Low Abdominal Pain During Early Pregnancy – Everything You Need to Know
If you’re having low abdominal pain in the early stages of pregnancy, it’s best to see your doctor and report your symptoms.
Medical staff can assess your condition and may perform an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy.
While uterine pain during early pregnancy is usually not a cause for concern, a pregnancy that is accompanied by spotting should be evaluated by a physician. Here’s what you need to know.
Placental abrupt
The diagnosis of placental abruption is not always possible during early pregnancy.
If the placenta is detached from the uterus, the mother may experience pain in her abdomen for a few days or weeks, and then develop an area of clotted blood behind the placenta.
A woman with low abdominal pain and placental abruption can often be safely discharged to her home.
While placental abruption is not the most common pregnancy problem, it can happen to anyone.
Symptoms vary from light to moderate and may even include vaginal bleeding.
If bleeding occurs more than once a day or if there is heavy bleeding during a particular period, the doctor may recommend a cesarean section.
Pregnant women should notify the hospital if the pain persists or if the bleeding occurs more frequently.
Ectopic pregnancy
Low abdominal pain early in pregnancy is quite common.
If it persists, it’s probably something serious.
Pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy can indicate various things, including ectopic pregnancy and pre-term labor.
A doctor can help determine the cause and offer treatment.
Thankfully, most cases will go away on their own.
However, if your pain is severe, you should see a doctor immediately if the pain persists, you should visit your OB-GYN immediately.
If you suspect that you are pregnant, it’s best to get an ultrasound to rule out any complications.
In some cases, a pregnancy can be ectopic, which can cause bleeding and severe pain.
An ultrasound will also detect if the pregnancy is ectopic.
If you have pain in the lower abdomen early in pregnancy, it’s probably due to something else.
Braxton Hicks contractions
If you’re pregnant and you’re experiencing low abdominal discomfort, you may have been told that you’re experiencing Braxton Hicks. The truth is, this is not a cause for alarm.
This pain is completely normal and does not need medical attention.
In fact, a few simple things can help you cope with this common problem.
The first thing to do is to stay hydrated, change positions, and take a rest.
You may also want to try lying on your side, as this will promote better blood flow to the lower part of your abdomen.
You can avoid the discomfort by drinking plenty of water.
Even a small amount of dehydration can trigger a Braxton Hicks contraction.
Many women forget to drink enough water during pregnancy, but Texas heat and nausea can also cause a woman to become dehydrated.
You should avoid exercising and heavy lifting during this time.
Try to get up and change position occasionally, as these activities can help to ease your symptoms.
Uterine growth
Uterine pain during early pregnancy may occur for several reasons.
While your uterus grows during pregnancy, so will your ligaments and muscles.
As a result, you may experience sudden, sharp pain in your lower abdomen.
This pain may be triggered by sneezing, laughing, or rolling over.
If the pain is severe, seek medical care immediately.
An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that may require surgery to save the developing baby.
Pregnant women may also experience stretching in the groin area or lower abdomen.
This pain is caused by the stretching of ligaments. One of these ligaments is the round ligament.
This will normally go away on its own with time, but if the pain persists, you may need to see your GP or midwife.
If your pain is sharp, stabbing, or a burning sensation, visit the doctor as soon as possible.