Why pulls the lower abdomen during pregnancy? The reasons

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

Pregnancy is a kind of test for the expectant mother, physically and emotionally. Especially if the woman is in this state for the first time. You have to constantly listen to the new changes taking place in her body. Changes are often frightening and alarming, especially when they are associated with pain and pulling sensations in the lower abdomen, without which no pregnancy can do. The pains are periodic and constant and can begin at 3-4 weeks of gestation. It is important to understand why the lower abdomen is pulled during pregnancy, what is normal, and what you need to pay close attention to. After all, sometimes a timely appeal to the attending physician saved the life of the child, since in the early stages of pregnancy it pulls the lower abdomen due to the threat of miscarriage, and in the later stages - the threat of premature birth.

Main reasons

Causes of pain that occursduring pregnancy can be divided into two groups. The first is physiological. Such pain does not affect the life and he alth of the baby and mother. The second is the pain associated with the threat to the child's life.

Physiological causes of pulling pain in the lower abdomen in the first trimester

From the very first days of pregnancy, a serious restructuring begins in the body, during which discomfort may be felt. This can scare the expectant mother, especially if it pulls the lower abdomen during early pregnancy. There are several main reasons why pain and discomfort can begin.

1. In the first two weeks of pregnancy, the fetal egg attaches to the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity. This can cause pain similar to menstruation. Occasional bleeding occurs.
2. The uterus needs increased blood supply, which causes some discomfort in the lower abdomen.
3. Under the influence of hormones, including progesterone, which is responsible for the safety of pregnancy, there is a slight divergence of the pelvic bones and an increase in the volume of the pelvis for the correct and easy passage of the child through the birth canal.
4. In early pregnancy, problems with the digestive system can provoke a pulling pain in the lower abdomen. Thanks to hormones, intestinal motility decreases, which is why a woman is faced with constipation, bloating, and heartburn. Pain in the stomach and intestines can be given to the lower abdomen, thereby frightening the expectant mother. But it must be remembered that with increasingperistalsis of the intestine, the uterus also begins to contract. It is recommended that you take an antispasmodic pill, such as No-shpu, as soon as possible and contact your doctor.

Physiological pulling pains in the second trimester

The second trimester is rightly called the easiest of all pregnancy. Many of the unpleasant symptoms inherent in the first trimester have passed, and the difficulties that await in the third have not yet appeared. But at this time, certain difficulties and discomfort may also arise. For example:

1. In the second trimester there is an intensive growth of the child, the uterus grows and stretches. The pressure on the ligaments increases, which can be very noticeable. Sharp pain appears with sudden movements or sneezing, but quickly passes.
2. Pulls the lower abdomen during pregnancy due to the growing uterus, squeezing the intestines, which provokes malfunctions, constipation, flatulence and dysbacteriosis. This causes a pulling pain in the lower abdomen.
3. Discomfort at this time occurs due to excessive tension in the abdominal muscles. It is recommended to lie down and rest.

Physiological pain in the third trimester

If you have any pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen in the third trimester, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible to avoid unforeseen and dangerous situations.

If the pregnancy is going well, then such pain may be due to the following reasons:

1. The uterus continues to grow, stretching the ligaments. The pelvic bones expand. The baby's head gradually beginsdescend into the pelvic cavity. This can provoke pulling pains in the lower abdomen
2. Continues to disturb the intestines, causing gas and constipation, which can manifest as short-term sharp pain.
3. The child has grown up, and his movements inside the abdomen may give discomfort.
4. This trimester feels like training contractions, preparing the body for the upcoming birth. Pass after taking the No-shpy pill or using the Papaverine suppository (after consulting with your doctor).
5. If the lower abdomen pulls during pregnancy for 38 weeks or more, and antispasmodics do not help, most likely, labor begins.

Differences between physiological and pathological pain

Despite the fact that it is difficult to independently determine which group the pulling pains belong to - physiological or pathological, there are a number of indirect signs that indicate that the expectant mother should not worry:

• pain is monotonous, not constant, not cramping;
• no bleeding or brown discharge;
• pain subsides after taking antispasmodic drugs;
• rest helps relieve symptoms;
• there are no more third-party signs of deterioration in well-being (dizziness, excessive sweating, chills, changes in blood pressure).

But if a woman in the first pregnancy pulls the lower abdomen, it is recommended to contact a medical facility as soon as possible.

Pathological pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy

The first trimester is calledthe most dangerous of all pregnancy. In the first 12 weeks, the risk of spontaneous abortion is high. It depends on the state of the mother's body whether the attachment of the embryo to the uterus and its further development will be successful. At this stage, the laying of all the organs of the baby. Therefore, it is very important to listen to your body.

As a rule, a woman finds out about pregnancy for a period of 4-5 weeks. Then the symptoms begin to be felt. At this time, the embryo begins to develop in the uterine cavity, and the body gets used to a new state for it. If the lower abdomen is pulled at the 5th week of pregnancy, immediate medical intervention may be required. Let's consider the reasons in more detail.

Missed Pregnancy

Missed pregnancy, unfortunately, can be even in a woman who followed all the recommendations of the attending physician. This is a spontaneous death of the embryo in the uterine cavity, which does not depend on the age of the mother and the duration of pregnancy, although it most often occurs in the first 13 weeks. Signs appear 2-3 weeks after freezing, when the fetal egg begins to be torn away from the uterine cavity. It may come out on its own if it occurs early, or medical intervention is required if it is later.

