Why does the lower abdomen feel tight in the early stages of pregnancy? Stomach in early pregnancy: different sensations Abdominal pain in the early stages of pregnancy

It is known that with the help of pain, our body notifies us that not everything is in order inside. It is quite natural that in this situation a person seeks to find out what causes such sensations. But pain in the area is of particular concern. early stages pregnancy, because in the 1st trimester a pregnant woman and her baby are more at risk of developing complications than ever before. If pain is felt in the abdominal area, this can completely cause panic in the expectant mother. But there is absolutely no need for excessive anxiety in such a delicate position, so the first priority in this case is to determine why the stomach hurts in the early stages of pregnancy.

Normal or pathological?

During the period from 1 to 12 weeks of bearing a child, a huge number of serious changes occur in the body of a pregnant woman.

Often, pain in the lower abdomen in the early stages of pregnancy appears precisely due to physiological reasons that do not pose a danger to either the pregnant woman or her baby.

But it should be borne in mind that only a certain nature of pain can indicate that the course of pregnancy is not in danger. They should not be sharp or harsh, but an aching stomach may well be one of the signs of a successful conception, since such pain sometimes occurs when the embryo implants into the wall of the uterus. This is called fertilized egg implantation. Sometimes the pain may be accompanied by a faint pinkish discharge – implantation bleeding.

If the expectant mother has pain in her lower abdomen, this may be due to:

• unstable functioning of the stomach and intestines. In this situation, during early pregnancy, pain spreading to the abdominal area is accompanied by specific symptoms of digestive dysfunction - difficulty or absence of bowel movements, bloating and flatulence.
• hormones produced during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the amount of progesterone increases. This substance softens ligaments and joints, promoting the gradual formation of the birth canal and preparing the woman’s body for the birth of a child. The effect of progesterone does not bypass the uterine ligaments. They become more elastic and begin to stretch, which causes characteristic pain during early pregnancy.
• growth and elevation of the uterus in the abdominal cavity. Towards the end of the 1st trimester - at 10-12 weeks - the uterus is already changing its size and begins to rise from the small pelvis into the abdominal cavity, so during this period, pain in the abdomen may be associated with stretching of the muscle tissue of the organ and its enlargement.

As already mentioned, all these manifestations of pregnancy are not considered dangerous, and their duration is usually short, but experts still recommend reporting them at your next appointment with a gynecologist. If the doctor deems it necessary, he will send the expectant mother for additional examination, but, as a rule, this is not required if no other symptoms are observed.

Pathological pain in the abdominal area in pregnant women

When a expectant mother has a stomach ache during early pregnancy, this is not always associated with physiological changes in her body. Sometimes pain during pregnancy can become a manifestation of serious gynecological pathologies that threaten the life and health of the baby and his mother. Therefore, when such sensations appear, you should always pay attention to how and where the pain syndrome manifests itself.

The most common pathological source of abdominal pain in expectant mothers is uterine hypertonicity, which in the early stages threatens miscarriage. With increased uterine tone, the lower abdomen becomes “stony” and severely hurts, and often the back in the lumbar region also ache. Sometimes the sensations are sharply intense. A common symptom of an incipient miscarriage is bleeding from the vagina.

Sometimes the source of pain is a frozen pregnancy - a serious pathology that is accompanied by signs of intoxication of the body. When a pregnancy does not develop, the temperature often rises, the body aches, nausea and vomiting appear. In addition, shortly before the pathology is detected, the woman ceases to notice the characteristic signs of a successful conception: for example, toxicosis abruptly stops and breast sensitivity disappears.

Another cause of pain is ectopic pregnancy. In women with this pathology, the fetus is in the fallopian tube. When the embryo begins to enlarge, the pregnant woman feels aching pain at the site of its attachment. Inattention to this symptom can lead to complications: the fallopian tube ruptures, and then the pain becomes sharply expressed. Pain in the early stages of pregnancy developing outside the uterine space can be closely related to spotting.

If a woman has a stomach ache during early pregnancy, the cause may be an exacerbation of some chronic diseases of the female genital organs, but this is not as dangerous as the phenomena listed above.

However, if you experience intense pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, you should immediately seek help from a medical facility to find out whether the pain syndrome may be associated with obstetric pathologies.

It is worth paying attention to vaginal discharge and be sure to inform the gynecologist about a change in its consistency, color or smell, since such symptoms always signal the presence of certain problems in women’s health.

Are the internal organs okay?

A woman should be able to recognize abdominal pain during pregnancy; it is not always associated with pregnancy and gynecological problems. The stomach may ache due to disturbances in the functioning of internal organs and acute surgical pathologies. The most common among them are:

1. Gastritis. The stomach in pregnant women can hurt very often, especially if the inflammation of the mucous membrane has already become chronic. With exacerbation of gastritis, pain is localized mainly in the upper abdominal cavity, but can also radiate to the lower part.
2. Cholecystitis. This is an acute disease of the gallbladder, accompanied by attacks of severe pain in the right abdominal region, vomiting, and high fever.
3. Pyelonephritis, better known as inflammation of the kidneys, usually occurs less frequently in the early stages than in the later stages, but the possibility of developing this pathology cannot be ruled out, because the immunity of a pregnant woman is greatly reduced in the 1st trimester. This disease is characterized by dull aching pain in the abdomen, spreading to one or both sides and aching in the lumbar region. Blood and urine tests easily detect the inflammatory process, and swelling appears on the face and limbs of the expectant mother.
4. Cystitis is a disease that affects the mucous membrane of the bladder. Painful sensations affect the area above the pubis and are accompanied by frequent and difficult urination.
5. Appendicitis. With this pathology, a long-term attack of abdominal pain is noted. The intensity of the sensations increases gradually, the pain can radiate to the stomach, lower back, or lower abdominal cavity. Body temperature may rise and repeated vomiting may occur.

