Abdominal discomfort

Abdominal discomfort is very common during pregnancy, especially in the early months,

Many women have low, period-like pain for a day or so early in pregnancy around the time of their first missed period. It may feel as though your period is about to start – but doesn't. This is probably around the time that the embryo is embedding itself in the soft lining of your uterus.

One of the most common causes of discomfort is the stretching of the ligaments (or muscles) which hold your uterus in place. This happens from the third or fourth month of pregnancy, when your uterus starts to grow up out of your pelvis. You may feel a sharp stabbing pain, usually in your groin or to one side. This pain may be worse if you stretch up or move sharply. You may notice it at intervals for several days. It may then disappear, only to return a few days later.

Abdominal discomfort can also be caused by constipation or by heartburn. Later in pregnancy you may experience rib pain, discomfort from Braxton Hicks contractions, or soreness if your baby is continually kicking in one spot. The weight of your growing uterus may also press from time-to-time on a nerve, causing short-lived discomfort, pins and needles, and other odd sensations.

What can I do about it?

• Avoid sudden, jerking movements. If you need to reach up, do so slowly and carefully. Warm up with gentle stretches before exercising.
• Try resting with a hot water bottle against the sore area, or take a warm, relaxing bath. If you feel that constipation or heartburn is the problem, then find out what you can do to relieve these problems.
• Try to feel positive about the discomfort of your baby's kicks, or of Braxton Hicks contractions. Take pleasure in the thought of your baby growing big and strong, and your uterus preparing for labour. Pregnancy doesn't last forever!

Abdominal pain alert

Sometimes pain in your abdomen can have a more serious cause. Contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit urgently if you have:

• Severe cramping in your lower abdomen in early pregnancy, lasting for several hours and not relieved by the usual comfort measures, with vaginal bleeding. This could be the start of a miscarriage
• Severe pain on one side of your lower abdomen in early pregnancy, especially if it is accompanied by bleeding or brownish discharge from your vagina. This could indicate an ectopic pregnancy
• Severe pain in your lower abdomen, with or without bleeding, in later pregnancy. This could be a sign of a separating placenta
• Pain in your upper abdomen in later pregnancy, and/or a severe headache (that doesn't get better with paracetamol), and/or flashing lights or spots in front of your eyes, and/or you sickness or vomiting. All these may be signs of severe pre-eclampsia.

Revised by babyworld midwife, Hannah Hulme Hunter November 2000.