Causes of fetal fading

Select a few:

1. The main cause of fetal fading are genetic abnormalities and malformations that are not compatible with life.
2. Viral and infectious diseases, STDs, chronic diseases suffered by a woman before pregnancy.
3. Hormonal failures.
4. Weight lifting.
5. Stress of the future mother.
6. Rhesus conflict.
7. Use of drugs that are contraindicated during pregnancy.
8. Drinking alcohol.
9. Physical injury.

But fetal fading can also occur in an absolutely he althy woman without any obvious reasons. Therefore, it is important to listen to your body and consult a doctor at the first sign.

Signs of missed pregnancy

We list these:

1. During pregnancy pulls the lower abdomen.
2. Discharge spotting or copious, similar to menstruation.
3. Temperature increase.
4. Signs of pregnancy disappear, such as morning sickness and chest pain.
5. Nausea, vomiting.
6. Cramping pains in the lower abdomen.
7. Ultrasound does not detect fetal heartbeat and uterine growth.
8. Movement disappears at a later date.

Diagnosis

There are these types of diagnostics:

1. Ultrasound (sometimes the diagnosis is erroneous. The reason may be an incorrect calculation of the gestational age, a poor-quality ultrasound machine, an insufficiently competent ultrasound specialist. It is recommended to contact third-party specialists for confirmation after a while).
2. A blood test for hCG looks in dynamics.
3. Gynecological examination.

When the diagnosis is confirmed, the woman is hospitalized. Depending on the period and condition of the pregnant woman, a natural miscarriage, drug intervention or curettage is expected. Called at a later dateartificial birth.

Ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a pathology in which the attachment of the embryo does not occur in the uterine cavity. Depending on the location of the ovum, such a pregnancy can be:

• tubal - implantation occurred in the fallopian tube;
• abdominal - when attached in the abdominal cavity;
• ovarian - when fixed in the ovary.

All organs, except for the uterus, are not intended for the development of pregnancy, therefore, with this pathology, a rupture of the organ where implantation occurred may occur. It is very important to diagnose this condition as early as possible, as this can lead to severe pain shock, bleeding, and sometimes death of the pregnant woman.

Symptoms

Ectopic pregnancy is difficult to diagnose at an early stage, because there is an increase in hCG, there are signs inherent in a normal pregnancy. But due to the growth of the fetal egg, the woman begins to feel pulling, and then sharp pains in the lower abdomen, in the place where the fetus is located. Sometimes dizziness and fainting disturb. Blood discharge of various sizes appears. It happens that the fetal egg is detached on its own, a miscarriage occurs, accompanied by a copious discharge of blood. A large blood loss is very dangerous when an organ is ruptured. You need to call an ambulance immediately and stop the bleeding. In this case, emergency surgical care is required to save the woman's life.

Diagnosis

Ongoingas follows:

1. Diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy will help an analysis to determine the level of hCG in the blood. It is done dynamically. If growth is slow or stops, see a doctor.
2. Ultrasound. In this study, the fetal egg is found not in the uterine cavity, but in the organ in which it is attached. Also, the doctor will be able to see the blood in the abdominal cavity if the organ has ruptured.
3. Laparoscopy.
4. Blood test.

Ectopic pregnancy is a very dangerous pathology that threatens infertility and a woman's life.

Interrupt threat

During pregnancy, there is a high possibility of spontaneous termination of pregnancy or the threat of premature birth. But with proper treatment and following the doctor's prerequisites, this can be avoided.

Reasons

These are distinguished:

1. Uterine tone. Drawing pains in the lower abdomen, turning into cramping. The stomach turns to stone. I need to lie down and call a doctor.
2. Placental abruption with dull pain. Internal bleeding starts. May lead to hypoxia and fetal death.
3. The majority of miscarriages occur at a very early stage and are associated with genetic abnormalities of the fetus.
4. Hormonal disorders. With a shortage in the pregnant woman's body of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen, there may be a threat of interruption. In this case, the doctor prescribes drugs that can normalize the hormonal background.
5. Mom's infectious diseases.
6. Medications prohibited during pregnancy.
7. Physiological problems in a pregnant woman, such as an irregular shape of the uterus and its defects.
8. Endometriosis.
9. Thin endometrium. In this case, it is difficult for the embryo to attach and stay in the uterine lining.
10. Stress.
11. Wrong lifestyle.

Symptoms

There are such main reasons that indicate a miscarriage that has happened or is beginning:

1. Drawing pains in the lower abdomen and lower back. With timely treatment, the interruption process can be stopped.
2. If in late pregnancy the lower abdomen pulls, as with menstruation, and the pain becomes stronger, this may indicate a threat of preterm labor.
3. Spotting and bleeding. With such a symptom, an ambulance is immediately called and the horizontal position of the pregnant woman is ensured. Minor bleeding may indicate a threatened abortion, but if the discharge is profuse, accompanied by acute pain, this may indicate a spontaneous abortion that has begun, which, unfortunately, is very difficult to stop.

If at 32-35 weeks of pregnancy the lower abdomen is pulled, and the pain has a cramping regular character, this indicates early labor activity. An ambulance is urgently called. Do not be afraid, because children born at this time, with proper care and treatment, are completely viable.

Pregnancy is a wonderful time whenthe expectant mother needs to relax and enjoy it. But do not forget that with any discomfort, even minor at first glance, you should consult a doctor.