It is impossible to independently identify the true cause of intense abdominal pain in the early stages of pregnancy, since most of the pathologies described above are diagnosed only after a series of urgent studies.

What to do?

The first thing a woman should do if she is bothered by pain in the abdomen in the early stages is to go to the doctor. First, you need to visit a gynecologist to make sure that nothing threatens the course of your pregnancy.

Many pregnant women are embarrassed to once again bother their doctor “over trifles” and do not always seek help on time.

But experts strongly advise telling the gynecologist managing the pregnancy about all your sensations, especially the unpleasant ones.

1. Firstly, this will help to timely identify pathology, if any.
2. Secondly, it will allow the expectant mother to calm down and feel safe if the doctor does not find any abnormalities in the development of the child and the process of bearing him.

In addition, a woman who notices bloody vaginal discharge should urgently call an ambulance, as in this situation she is in serious danger.

If examination and examinations do not reveal pathological changes during pregnancy, then most likely the cause of abdominal pain lies in the physiological restructuring of the female body, but only on the condition that the unpleasant sensations do not intensify and appear only from time to time. There is no need to treat such pain: it will go away on its own in a few weeks. To avoid abdominal pain caused by constipation and gas, the expectant mother should take care of her diet.

If an examination by a gynecologist reveals no problems, but abdominal pain continues and begins to be accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms, you should see a therapist as soon as possible to determine the true cause of such sensations. If there are any diseases of the internal organs of a pregnant woman, proper care and safe, effective treatment are required.

If abdominal pain is severe, this may be a sign of dangerous surgical pathologies, for example, appendicitis, so you should not hesitate in such a situation. Appendicitis in pregnant women can be successfully treated surgically if detected in a timely manner.

Any unpleasant sensations during pregnancy should be strictly controlled by the doctor monitoring the pregnancy, so the expectant mother should definitely inform her gynecologist about painful sensations in the abdomen, especially if they bother her in the early stages.

Feelings in the abdomen in early pregnancy can be an important clue for a woman. Based on some signs, one can suspect the birth of a new life even before the delay. To do this, you need to constantly listen to yourself. Best time to observe the “behavior” of the abdomen - morning and evening. During the day future mom busy with work, household chores and daily bustle. At this pace, it will be very difficult to notice minor changes.

The first signs of pregnancy after conception

A planning woman can feel whether she is pregnant or not after trying to conceive. You can suspect a new situation based on unusual signs. After conception, the nature of the discharge may change. Characteristic changes may appear if the girl led him. At the same time, the expectant mother notes what sensations she is experiencing now. All this can be a hint for the most impatient.

However, pregnancy can be reliably determined in the early stages only through a blood test (). Laboratory analysis not only gives an answer to an exciting question, but also helps to approximately calculate when fertilization occurred.

Take a short walk in a couple of minutes and get the answer whether you are pregnant or not.

The sensations in the abdomen in the early stages of pregnancy before the delay practically do not change. A woman may notice minor nagging pain and tingling. However, this symptom may also indicate impending menstruation. The first signs of a new position include minor bleeding. It occurs when a fertilized egg is implanted. This symptom occurs approximately 3-7 days after conception.

Progesterone, which affects the uterus and intestines, is to blame for stomach pain after conception. This may be a sign of imminent menstruation, or perhaps the fertilization of the egg has taken place. Weakness and drowsiness, increased body temperature and signs of ARVI are noted by every third pregnant woman. All these symptoms may be an indirect indication that maternity leave is coming soon.

Feelings in the abdomen during ovulation and conception

Depending on the threshold of sensitivity, sensations before ovulation and during fertilization in women may be different. A nagging pain in the lower abdomen in the middle of the cycle indicates that the egg will soon be released. The discomfort lasts for 1-2 days and is a pressing pain.

A woman has the feeling that there is something large in one side of her abdomen. This is how the growth of the dominant follicle manifests itself. During the day before ovulation, it reaches its maximum size. It happens that two follicles grow in one ovary at once. In such a situation, the bursting sensations are more vivid. The release of the egg may be accompanied by minor pain. However, not every woman can feel ovulation; many experience absolutely nothing unusual in the middle of the cycle.

During fertilization, even the most sensitive women cannot experience any sensations. The sizes of the egg and sperm are so small that it is impossible to feel their fusion.

Feelings in the abdomen in early pregnancy can be very different. Often they turn out to be far-fetched, because the woman is trying to look for symptoms of pregnancy. The fact that conception has occurred (or rather,) may be indicated by a slight stabbing pain in the uterus. Attachment of the egg is accompanied by damage to the mucosa. The embryo “digs” a hole for itself in the endometrial layer. This also causes damage to small blood vessels and the appearance of brown discharge (but this does not always happen).

