Lower Abdominal Pain: Common Causes and Treatment

Diverticulitis, hernias, endometriosis, and testicular torsion are just a few possible causes of lower abdominal pain. Get medical help if your pain comes on suddenly or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever or vomiting.

The lower left side of your abdomen is home to the last part of your colon, and for those who have them, the left ovary. Minor pain in this area is usually nothing to worry about. It may clear up on its own in a day or so.

If your lower abdominal pain is related to an accident or injury, or you feel pressure or pain in your chest, call 911 or your local emergency services.

Ask someone to help you get to an urgent care facility or an emergency room if you have:

• fever
• severe tenderness in the affected area
• swelling of the abdomen
• bloody stools
• persistent nausea or vomiting
• unexplained weight loss
• skin that looks yellow (jaundice)

Read on to learn more about lower left abdominal pain, several causes and treatments, and when to speak with a doctor.

A note on sex and gender

We use the terms “female” and “male” in this article to reflect the anatomy and chromosomes of sex assigned at birth.

Was this helpful?

Diverticulitis

In many cases, persistent pain specific to the lower left side of the abdomen is caused by diverticulitis.

Diverticula are small pouches created from pressure on weak spots in the colon. Diverticula are common and even more so after age 65. When a pouch tears, swelling and infection might cause diverticulitis.

Other symptoms may include:

• fever
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea or constipation
• abdominal tenderness

Treatment for diverticulitis depends on the severity of your symptoms. For mild diverticulitis, a doctor might recommend rest, a change in diet, and antibiotics. If the condition is severe or continues to return, surgery might be needed.

Gas

Passing gas and burping are normal digestion processes. Gas is found throughout your digestive tract, from your stomach to your rectum. Too much gas may cause pain, bloating, and discomfort.

Gas usually isn’t serious. Talk with a doctor if it’s persistent or goes along with other symptoms, such as:

• vomiting
• diarrhea or constipation
• unintentional weight loss
• heartburn
• blood in the stool

Indigestion

Indigestion usually happens after eating. Your stomach makes acid when you eat, which may irritate your esophagus, stomach, or bowel. The pain is usually in the upper part of the abdomen, but in rare cases, it might also affect the lower abdomen.

Common symptoms of indigestion include:

• heartburn
• burning sensation in the stomach
• feeling full or bloated
• belching or passing gas
• nausea

Speak with a doctor if indigestion continues or worsens.

Hernia

A hernia is the result of an internal organ pushing through the muscle or tissue surrounding it. This may cause a lump or bulge to appear in the lower abdomen, groin, or upper thigh areas.

Other symptoms may include:

• increasing size of the bulge
• increasing pain at the site
• pain when lifting
• a dull ache
• a feeling of fullness

Different symptoms accompany each type of hernia. For example, hiatal hernias do not produce a bulge.

The specific cause depends on the type of hernia, but they do not disappear on their own. Speak with a doctor if you suspect you have one, as untreated hernias may cause serious problems.

Inguinal hernia

An inguinal hernia is the result of fat or a portion of the small intestine pushing through a weak area in the lower abdomen. This type of hernia is more common in males, but it can also occur in females.

Symptoms include:

• a bulge in the pubic or groin area that may get larger over time and usually goes away when lying down
• pain that worsens when straining, lifting, coughing, or during physical activity
• weakness, heaviness, burning, or aching in the groin
• a swollen or enlarged scrotum

This type of hernia might cause serious problems. Get medical help right away if you have:

• extreme tenderness or redness at the bulge site
• sudden pain that gets worse and continues
• problems passing gas or having a bowel movement
• nausea and vomiting
• fever

Kidney stones

A kidney stone is a solid mass of crystals that develops in your urinary tract. It causes pain when it moves inside your kidney or into your ureter, which is the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder.

You may experience severe pain on one side of your abdomen or back, under your ribs. This may come in sporadic waves as the stone moves through your urinary tract.

