia can cause a similar condition.

In the first and second trimester of pregnancy there is an active growth of the uterus. Soreness can appear as a result of ligament tension. These sensations are constant and can occur several times a day. Often this occurs when moving or changing the position of the body.

To get rid of soreness, you can simply try to warm your stomach with your hands or with a warm towel. Avoid too sudden movements, as this only increases discomfort.

Additional symptoms

Pain in the upper abdomen can occur for a variety of reasons, which may also have additional symptoms. These should include such as:

• heaviness, feeling of fullness in the hypochondrium;
• pressure increase;
• puffiness;
• discomfort and tightness of tissues in the abdomen;
• joint pain;
• headache;
• feeling of heaviness in the legs.

Heaviness and distension in the hypochondrium is mainly characteristic of dyskinesia. With late toxicosis, severe swelling is observed,high blood pressure and headache. This condition can develop into seizures that threaten the life of the fetus and mother.

Under the influence of progesterone, softening of the ligaments can be observed, and this provokes significant discomfort and severe soreness. Acute pain, localized only on one side, requires urgent medical attention.

Diagnostics

If a pregnant woman's stomach hurts, what to do, only the doctor can determine after the diagnosis. During the examination, the doctor collects an anamnesis based on the patient's complaints. A number of conditions require a gynecological examination and a smear for analysis.

In the presence of vaginal discharge, a blood test for biochemistry and infections, as well as a coagulogram and a complete blood count may be required. The most accurate result can be obtained during ultrasound diagnostics. Using this technique, it is possible to determine violations of the functions of the pancreas, the condition of the uterus and fetus, as well as kidney diseases. Additional methods include fibrogastroduodenoscopy and MRI.

Feature of treatment

Treatment is selected only by a doctor, depending on the ongoing pathology and the degree of its development. In the course of inflammatory diseases of the pancreas, therapy is carried out in a hospital using conservative methods, namely taking medications, following a strict diet.

The use of anti-inflammatory and painkillers is requiredmedicines. Some individual cases necessarily require surgery.

In renal colic, painkillers and antispasmodics are used to help normalize well-being. If there are small stones, they can come out on their own, but blocking the lumen of the ureter with large stones requires surgery and their removal.

In case of pain in the later stages due to the threat of miscarriage, appropriate measures must be taken to save the life of the child. If such a condition is aggravated by bleeding, then you need to constantly be observed by a gynecologist. If the ultrasound confirmed the non-viability of the fetus, then antispasmodics, vitamins and droppers with magnesia are used.

If placental abruption is suspected, an emergency caesarean section is performed. This is especially important in case of heavy bleeding, regardless of whether the child is full-term or not. In any case, when pain occurs, regardless of their cause, you should definitely visit a doctor for examination and diagnosis.

Prognosis after therapy

A lot of anxiety for a pregnant woman is pain in late pregnancy. This condition must be taken very carefully, but do not panic. Pain and contractions prepare the body for delivery. The reason for contacting a gynecologist may be cramping, constantly growing pain with spotting or spotting.

Soreness caused by constipation and various intestinal problems are very commonthrough the fault of the woman herself, who constantly overeats. In the last months of pregnancy, you need to be very careful about the choice of food, which should be natural and fresh. You need to eat often and in small portions. To naturally relax the body, you need to use a decoction of prunes or dried apricots.

A pregnant woman needs to rest as much as possible, and in a position with her legs up. The prognosis of pain in late pregnancy in the course of the pathology of the internal organs can be disappointing. Acute and chronic processes often require surgery. However, it should be borne in mind that all the actions of doctors should be aimed at saving the life of the child and mother.

Prophylaxis

There are many reasons why upper abdominal pain can occur during pregnancy. Competent prevention will help to warn them, which consists in:

• dieting;
• moderate physical activity;
• no stress and negative emotions.

Proper nutrition is the key to a woman's well-being and the proper development of the fetus. At the same time, the food consumed should be he althy, balanced and easily digestible. Be sure to eat foods such as:

• fruit;
• vegetables;
• boiled meat and fish;
• fermented milk products;
• nuts.

They will provide the body with the required amount of nutrients and nutrients for the whole day.

Duringpregnancy it is useful to walk a lot in the fresh air, do fitness, light gymnastics, swimming. Yoga is very beneficial for the body. However, excessive physical activity and lifting of heavy objects is strictly prohibited. If a woman's work is associated with physical activity, then she must be transferred to light work.

Pregnant women should try to avoid situations that provoke negative emotions. It is recommended to surround only people who are pleasant for you, visit museums, exhibitions. All this will favorably affect the emotional state of a woman.