When conception occurs and a woman has a stomach ache during sexual intercourse, this may indicate an inflammatory process in the pelvis or other diseases. Regularly recurring discomfort should alert you and become a reason to contact a gynecologist. After conception, the lower abdomen may be slightly tight and painful, as the uterus becomes toned. This condition is caused by various factors:

• embryo implantation;
• intestinal problems;
• progesterone deficiency;

Acute pain after conception, localized in the lower abdomen, should not be normal. If such concern arises even before the onset of menstruation, then you need to consult a doctor. Perhaps we are talking about a symptom of a pathological process. All women looking for signs of pregnancy should know that during conception the stomach cannot hurt much. Minor discomfort, pulling or pressing sensations, tingling do not cause much concern and go away on their own within a few days. Any acute, unbearable pain that disrupts the usual rhythm of life is a reason for examination.

How does the stomach change after conception?

Some women recognize their new position by looking at their belly. After conception, a barely noticeable dark stripe appears in the area between the pubis and the navel. Such pigmentation does occur during pregnancy, but usually at a later stage, after a delay. In addition, the formation of a darkened area cannot be a reliable sign of a new position; it is only indirect evidence.

After conception, the uterus becomes larger. If we compare it with the beginning of the menstrual cycle and the size after menstruation, the reproductive organ grows by about one and a half times. Over time, growth will continue. The uterus after conception is comparable in size to a fist. To the touch (during a gynecological examination) she is tense. The neck remains soft and acquires a bluish tint. The change in color of the mucous membrane is associated with increased blood circulation in the pelvic cavity.

The belly does not change in size during early pregnancy. However, some women feel that it is increasing. This is because there may be some slight swelling of the tissue. It occurs due to hormonal changes. For the same reason, during pregnancy, stool may change before the delay.

Active synthesis of progesterone is necessary to maintain adequate uterine tone. This hormone is designed to relax the reproductive organ to prevent rejection of the fertilized egg. It also has a relaxing effect on the intestines. As a result, peristalsis is inhibited. Fecal retention causes fermentation, which increases flatulence. The expectant mother may notice new sensations: gurgling, rumbling, increased flatulence (in simple terms, gas). During this period, women have the feeling that they do not fit in casual clothes due to increased abdominal growth. In fact, discomfort is not associated with rapid enlargement of the uterus, but is simply a consequence of intestinal rebellion.

Symptoms that can be attributed to indirect signs of pregnancy:

• pulling in the lower abdomen;
• a barely noticeable pigment band is formed in the cross section;
• bloating occurs, accompanied by flatulence;
• the stomach swells and does not fit into the usual clothes;
• the uterus becomes tense and gradually increases in size;
• the cervix maintains its calm (remains soft and relaxed).

Why does your stomach hurt in early pregnancy?

Even before the delay, a woman may notice that strange processes are happening in her stomach. The expectant mother can associate them with the new position and find the full symptoms of the conception that has taken place. After a delay, her suspicions will be confirmed by a home test, blood test or ultrasound scan.

Both before and after pregnancy is definitely established, a woman may have a stomach ache. The nature of the unpleasant sensations can be pulling, pressing, bursting, sharp, cutting. Manifestations occur temporarily (depending on the influence of external factors) or are constantly present.

If your stomach feels tight after conception, then for your own peace of mind you need to consult a gynecologist. Having ruled out possible problems and determined that the pregnancy is intrauterine, the patient will receive a list of approved medications to relieve discomfort. Every second expectant mother who seeks medical help due to abdominal pain in the early stages is diagnosed with pathology. The sooner it is eliminated, the greater the chance of a favorable prognosis.

Aching pain, as during menstruation

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen after conception indicates increased uterine tone. Temporary sensations not accompanied by bleeding may occur due to physical activity, fatigue, or nervous tension. Almost all expectant mothers encounter such manifestations.

It’s worse when your stomach hurts constantly after conception. Additionally, the patient complains of lower back pain and bleeding. These symptoms indicate hypertonicity and require mandatory ultrasound monitoring. During the scan, the sonologist discovers a hematoma formed between the fertilized egg and the uterine wall. When it opens, it comes out in the form of brown bloody discharge. The appearance of scarlet blood is an even more dangerous sign.

Pulling in the lower abdomen due to hypertonicity may be due to insufficient synthesis of progesterone. This condition can be determined using a blood test to determine the level of this hormone. If pain occurs, as during menstruation, the patient is prescribed maintenance therapy. Treatment involves eliminating the cause of hypertension and replenishing the deficiency of the corpus luteum hormone. Such abdominal pain should not be taken as a sign of pregnancy. A disturbing symptom is a dangerous condition and can lead to termination of pregnancy.

Sharp pain in the groin area

Cramping abdominal pain can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. This condition is dangerous for a woman’s life, so it cannot be delayed. An ectopic pregnancy is characterized by the attachment of an embryo in an unintended place. Most of these cases are found in the area of ​​the fallopian tubes. Less commonly, the fertilized egg is attached to the ovary or peritoneum.

It is necessary to understand that it will not be possible to maintain such a pregnancy. The growth of the fertilized egg will continue for up to 5-8 weeks, after which it will stop. In this case, a fallopian tube or ovary may rupture, which can lead to complete removal of the reproductive organs and even death. If severe pain appears in one or the other side of the abdomen, you should consult a gynecologist to rule out a pathological condition.