You may also experience:

• urine that’s pink, red, brown, cloudy, or smelly
• painful or more frequent urination
• nausea or vomiting
• fever or chills

There’s no single cause for kidney stones, but estimates suggest that 10% of the U.S. population will have them at least once in their life.

Shingles

Shingles is a skin rash caused by varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you’ve contracted it, the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in your body. It may then reappear as shingles, usually after age 50.

The most common symptom is a painful rash around one side of your body. It looks like a stripe of blisters. The rash sometimes appears on the neck or face. You may also experience pain without a rash.

Other symptoms include:

• burning, numbness, itching, or tingling
• sensitivity to touch
• blisters that break open, ooze, and form scabs

The shingles vaccine can help lower your chances of developing shingles. If you have shingles, speak with a doctor right away. Early treatment may help ease symptoms and minimize the chances of other problems.

Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)

Cramps usually occur before and during your menstrual period. Although the pain may vary, menstrual cramps aren’t usually serious.

Speak with a doctor if:

• your cramps interfere with your daily activities
• pain worsens over time
• you’re older than age 25 and your cramps have started to get more severe

Endometriosis

With endometriosis, tissue similar to that which typically lines the inside of your uterus also grows outside the uterus. This might cause abdominal pain.

Some other symptoms are:

• painful menstrual cramps that may worsen with time
• pain with sex
• painful bowel movements or urination
• heavy menstrual periods
• spotting between periods

The cause of endometriosis is unknown. If you develop endometriosis, work with a doctor to monitor your condition.

Ovarian cyst

An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid inside or on the surface of an ovary.

Most cysts don’t produce symptoms and go away without treatment in a few months. However, a large cyst may cause discomfort, press on your bladder, and cause you to urinate more often.

A cyst that ruptures (breaks open) might cause some serious problems, such as severe pain or internal bleeding.

Seek immediate medical help if you’re experiencing:

• sudden, severe abdominal pain
• pain with fever or vomiting
• signs of shock, such as cold and clammy skin, rapid breathing, lightheadedness, or weakness

Ovarian torsion

Large ovarian cysts may cause the ovary to change position in the body. This raises the risk of ovarian torsion, a painful twisting of the ovary that can cut off blood supply. The fallopian tubes may also be affected.

Ovarian torsion is not common. When it does happen, it’s usually during the reproductive years, with pregnancy or hormonal use to promote ovulation.

Surgery is often needed to untwist the ovary or remove it. See a doctor if you feel sudden, severe pain in your abdomen with vomiting.

Ectopic pregnancy

With ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg implants itself before reaching the uterus. This usually happens inside the fallopian tubes connecting the ovary to the uterus.

You may not always feel symptoms. But in addition to abdominal pain, you may also experience:

• nausea and breast soreness
• a missed period and other pregnancy signs
• vaginal bleeding or watery discharge
• discomfort with urination or bowel movements
• pain in the shoulder, abdomen, neck, or pelvis

See a doctor if you have these symptoms and believe you may be pregnant, even if a pregnancy test is negative and it’s still early.

An ectopic pregnancy that ruptures (breaks open) is serious. Surgery is required to repair the fallopian tube. Get medical help right away if you’re:

• feeling sick or dizzy
• feeling faint
• looking very pale

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID is an infection of the female reproductive system. It’s commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, but other types of infections can also lead to PID.

In addition to abdominal pain, symptoms may include:

• fever
• vaginal discharge with a bad odor
• pain or bleeding with sex
• a burning sensation with urination
• bleeding between periods

Speak with a doctor if you think you have been exposed to an STI or if you have any genital symptoms like an unusual sore.

Testicular torsion

In testicular torsion, the testicle rotates, which lowers blood flow to the testicles and causes severe pain and swelling. There are different causes of this rotation. The condition most commonly occurs in males after birth and between ages 12 and 18 ears.

Some symptoms include:

• sudden, severe scrotum pain and swelling
• abdominal pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• painful urination
• fever

Testicular torsion is very serious. If you experience sudden or severe testicular pain, get medical emergency assistance even if the pain subsides. Surgery may be needed to help prevent damage to the testicle.

