Common causes of harmless abdominal discomfort during pregnancy

Not all abdominal discomfort is a sign of a serious problem during pregnancy. For example, you may notice a bit of cramping during or right after an orgasm. As long as it's mild and short-lived, it's perfectly normal and nothing to be alarmed about.

Here are some other causes of ordinary abdominal discomfort. But remember, if you're unsure what's going on or your discomfort is severe or persistent, play it safe and call your caregiver.

Gas and bloating

You're much more likely to have gas pain and bloating during pregnancy because of hormones that slow your digestion and the pressure of your growing uterus on your stomach and intestines.

Constipation

Constipation is another common cause of abdominal discomfort throughout pregnancy, thanks to hormones that slow the movement of food through your digestive tract and the pressure of your growing uterus on your rectum.

Round ligament pain

Round ligament pain is generally a brief, sharp, stabbing pain or a longer-lasting dull ache that you may feel on one or both sides of your lower abdomen or deep in your groin, usually starting in your second trimester. It happens when the ligaments that support your uterus in your pelvis stretch and thicken to accommodate and support its growing size.

You may feel a short jabbing sensation if you suddenly change position, such as when you're getting out of bed or up from a chair or when you cough, roll over in bed, or get out of the bathtub. Or you may feel a dull ache after a particularly active day, if you've been walking a lot or doing some other physical activity. Call your caregiver if this discomfort continues even after you've rested.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Sometime after midpregnancy, you may start to notice some tightening in your uterus from time to time. Before 37 weeks, these Braxton Hicks contractions should be infrequent, irregular, and essentially painless.

Call your provider if the contractions are accompanied by lower back pain, if you feel more than four contractions an hour (even if they don't hurt), if they're coming at regular intervals, or if you have any other signs of premature labor.

Once you're close to your due date, cramping can be a sign of labor.

Here are a few tips for dealing with abdominal discomfort that isn't caused by anything serious:

Move around or do some gentle exercises to relieve pain that might be caused by gas.

Take a warm (not hot) bath or shower, or place a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on the ache.

Bend toward a pain when you feel it, for relief.

Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can cause Braxton Hicks contractions.

If the pain is caused by Braxton Hicks contractions, lying down may be helpful. Resting can also help you focus on and identify your symptoms.

Source: Babycare