Acute abdominal pain can be a sign of inflammation of the appendix. Statistics show that about 10% of expectant mothers experience this condition. The pathology is accompanied by fever, nausea, and stool disturbances. To rule it out, you need to consult a surgeon and take a blood and urine test.

Feeling of pressure and fullness in the perineum

The stomach may hurt after conception due to sprained ligaments. The rapid growth of the uterus forces the pelvic floor muscles to work. The ligaments holding the reproductive organ are stretched, causing lumbago and a feeling of pressure in the perineum. This often happens during advanced stages of pregnancy, when the uterus extends beyond the pelvis.

Pressure and bloating can be caused by bowel movements. As you know, progesterone affects the functioning of the digestive tract. Consuming a large number of incompatible foods (which is not uncommon in the early stages) causes a bursting feeling in the stomach.

It is not always possible to differentiate your sensations and distinguish physiological from pathological discomfort on your own. To dispel doubts and get rid of worries, you need to consult a gynecologist.

Seeing 2 coveted lines on a pregnancy test is the cherished dream of many women. But sometimes time moves inexorably forward, and the stork is in no hurry to arrive.

How can you determine what has arisen inside you? new life? And, if the usual menstruation does not come on the right day and the lower abdomen hurts, is this a sign of pregnancy? Or could this condition be caused by other processes in the body? Let's figure it out.

Lower abdominal pain and possible pregnancy

So, the new menstrual cycle is nearing completion and you are looking forward to the “news” about the desired conception.

Of course, pregnancy, its inception and course is a purely individual process and can take place in different ways. But there are still basic similar signs, and one of them is a “pulling” pain in the lower abdomen.

Causes of pain in the lower abdomen at the beginning of pregnancy

1. The process of fusion of female and male eggs occurs during the period of ovulation, which, as a rule, occurs in the middle of the cycle;
2. A few days (usually from 6 to 12) after fertilization, the egg reaches the uterus, passing through the fallopian tubes;
3. In the wall of the female reproductive organ, she finds a “cozy place” and is fixed in it;
4. At the same time, the fertilized cell seems to “push apart” the epithelial cells in order to settle better;
5. The implantation process causes the first signs of pregnancy, in which the lower abdomen hurts and scanty bleeding appears;
6. Most often, “population” of the egg occurs towards the end of the cycle, when there are only a few days left before menstruation.

Therefore, aching or nagging pain in the lower abdomen means either the successful consolidation of the zygote, or the approaching menstruation (if fertilization has not occurred).

Interesting! Nagging pain (moderate) in the suprapubic area often means the fact that the female body has accepted the unborn baby. All organs and systems “launch” the necessary processes and are ready to help the full growth and development of the baby.

Pulling in the lower abdomen: how to recognize pregnancy

Determining whether pregnancy has occurred is quite difficult. Often a woman perceives such sensations as harbingers of menstruation.

If implantation was accompanied by spotting bleeding, most often the verdict is the same - the beginning of menstruation. In such cases, the expectant mother does not even suspect that a joyful event has taken place in her body.

So, what to do if nagging pain appears in the lower abdomen?

The answer is simple: nothing.

We received the long-awaited positive result - wonderful, a joyful event is expected in your home soon.

Attention! Nagging pain in the suprapubic part is characteristic of approximately 4 weeks of pregnancy. If after some time the pain does not go away, but only intensifies, go to the doctor.

It is also important to ensure peace and rest for yourself; it is worth taking sick leave from work to spend a few days on bed rest.

By the way! If your doctor complains of pain in the lower abdomen, he will most likely immediately diagnose you with uterine tone and prescribe a whole bunch of pills and hormones. Don't rush to accept them!

Read the article about uterine tone and make sure that doctors often play it safe: Uterine tone in early pregnancy >>>).

Also look at the online course posted on the website, where, in addition to recommendations on a healthy conception, you will learn how to properly live the first weeks of pregnancy and bear a healthy baby. Follow the link: I want a child!>>>

If you think that you have felt the first signs of pregnancy only because your stomach hurts, you should carefully listen to the sensations of your body. Usually the birth of a miracle is accompanied by some additional signs:

• Delayed menstruation (by the way, read the current article: Can you have periods during pregnancy?>>>);
• Heavy vaginal discharge caused by dysbacteriosis;
• The appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth, sensitivity to odors;
• Swelling of the breasts (mammary glands), darkening of the halo;
• Mood swings, short temper, irritability.

Lower abdomen hurts: when is a doctor needed?

Unfortunately, stretching in the lower abdomen does not always mean pregnancy.

Sometimes this phenomenon is a sign of gynecological diseases - they are often accompanied by a similar symptom. Often the pain intensifies before menstruation, which can be perceived as an early sign of pregnancy.

In some cases, pain in the area below the navel can be caused by the following pathologies:

1. Gynecological diseases;

• Apoplexy of the ovaries. This is the term doctors call hemorrhage into ovarian tissue;
• Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy (read the article: How to determine an ectopic pregnancy?>>>).

Important! Continuous aching pain in the lower abdomen is a reason to immediately consult a specialist.

Ectopic pregnancy, cysts and ovarian apoplexy can only be eliminated surgically. Losing precious time in such cases can lead to disastrous consequences.