What organ is in the lower left abdomen?

The organs in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen include:

• parts of the small intestine
• the distal descending and sigmoid colon
• the ureter of the left kidney
• parts of the reproductive organ system
• for some, the left ovary and the uterine tube

When should I worry about lower left side pain?

Mild lower left abdominal pain is common and will often go away on its own. However, get medical help if the onset of pain is sharp, sudden, and severe or if you develop other symptoms such as:

• fever
• nausea
• dizziness
• vomiting
• diarrhea or constipation
• bloody stools and urine
• unexplained weight loss
• signs of shock, such as cold and clammy skin, rapid breathing, lightheadedness, or weakness

Why does my lower left abdomen hurt when I take a deep breath?

Lower left abdominal pain that arises after taking a deep breath may be caused by:

• a hernia
• kidney stones
• testicular or ovarian torsion
• diverticulitis
• a diaphragm injury

Get medical attention if your pain worsens or you develop other symptoms such as fever, nausea, or vomiting.

Lower left abdominal pain may come and go. It isn’t something to generally worry about.

However, if the pain is sudden and sharp or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, nausea, or vomiting, it’s important to get medical attention right away.

Lower Abdominal Pain: Common Causes and Treatment

Diverticulitis, hernias, endometriosis, and testicular torsion are just a few possible causes of lower abdominal pain. Get medical help if your pain comes on suddenly or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever or vomiting.

The lower left side of your abdomen is home to the last part of your colon, and for those who have them, the left ovary. Minor pain in this area is usually nothing to worry about. It may clear up on its own in a day or so.

If your lower abdominal pain is related to an accident or injury, or you feel pressure or pain in your chest, call 911 or your local emergency services.

Ask someone to help you get to an urgent care facility or an emergency room if you have:

• fever
• severe tenderness in the affected area
• swelling of the abdomen
• bloody stools
• persistent nausea or vomiting
• unexplained weight loss
• skin that looks yellow (jaundice)

Read on to learn more about lower left abdominal pain, several causes and treatments, and when to speak with a doctor.

A note on sex and gender

We use the terms “female” and “male” in this article to reflect the anatomy and chromosomes of sex assigned at birth.

Was this helpful?

Diverticulitis

In many cases, persistent pain specific to the lower left side of the abdomen is caused by diverticulitis.

Diverticula are small pouches created from pressure on weak spots in the colon. Diverticula are common and even more so after age 65. When a pouch tears, swelling and infection might cause diverticulitis.

Other symptoms may include:

• fever
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea or constipation
• abdominal tenderness

Treatment for diverticulitis depends on the severity of your symptoms. For mild diverticulitis, a doctor might recommend rest, a change in diet, and antibiotics. If the condition is severe or continues to return, surgery might be needed.

Gas

Passing gas and burping are normal digestion processes. Gas is found throughout your digestive tract, from your stomach to your rectum. Too much gas may cause pain, bloating, and discomfort.

Gas usually isn’t serious. Talk with a doctor if it’s persistent or goes along with other symptoms, such as:

• vomiting
• diarrhea or constipation
• unintentional weight loss
• heartburn
• blood in the stool

Indigestion

Indigestion usually happens after eating. Your stomach makes acid when you eat, which may irritate your esophagus, stomach, or bowel. The pain is usually in the upper part of the abdomen, but in rare cases, it might also affect the lower abdomen.

Common symptoms of indigestion include:

• heartburn
• burning sensation in the stomach
• feeling full or bloated
• belching or passing gas
• nausea

Speak with a doctor if indigestion continues or worsens.

Hernia

A hernia is the result of an internal organ pushing through the muscle or tissue surrounding it. This may cause a lump or bulge to appear in the lower abdomen, groin, or upper thigh areas.

Other symptoms may include:

• increasing size of the bulge
• increasing pain at the site
• pain when lifting
• a dull ache
• a feeling of fullness

Different symptoms accompany each type of hernia. For example, hiatal hernias do not produce a bulge.

