There are different types of stomach pain during pregnancy.
However, there are many serious conditions associated with pregnancy pain including ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage or pregnancy loss.
It occurs in 5-8% of all pregnancies.
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HELLPP syndrome is characterized by reduced liver functioning and blood clotting ability.
Causes of Lower Stomach Pain in Pregnancy
Lower stomach pain can occur as your uterus grows.
While UTIs during pregnancy are treatable and do not cause harm, complications can arise if symptoms are ignored.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopicpregnancy is when the embryo is implanted anywhere but the uterus.
Signs of ectopic pregnancy include severe, intense abdominal pain between six and ten weeks of pregnancy.
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is pregnancy loss by natural causes before 20 weeks.
It happens in about 15-20% of pregnancies, and in most cases cannot be prevented.
Bleeding is the most common sign of pregnancy loss.
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any bleeding during pregnancy.
The pain is triggered by the placenta separating from the uterus.
Some pain is severe, intense, and unrelenting while other sensations are more accurately described as discomfort.
This pain is coming from the stretching of your round ligaments as the uterus grows.
Round ligaments are the two large ligaments running from your uterus to your groin.
Round ligament pain is most commonly reported in the second trimester and affects between 10-20% of pregnancies.
Digestive Pain
Gas and constipation triggered by the natural increase in progesterone during pregnancy can cause pain.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractionsare not true contractions.
They can start happening as early as your second trimester but aremore common as your due date approaches.
They are brought on by the tightening of the top of your uterine muscles.
They can range in intensity and last from 15-30 seconds.
When in doubt, or if you cant get relief at home, always check-in with a healthcare provider.
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Office on Womens Health.Urinary tract infections.
American Pregnancy Association.Urinary tract infections during pregnancy.
Office on Womens Health.Pregnancy complications.
American Pregnancy Association.Symptoms and signs of miscarriage.
American Pregnancy Association.Round ligament pain during pregnancy.
2019;11:119-134. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S151501
Minnesota Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program.Heartburn and upset stomach during pregnancy.
American Pregnancy Association.Braxton Hicks contractions: Causes, symptoms and pain relief.