1. Diseases of the genitourinary system;

It cannot be said unequivocally that pain in the lower abdomen is a sign of inevitable pregnancy. In some cases, it can be triggered by cystitis - an inflammatory process in the bladder. Additional signs of this disease are:

• frequent and painful urination;
• pain in the lumbar region;
• the presence of blood in the urine.

Of course, for any woman, pregnancy is a very important stage in life. I really want everything to go smoothly, so that the baby feels good from the very beginning, and the woman is healthy. Naturally, pain in the early stages of pregnancy, as well as in later stages, causes a lot of worry and anxiety in a pregnant woman. Everyone knows that a healthy body does not hurt, but is it worth worrying and panicking every time you feel pain? In this article we will tell you in detail about what kind of pain you may encounter in the early stages of pregnancy, whether you should be afraid of them or not, and what to do if they arise.

Pain during early pregnancy

In general, we can say that pain during early pregnancy is quite common and physiologically explainable. For example, most often a woman experiences a stomach ache during early pregnancy. The cause of pain in the abdomen, which, by the way, is often accompanied by pain in the lower back, is that the uterus goes through many changes in the early stages of pregnancy - it becomes softer and thicker, changes its size and position. In addition, the fertilized egg attaches to its cavity, and blood flows to it with renewed vigor to ensure adequate nutrition for the embryo.

If your stomach feels tight during early pregnancy, this is normal. The criterion for concern is the intensity of pain. If you experience nagging pain in the lower abdomen, reminiscent of pain during menstruation, this is considered normal, this means that at this moment the fertilized egg is attached to the wall of the uterus. Normally, such sensations can last from 2 to 5 days. Sometimes they are accompanied by scanty discharge ranging from pink to brown. You should be wary if the nagging pain in the lower abdomen continues for a long time, is sharp, and the woman suffers from dizziness and fainting. The combination of these signs may indicate the development of an ectopic pregnancy; in such cases, urgent medical intervention is necessary, since the woman’s life may be in danger!

Also, during pregnancy, nagging and sharp pain in the abdominal area may occur - most often these are manifestations of existing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. They are usually accompanied by flatulence, constipation, and bloating. All these phenomena are associated with the production of the hormone progesterone, which is responsible for maintaining pregnancy, as well as the changing position of the uterus inside the abdomen. Naturally, in such cases, you should undergo a full examination and treat existing diseases so as not to harm either yourself or the child.

Discharge in early pregnancy

The next common question is, do women have discharge in the early stages of pregnancy and which ones are considered normal and which ones are not? It should be said that discharge accompanies a woman throughout her life, and pregnancy is no exception. Most discharge is an acceptable deviation from the norm and does not require special treatment. These include discharge that intensifies in the early stages of pregnancy, white or transparent, it is acceptable if it has a pale yellow tint. Their function is to moisturize the mucous membranes of the vagina, and during early pregnancy, these discharges may not only not stop, but also intensify. If the discharge has no odor and the woman does not suffer from burning, itching or redness, then everything is fine.

A common occurrence during early pregnancy is the appearance of light discharge, reminiscent of menstruation. They can be either pale pink or brown. As a rule, such discharge appears as a result of attachment of the fertilized egg to the endometrium and due to the fact that a mucous plug begins to form, closing the entrance to the uterus. These are the remains of this mucus.

You should be wary of bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy if a woman suffers from cervical erosion - inflammation of the mucous membrane in the form of wounds and ulcers. You should also be concerned if the discharge is brown and accompanied by sharp pain - this may be a sign of detachment of the fertilized egg and carries a real threat of miscarriage. If such a situation occurs, you need to urgently see a doctor who will do an ultrasound, a blood and urine test for hCG levels: if the level of this hormone drops sharply, this indicates that the pregnancy is in danger and may have to be terminated.

Sometimes women experience the fact that they get their period in the early stages of pregnancy. This is also the norm, especially if fertilization occurred several days before the expected date of menstruation. If you are not bothered by pain, wait until the next month - you should no longer have menstruation. Another cause of bleeding in the early stages can be a multiple pregnancy (most often occurs if the woman has undergone in vitro fertilization), embryos rejected by the body come out with the blood.

In early pregnancy, suspicion may be caused by yellow and green discharge, especially if it has a strong odor. Most often, these are accumulations of pus at one stage or another, which can be signs of acute infections, including STDs. In this case, urgent treatment is necessary!

Temperature in early pregnancy

Temperature in early pregnancy is one of the defining symptoms. On our website we have already written about how to determine early pregnancy. Elevated temperature during early pregnancy is its characteristic feature. Normally, a pregnant woman’s body temperature should be 37 °C. This is about basal temperature body, which can be measured in the rectum. If this indicator decreases, there is a risk of miscarriage, so you should urgently consult a doctor. Increased body temperature in the early stages is explained by hormonal changes in the body; as a rule, in the 2nd month it already falls within normal limits.

If the body temperature rises sharply (over 38 oC), this may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, and may also be evidence of an inflammatory process, which can negatively affect the development of the embryo. In some cases, if a woman suffers from a viral or infectious disease in the early stages of pregnancy, the pregnancy must be terminated, since irreversible changes occur in the embryo’s brain, and the child will be born with pathologies. In any case, if you have any suspicions, it is better to consult a doctor.