The specific cause depends on the type of hernia, but they do not disappear on their own. Speak with a doctor if you suspect you have one, as untreated hernias may cause serious problems.

Inguinal hernia

An inguinal hernia is the result of fat or a portion of the small intestine pushing through a weak area in the lower abdomen. This type of hernia is more common in males, but it can also occur in females.

Symptoms include:

• a bulge in the pubic or groin area that may get larger over time and usually goes away when lying down
• pain that worsens when straining, lifting, coughing, or during physical activity
• weakness, heaviness, burning, or aching in the groin
• a swollen or enlarged scrotum

This type of hernia might cause serious problems. Get medical help right away if you have:

• extreme tenderness or redness at the bulge site
• sudden pain that gets worse and continues
• problems passing gas or having a bowel movement
• nausea and vomiting
• fever

Kidney stones

A kidney stone is a solid mass of crystals that develops in your urinary tract. It causes pain when it moves inside your kidney or into your ureter, which is the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder.

You may experience severe pain on one side of your abdomen or back, under your ribs. This may come in sporadic waves as the stone moves through your urinary tract.

You may also experience:

• urine that’s pink, red, brown, cloudy, or smelly
• painful or more frequent urination
• nausea or vomiting
• fever or chills

There’s no single cause for kidney stones, but estimates suggest that 10% of the U.S. population will have them at least once in their life.

Shingles

Shingles is a skin rash caused by varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you’ve contracted it, the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in your body. It may then reappear as shingles, usually after age 50.

The most common symptom is a painful rash around one side of your body. It looks like a stripe of blisters. The rash sometimes appears on the neck or face. You may also experience pain without a rash.

Other symptoms include:

• burning, numbness, itching, or tingling
• sensitivity to touch
• blisters that break open, ooze, and form scabs

The shingles vaccine can help lower your chances of developing shingles. If you have shingles, speak with a doctor right away. Early treatment may help ease symptoms and minimize the chances of other problems.

Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)

Cramps usually occur before and during your menstrual period. Although the pain may vary, menstrual cramps aren’t usually serious.

Speak with a doctor if:

• your cramps interfere with your daily activities
• pain worsens over time
• you’re older than age 25 and your cramps have started to get more severe

Endometriosis

With endometriosis, tissue similar to that which typically lines the inside of your uterus also grows outside the uterus. This might cause abdominal pain.

Some other symptoms are:

• painful menstrual cramps that may worsen with time
• pain with sex
• painful bowel movements or urination
• heavy menstrual periods
• spotting between periods

The cause of endometriosis is unknown. If you develop endometriosis, work with a doctor to monitor your condition.

Ovarian cyst

An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid inside or on the surface of an ovary.

Most cysts don’t produce symptoms and go away without treatment in a few months. However, a large cyst may cause discomfort, press on your bladder, and cause you to urinate more often.

A cyst that ruptures (breaks open) might cause some serious problems, such as severe pain or internal bleeding.

Seek immediate medical help if you’re experiencing:

• sudden, severe abdominal pain
• pain with fever or vomiting
• signs of shock, such as cold and clammy skin, rapid breathing, lightheadedness, or weakness

Ovarian torsion

Large ovarian cysts may cause the ovary to change position in the body. This raises the risk of ovarian torsion, a painful twisting of the ovary that can cut off blood supply. The fallopian tubes may also be affected.

Ovarian torsion is not common. When it does happen, it’s usually during the reproductive years, with pregnancy or hormonal use to promote ovulation.

Surgery is often needed to untwist the ovary or remove it. See a doctor if you feel sudden, severe pain in your abdomen with vomiting.

Ectopic pregnancy

With ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg implants itself before reaching the uterus. This usually happens inside the fallopian tubes connecting the ovary to the uterus.

You may not always feel symptoms. But in addition to abdominal pain, you may also experience:

• nausea and breast soreness
• a missed period and other pregnancy signs
• vaginal bleeding or watery discharge
• discomfort with urination or bowel movements
• pain in the shoulder, abdomen, neck, or pelvis

See a doctor if you have these symptoms and believe you may be pregnant, even if a pregnancy test is negative and it’s still early.