We wish you an easy pregnancy and healthy babies! Good luck!

Pregnancy is a natural physiological process that occurs in a woman’s body after conception for procreation. The fusion of male and female reproductive cells occurs in the fallopian tube, resulting in the formation of a fetus.

The duration of pregnancy is 40 weeks from the end of the last menstrual cycle. The entire period is divided into three periods called trimesters. Each stage is accompanied by its own changes in the body and symptoms. For example, during early pregnancy, a woman may feel pain in the lower abdomen.

Starting from the first days of pregnancy, the female body undergoes numerous hormonal changes. This manifests itself in symptoms that appear from the first weeks.

The most important sign of pregnancy is a delay in menstruation. This is the first thing any woman pays attention to. In the first trimester, the fertilized egg begins to develop.

Associated symptoms

In the first trimester, the following symptoms can be distinguished:

• Increased breast volume;
• The appearance of fatigue and rapid fatigue;
• Frequent mood changes;
• Nausea in the morning;
• Aversion to certain foods, changes in taste sensations;
• Weight gain or loss;
• Possibility of constipation;
• Frequent urination;
• Heartburn and headache are possible.

Nature of pain

Pain in the lower abdomen in the first stages of pregnancy occurs quite often. The reasons can be both serious and completely harmless. In the first months, the pain may be physiological. The stomach and lower back may hurt.

A week after conception, the fertilized egg begins to penetrate the endometrium. At this moment, microscopic damage to the mucous membrane may occur, which results in pain.

In the first days of pregnancy, hormonal levels change. The amount of progesterone in the blood increases - this can also cause pain. During this period, the center of gravity of the body changes, the ligaments are stretched, which causes pain in the lower abdomen.

Nagging pain

During pregnancy, a woman's body produces hormones that affect intestinal function. Food begins to move more slowly, and constipation may occur. The woman notices dull pain in the lower abdomen, most often on the right, and increased gas formation appears.

To avoid such problems, you need to drink more fluids, eat more fiber, and dairy products. Light physical activity can be a good way to prevent constipation.

Stitching pains

Very often, a woman may feel stabbing pain in the lower abdomen during early pregnancy in the uterine area. Pulling pain can turn into stabbing pain.

Cause:

• In increasing the tone of the uterine myometrium. You need to lie down, calm down, the pain will subside;
• If stabbing pain is accompanied by constipation, flatulence, then this is due to a disruption in the functioning of the intestines;
• When the bladder is full, nagging pain occurs, which can turn into stabbing pain. This may be the cause of cystitis;
• Uterine bleeding;
• Spontaneous abortion;
• Ectopic pregnancy, if stabbing pain appears on the left side of the lower abdomen.

Pain on the right side

Sudden pain in the right side should be taken very seriously. If pain continues for more than half an hour, then urgent medical attention is needed.

On the right side there are the following organs: liver, part of the intestines, gall bladder, part of the diaphragm. Disease in these organs can cause pain in the upper abdomen.

If you are bothered by pain in the right hypochondrium, then this may be liver disease. Pain may occur after eating fatty foods. If the pain in the right side lasts for more than 12 hours, and then is localized near the navel, then most likely it is appendicitis. Also, a painful sensation in the right side is possible with an ectopic pregnancy or a sexually acquired infection.

If it hurts on the left

Pain on the left side of the abdomen may indicate intestinal obstruction or pancreatitis. The pain may radiate to the left side.

Aching pain, as during menstruation

Such pain occurs at the moment when the egg begins to attach to the walls of the uterus. This occurs between 6 and 14 days after fertilization. The woman feels nagging pain, and blood may appear in the vaginal discharge.

Painful symptoms appear and disappear within 2-3 days, this is normal and there is no need to worry. If the pain does not go away, but its intensity increases and is accompanied by other symptoms, then you need to look for the cause.

In the early stages, with pain in the lower abdomen, nausea and dizziness appear, this may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. The pain is sharp, severe, the woman feels weak and may lose consciousness. If pain is accompanied by bleeding, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Perhaps the cause is detachment of the fertilized egg or an incipient miscarriage. The discharge, in this case, has shades of brown - from light to brown. Red discharge, accompanied by pain, as during menstruation, may indicate the onset of a spontaneous miscarriage.

Sharp pain in the groin folds

During pregnancy, a woman experiences pain not only in the abdomen, but also in the groin.

Such pains can be divided into:

1. Physiological;
2. Pathological.

In the first case, discomfort in the groin is caused by increasing physical stress on the body. They are not associated with any disease. Pain occurs when a temporary gland or corpus luteum forms at the site of a fertilized egg. Its main function is to produce progesterone and estrogen - hormones necessary for the body.

Sometimes a cyst forms in place of the corpus luteum, which can also cause pain. After the formation of the placenta, in the second half of pregnancy, the cyst resolves without leaving any consequences.

Pathological causes of groin pain:

• Ectopic pregnancy. The fertilized egg stops in the fallopian tube and begins to grow - this causes pain. Surgical intervention is necessary; in the early stages there is a possibility of saving the tube. If you do not intervene in time, the pipe may rupture, and this is fraught with bleeding and a threat to the woman’s life;
• Inguinal hernia. Symptoms: pain in the lower abdomen, aggravated by walking, bulge on one side of the abdomen. The growing fetus puts pressure on the hernia, causing pain. A hernia can only be removed after childbirth, so it is recommended to wear a special bandage that supports the abdomen;

• Inflammation of the lymph nodes. It can occur in the presence of infection, in which case the lymph nodes become enlarged and the temperature rises;
• Urogenital infections, kidney or ureteral stones;
• Genital herpes;
• Injury in the groin area;
• Aneurysm of the femoral artery.

Natural causes of pain

During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes various changes. The pain that appears during this period is a consequence of physiological changes in the body. They do not threaten pregnancy.

Pain during this period should not be sharp and acute. Aching pain means the implantation of the embryo into the wall of the uterus, i.e., a successful process of conception.

Physiological reasons

Physiological causes of abdominal pain can be:

• Malfunctions of the stomach and intestines, accompanied by bloating, flatulence, constipation;

• Stretching of the uterine ligaments, under the influence of hormones produced during pregnancy;
• The growth of the uterus and its rise towards the abdominal cavity causes pain in the abdominal area due to muscle stretching.

All these pain symptoms are not dangerous, however, a pregnant woman should report them to the gynecologist.

Pathological causes of pain

Pain in the lower abdomen during early pregnancy is not always a consequence of physiological changes in the body. Sometimes they can be a symptom of a serious illness.

The most common pathological source of pain is:

• hypertonicity of the uterus, at an early stage can cause miscarriage. With increased tone, severe pain appears in the lower abdomen, and the lower back ache. The stomach “turns to stone”, blood discharge may appear - this is already a sign of an incipient miscarriage;

• frozen pregnancy;
• exacerbation of gynecological diseases.

Frozen pregnancy

One of the painful symptoms may be a frozen pregnancy.

The main signs of a frozen pregnancy:

• spotting (pink, red, brown);
• pain in the lower abdomen or back;
• all symptoms of toxicosis suddenly stopped (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, etc.);
• chest pain stops;
• During the inflammatory process, the temperature rises.

All of the above reasons occur during normal pregnancy, as well as during ectopic pregnancy. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor after additional diagnostics (ultrasound, blood test for hCG). With this diagnosis, a pregnancy test may still be positive for several days, so this method is unreliable.

Causes of frozen pregnancy:

1. Genetic - due to a problem with genes or chromosomes, even if both parents are healthy;
2. Anebrionia. The cells responsible for the development of the embryo stop dividing, and the placenta continues to form;
3. Hormonal disorders;
4. Some types of infectious diseases;
5. Pathology of the uterus;
6. Pregnant women who drink alcohol and smoke are more likely to have frozen pregnancies;
7. Overweight or underweight;
8. Taking certain hormonal, anti-inflammatory and contraceptive medications;
9. Intoxication with chemical vapors (work-related necessity);
10. Chronic diseases;
11. More often, pregnancy with more than one child leads to freezing;
12. For unknown reasons, IVF often leads to missed abortion.

Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg stops in the fallopian tube and begins to grow. This occurs during early pregnancy.

During this period, the woman feels pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the rectum and sacrum. As a result, the pipe may burst, causing heavy bleeding. It is necessary to urgently consult a doctor.

Risk of miscarriage

The diagnosis of “threatened miscarriage” at an early stage is made due to increased uterine tone; the reasons may be the following:

• Nervous overexcitation, stress;
• Increased physical activity, causing tension in muscle fibers;
• Low progesterone production.

Symptoms that a woman feels:

• Pain in the lower abdomen, similar to menstrual pain;
• The stomach becomes “stone”;
• Pain radiating to the lower back and sacrum.

Sometimes bleeding may appear. If cramping pain appears at intervals of several minutes, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Corpus luteum cyst

The corpus luteum is a temporary gland that produces progesterone and tarragon, hormones necessary during pregnancy. The corpus luteum cyst has a benign basis and forms at the site of a ruptured follicle.

Usually the cause is poor blood circulation and lymph in the corpus luteum. It is often difficult to determine the true cause of a cyst. In most cases, the appearance of a cyst does not cause any symptoms.

Some women report the following signs:

1. The appearance of pain during sexual intercourse or physical activity;
2. Minor bleeding;
3. A feeling of heaviness in the place where the cyst is located.

Usually, when a corpus luteum cyst is detected, doctors choose a wait-and-see approach for 3 months. Nothing threatens either the mother or the unborn child, since in the second trimester the cyst usually resolves on its own.

Deficiency or excess of hormones

Low level progesterone in the early stages of pregnancy threatens the occurrence of spontaneous miscarriage. In this case, nagging pain occurs in the lower abdomen. One of the possible reasons is insufficient development of the corpus luteum, which is due to the peculiarity of development against the background of inflammation of the appendages.

The cause of hormone deficiency against the background of favorable pregnancy development may be:

• Improper fetal development;
• Violation of the formation of the placenta;
• Frozen pregnancy;
• Risk of miscarriage.

A decrease in progesterone levels is possible with an ectopic pregnancy.

Increased levels of hormones are also unfavorable, the reasons being:

1. Corpus luteum cyst;
2. Disturbance of the placenta;
3. Kidney pathology, which delays the excretion of hormones;
4. Adrenal gland disease;
5. Taking certain medications.