An ectopic pregnancy that ruptures (breaks open) is serious. Surgery is required to repair the fallopian tube. Get medical help right away if you’re:

• feeling sick or dizzy
• feeling faint
• looking very pale

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID is an infection of the female reproductive system. It’s commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, but other types of infections can also lead to PID.

In addition to abdominal pain, symptoms may include:

• fever
• vaginal discharge with a bad odor
• pain or bleeding with sex
• a burning sensation with urination
• bleeding between periods

Speak with a doctor if you think you have been exposed to an STI or if you have any genital symptoms like an unusual sore.

Testicular torsion

In testicular torsion, the testicle rotates, which lowers blood flow to the testicles and causes severe pain and swelling. There are different causes of this rotation. The condition most commonly occurs in males after birth and between ages 12 and 18 ears.

Some symptoms include:

• sudden, severe scrotum pain and swelling
• abdominal pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• painful urination
• fever

Testicular torsion is very serious. If you experience sudden or severe testicular pain, get medical emergency assistance even if the pain subsides. Surgery may be needed to help prevent damage to the testicle.

What organ is in the lower left abdomen?

The organs in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen include:

• parts of the small intestine
• the distal descending and sigmoid colon
• the ureter of the left kidney
• parts of the reproductive organ system
• for some, the left ovary and the uterine tube

When should I worry about lower left side pain?

Mild lower left abdominal pain is common and will often go away on its own. However, get medical help if the onset of pain is sharp, sudden, and severe or if you develop other symptoms such as:

• fever
• nausea
• dizziness
• vomiting
• diarrhea or constipation
• bloody stools and urine
• unexplained weight loss
• signs of shock, such as cold and clammy skin, rapid breathing, lightheadedness, or weakness

Why does my lower left abdomen hurt when I take a deep breath?

Lower left abdominal pain that arises after taking a deep breath may be caused by:

• a hernia
• kidney stones
• testicular or ovarian torsion
• diverticulitis
• a diaphragm injury

Get medical attention if your pain worsens or you develop other symptoms such as fever, nausea, or vomiting.

Lower left abdominal pain may come and go. It isn’t something to generally worry about.

However, if the pain is sudden and sharp or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, nausea, or vomiting, it’s important to get medical attention right away.

Tests are normal, but the pain does not go away. What is the danger of prolonged stress? The neurologist tells

The tests are normal, but the pain does not go away. What is the danger of prolonged stress?

Thick folder patients. So doctors call people who suffer from poor health, severe pain, go to doctors for months, take all kinds of tests. However, medical research does not reveal anything dangerous. The prescribed treatment with conventional painkillers is often ineffective. Psychogenic pain can be excruciating. They occur in response to the body’s response to long-term chronic stress.

What is the effect of nervous tension? When do conventional painkillers not work? Why is it dangerous to ignore your anxiety or self-medicate pain? When to contact a neurologist, and when – to a psychotherapist? Told Olga Litvinovich, neurologist of the 1st category of the medical center “Beloved Doctor”.

Woke up and can’t sleep.
Symptoms of chronic stress

Anxiety disorders have been known since the time of Hippocrates. Even then, people were mentioned who suddenly felt fear on a deserted road far from home, were frightened by cats, etc. It was only in the middle of the 20th century that they began to study in detail the effect of stress on the body. In some cases, short-term stress (and it can even be a pleasant event) is useful, but chronic nervous tension negatively affects not only the psychological state of a person, but also physical well-being.

Olga Litvinovich: “A business meeting at work, speaking in front of a large audience, striving for perfectionism both in business and at home, social upheavals… Any event can become stressful for a person. Someone may reflect that, for example, anxiety and headache appeared after a certain incident. The other person will ignore these thoughts, brush them off. When we are in a state of long-term chronic stress and tension, the body begins to signal overload and exhaustion.

What are the signs of nervous overload?

– insomnia. Including sleep disturbances, when a person wakes up at about 3 am and cannot fall asleep;
– inability to concentrate;

– loss of interest in what used to bring joy;
– feeling of constant vague anxiety;

– pressure surges;

– psychogenic pains of various localization (migraines, abdominal pain, etc.).

Olga Litvinovich: “Accumulated anxiety and stress can be somatized and manifest as a specific pain sensation. It can occur anywhere on the body. Someone is worried only sometimes, while someone suffers from a constant pain syndrome for months or even years. And it cannot be measured. We ask the patient to rate the pain themselves on a scale of 0 to 10. Of course, this is subjective and depends on the person’s pain threshold and other factors. If the prescribed examinations did not reveal pathologies, then there is a high probability that the pain is psychogenic. In this case, the treatment should be radically different. Ordinary painkillers will not work. Here, the appointment of antidepressants is required (by the way, a neurologist can also prescribe them), psychotherapy and lifestyle correction are also desirable. Fortunately, now people, especially young people, do not hesitate to turn to psychologists, psychotherapists. In cases of vague anxiety, fears, as a rule, they come for psychological help themselves. With pain, most often go to the therapist. And after passing a lot of examinations, they get to a neurologist. Treatment with antidepressants helps to set up pain centers, improve the work of neurotransmitters. You need to take antidepressants for a long time, several months. The effect comes on the 2-3rd week. Current treatment protocols are safe and do not cause addiction or weight gain.”

Pain from… painkillers
There is a category of patients who harm themselves with their own forethought. For example, they take painkillers “just in case”, even when nothing hurts.

Olga Litvinovich: “Most often it is women who sin. Knowing that they have headaches, for example, they take pills so as not to “ruin their day.” Such behavior is dangerous. Uncontrolled intake of painkillers (from 15 days and above) in itself can cause pain. It’s a vicious circle.”

Why is self-treatment dangerous?

– the gastrointestinal tract suffers from the abuse of painkillers. This threatens with the occurrence of gastritis, ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding;
– Alcohol-based sedatives can be addictive like a narcotic.

Psychogenic pain. Is a doctor required?
If at first you can cope with psychogenic pain on your own by adjusting your lifestyle, then chronic pain will not go away without the help of a specialist.

Olga Litvinovich: “If the pain lasts longer than 3 months, it is considered chronic. If pain has been bothering you for more than one year, then even with treatment, the effectiveness of medical care is reduced. After 5 years of living with psychogenic pain, it is almost impossible to cope with it even with medication. It should be understood that it is necessary to tune in not only to taking pills, but also a complete change in lifestyle and mastering the skill of mental hygiene.

What is important in the treatment of psychogenic pain (and for its prevention)?

– establish a good sleep;
– eat a balanced diet;
– move. And do not force yourself to go to hateful workouts, but do what you really like;
– be outdoors. At least a half-hour walk every day will help relieve accumulated stress and improve the psychological state;
– shift the focus to positive moments. Sometimes this is difficult to do, but the brain must be consciously switched to search for the good. In the USA, they even created a special radio for these purposes, where only good news is told;
– Limit the flow of negative messages. When a person reads or watches something bad on a video, the psyche works in such a way that he begins to try on the situation for himself, thereby exposing the body to additional stress;
– protect yourself from a toxic environment;
– seek help from specialists. It is impossible to understand everything perfectly. Sometimes the situation seems hopeless, but for a professional it can be a completely understandable case that can be easily dealt with instead of suffering from insomnia or pain for years.

Focusing on the positive and making time for yourself and your condition is not selfish. Only a filled person can communicate productively in society and be useful to others. Sometimes medical attention is needed to help the body deal with stress. In the case of increased anxiety and psychogenic pain, the timeliness of applying for it plays a significant role.

What to do if your stomach hurts during pregnancy

Likbez

Health

June 26, 2018

A simple checklist will help you not to panic over trifles.

Checklist for those who have stomach pain during pregnancy

Signs that everything is in order: pain is not too bad, goes away when you rest or change position or after going to the toilet. Therefore, the algorithm will be as follows:

1. Take a comfortable position.
2. Relax and try to relax. Give yourself half an hour during which you will be busy finding a comfortable position.
3. Think about what could have caused the pain: remember what you ate and when you last went to the toilet.
4. Check for suspicious vaginal discharge.

When to call an ambulance

1. For any vaginal bleeding associated with abdominal pain.
2. If you have regular contractions or pain.
3. If the pain gets worse and doesn’t go away after 30-60 minutes while you are resting.

When to go to the doctor

1. Any unusual vaginal discharge.
2. If you feel pain when urinating.
3. If you have back pain.

Why does my stomach hurt during pregnancy? just dyspepsia (indigestion). Maybe you have untreated gynecological diseases – these are all those diseases that appeared before pregnancy and regardless of it.

Second, pregnancy increases the risk of constipation, which can also cause stomach pain. So you need to carefully monitor your diet and eat more fiber (that is, fresh fruits and vegetables) so that the stool is regular. If the diet does not help, it is necessary to use laxatives that are allowed for pregnant women. For example, lactulose syrup or regular glycerin suppositories.

Thirdly, there are specific causes of pain that are associated precisely with the new position. And they can be divided into two large groups: non-hazardous and dangerous.

When stomach pains are not dangerous

Pregnancy changes many processes in a woman’s body. Changes are concentrated in the abdomen and sometimes respond with pain.

Growing pains

When the fetus grows in size, the uterus stretches, which in itself can be unpleasant. But along with the uterus, the ligaments that support it are also stretched. Someone is lucky not to feel anything like that for all nine months, and someone has to constantly look for a comfortable position in the second half of pregnancy, when the fetus becomes large.

Movement of organs

The uterus grows, occupies the abdominal cavity, and the rest of the organs have to move. This movement can also cause pain and discomfort in different parts of the abdomen.

Training contractions

They appear closer to childbirth, in the third trimester. With them, the cervix does not open, and nothing threatens pregnancy. They are distinguished from real fights by strength (training ones are rather soft) and regularity. Real contractions get stronger and more frequent, while practice contractions come and go as they please.

When abdominal pain is most dangerous during pregnancy

Dangerous cases are those that threaten the fetus or pregnant woman. But, as a rule, they threaten both.

Ectopic pregnancy

When the test shows two lines, ultrasound has not yet been performed, and the stomach suddenly and unbearably hurts, you need to be in the hospital as soon as possible. Sharp pains at the beginning of pregnancy can be an indicator of an ectopic pregnancy.

Normally, the egg is fertilized when it is in the fallopian tube. Already in a fertilized form, it “swims” to the uterus and there it attaches to its wall. Sometimes this process goes wrong and the fertilized cell attaches directly to the wall of the fallopian tube. But the tube cannot replace the uterus: it simply does not know how to stretch like that.

And when the fetus becomes too large for the tube, it breaks, causing internal bleeding. This is a dangerous condition that requires immediate surgery. In this case, it is very difficult to keep the fallopian tube intact, it may have to be removed.

Therefore, do not refuse early ultrasound.

The procedure helps to determine if the fetal egg is located correctly, and if an ectopic pregnancy is detected, the operation is less traumatic, while preserving the functions of the fallopian tube.

Miscarriage

A miscarriage is the spontaneous termination of a pregnancy. It can have a lot of reasons, starting with the non-viability of the fetus and ending with unexplained cases. One way or another, only a doctor can prescribe treatment, so with the main symptoms of a miscarriage – pain and bleeding – you need to urgently call an ambulance.

Miscarriage can happen in any trimester. Only after the 24th week is it already called preterm labor. And the closer to childbirth, especially after the 34th week, the higher the chances that everything will end successfully for both the mother and the fetus.

Why miscarriages happen →

Placental abruption

The placenta is a temporary organ that connects the fetus to the uterus. It is through the placenta that the fetus receives everything necessary for growth. Normally, the placenta adheres tightly to the uterus and separates only after childbirth. But sometimes partial or complete abruption of the placenta occurs earlier.

This condition causes severe pain and can be dangerous for both the fetus and the mother.