The consequences of increased hormone levels can be fetal pathology or termination of pregnancy.

Surgical pathologies

Pain in the lower abdomen during early pregnancy may also have a different nature. This may be due to disruption of the functioning of internal organs and surgical pathologies.

List of the most common:

• During an exacerbation, the pain is localized in the upper part of the abdominal cavity, but can also radiate down the abdomen;
• Cholecystitis;
• Cystitis. The woman feels pain in the upper part of the pubis, difficulty urinating;
• Appendicitis. A long-term aching pain occurs, radiating to the lower back and lower abdominal cavity. Vomiting and increased body temperature are possible.

The true cause of pain in the abdominal area can only be identified after special examinations.

Premature placental abruption

Premature placental abruption in the first period of pregnancy can cause severe bleeding. This poses a danger to the mother and fetus.

Main symptoms:

• Profuse bleeding from scarlet to dark color depending on the period of detachment;
• Pain in the uterus and lower abdomen;
• Tense tone of the uterus;
• Low blood pressure, dizziness and weakness;
• Changes in fetal heart rate: increase or decrease.

There are several reasons that cause placental abruption during pregnancy:

• Regular increase in maternal blood pressure (above 130/90 mm Hg);
• Blood clotting disorder;
• High blood pressure is accompanied by constant swelling and impaired renal function;
• Placental insufficiency;
• Nervous overload;
• Mechanical shock of the uterus.

Non-gynecological reasons

Abdominal pain in a pregnant woman can be associated with chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver, and gall bladder.

When to call an ambulance

In what situations is emergency assistance needed for a pregnant woman?

There are several situations:

• If heavy bleeding occurs;
• Pain in the abdominal area is accompanied by discharge, a sharp decrease in blood pressure, and rapid heartbeat;

• Leakage of amniotic fluid;
• Severe headache, flashing spots before the eyes, high blood pressure, convulsions;
• Decreased fetal activity;
• Abdominal injury.

First aid

For pain in the abdominal area you need to lie down, relax, eliminate sources of noise. For nagging pain in the abdominal area, accompanied by bleeding, you can take no-shpa, papaverine or metacin to relax the tone of the uterus.

If you have high blood pressure, you need to take medications recommended by your doctor. The best recommendation: wait for a doctor and do not self-medicate.

Diagnostics

At an early stage of pregnancy, diagnostics are carried out to exclude Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and neural tube defects. This procedure is called biochemical screening.

Biochemical screening is carried out for:

• Threat of miscarriage;
• The presence of previous miscarriages;
• The presence of hereditary diseases.

A test is performed to analyze two hormones at 11-13 weeks. If necessary, at 15-20 weeks the procedure is repeated to analyze 3 hormones.

An ultrasound examination is performed at an early stage to confirm pregnancy, the size, shape and location of the fertilized egg. With the help of this study, the presence or absence of defects of the central nervous system, spinal pathologies, Down syndrome, and other anomalies is determined. Using ultrasound, the condition of the cervix, placenta, and uterine muscles is determined.

An invasive diagnostic method allows you to verify the normal development of the fetus and exclude genetic anomalies and defects.

Treatment

In case of involuntary miscarriage, drug treatment is prescribed, possibly in a hospital. The woman is recommended bed rest, hormonal therapy, painkillers and sedatives.

Frozen and ectopic pregnancies require surgical intervention. For gestosis, hospital treatment is prescribed.

Folk remedies

During pregnancy, every woman tries to think about the baby first. Therefore, if you experience headaches, toothaches or other pains, try to avoid taking medications. There are several remedies that can help relieve or relieve some pain.

For example, you can independently relieve increased uterine tone. It is given to most pregnant women. The main reason is an active lifestyle. That's why the most important thing is to give the body rest. There are exercises whose goal is to relax the whole body and face.

Exercise 1

You need to lie down in a comfortable position, completely relax your whole body, breathe calmly, and keep your eyes closed. The facial muscles are not tense. You need to feel how the body's energy leaves through your hands.

Breathing should be smooth and calm. This exercise must be done in the morning and evening.

Exercise 2

Get on your knees, arms bent at the elbows. Lower your head and completely relax. As you inhale, gently raise your head, bending back, and hold for a few seconds. As you exhale, slowly return to the starting position. Do it 4 times and lie down for an hour in a calm state.

Aromatherapy helps relieve tension and stress if you are not allergic to herbs. Tea with the addition of lingonberry leaves helps with headaches. Tea/lingonberry proportion: ½.

Prevention

To prevent unwanted complications during pregnancy, you must follow a number of rules:

• Both spouses undergo a preliminary examination for infections;
• If you have a chronic disease, control it, try not to aggravate the disease;
• Avoid any diets; food must contain sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals;
• Pregnant women must undergo a multi-stage examination.

The early pregnancy period is considered the most important. To avoid unpleasant complications, incl. pain in the lower abdomen, gynecologists advise adhering to a number of rules.

In early pregnancy, follow these recommendations:

1. Register as early as possible;
2. Stick to proper nutrition;
3. To refuse from bad habits;
4. Favorable emotional background;
5. Taking medications is prohibited.

Article format: Natalie Podolskaya

Video about lower abdominal pain during pregnancy

Video about pain in the lower abdomen during early pregnancy: