Pain in the left side of the lower abdomen during pregnancy: pain in the early stages

Why does the left side of the lower abdomen hurt during pregnancy?

The stomach may hurt due to the growth of the uterus and pressure on neighboring organs.
The provoking factor may be:

pressure on the ureter, fluid retention and stagnation in the kidneys is observed;
pressure on the spleen, stomach and intestines;
increased fetal motor activity;
a woman's weight increases, the load on the spine increases;
compression of the diaphragm, the formation of a diaphragmatic hernia may be observed, the muscles become weak, causing abdominal pain;
the beginning of contractions.

Aggressive pain in the lower abdomen may indicate the development of conditions that require immediate attention:

ectopic pregnancy;
cyst rupture;
the beginning of a miscarriage;
placental abruption;
appendicitis;
isthmic-cervical insufficiency;
exacerbation of chronic gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori, stomach ulcers.

Pathological causes

Pain in the left side during pregnancy is often caused by pathology of the following organs:

spleen - when its size increases due to vascular problems, hematopoietic disorders, formation of a cyst or tumor;
stomach - pain is caused by gastritis, peptic ulcer, cancer;
diaphragm - formation of a hernia;
pancreas - exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis, decompensation of diabetes mellitus;
gynecological organs - ectopic pregnancy, threat of premature birth, ovarian cyst;
genitourinary system - inflammatory process, urolithiasis;
cardiovascular system - arterial hypertension, venous congestion in large vessels of the pelvic cavity;
respiratory organs - left-sided pneumonia, complicated by pleurisy.

What causes pain in the left side in the early stages of pregnancy?

Soreness can provoke:

implantation of the fertilized egg;
stretching of the ligamentous apparatus of the uterus and changing its location;
an increase in the amount of progesterone, which is responsible for successful pregnancy;
toxicosis, especially vomiting;
bowel dysfunction in the form of constipation.

The causes of pain can be dangerous, for example:

Increased uterine tone. Hypertonicity prevents the correct positioning of the embryo in the uterine cavity, which increases the risk of miscarriage.
Anembryony. The pathology is characterized by the loss of viability of the child in the first weeks of pregnancy in the womb. In addition to pain, there may be a feeling of general weakness, nausea and vomiting. In parallel with this, manifestations of toxicosis and swelling of the mammary glands disappear.
Ectopic pregnancy. The condition is considered quite dangerous, because untimely diagnosis can lead to negative consequences and problems with subsequent attempts to get pregnant.

Spa therapy for an expectant mother for pain

There is a whole list of procedures that are considered safe for expectant mothers and bring a lot of positive emotions.

The main ones are:

swimming in the pool;
massage;
SPA facial;
cold wraps.

Thanks to such procedures, the pregnant woman is able to relax and escape from all the uncomfortable sensations that bother her. The first line of usefulness is swimming in the pool. The muscle fibers of the back are strengthened, which are subject to stress and difficult to adapt to constant weight growth.

A massage should be relaxing. Its implementation helps eliminate swelling, pain and heaviness. It is allowed to massage the upper and lower extremities and back, but only if the pregnant woman lies on her side or face down on a table that contains an opening for the abdomen.

Cold hypoallergenic wraps help prevent the development of stretch marks, varicose veins and pain in the legs. They have a positive effect on the condition of the skin.

Methods for diagnosing disorders

Ultrasound is the main diagnostic method during pregnancy

During pregnancy, doctors are severely limited in their diagnostic capabilities. MRI is prohibited in almost all cases, and X-rays and CT scans are advisable to be performed only in exceptional situations. What remains is ultrasound, but it can not be performed too often. A proper, thorough gynecological examination and laboratory tests remain one of the best solutions for identifying diseases.

An experienced gynecologist is able to identify some diseases without instrumental diagnostics. Pathological disorders are not as widespread as natural causes of pain, so a woman does not need to be extra nervous and worried.

Based on the signs of pain, you can determine the cause of its occurrence.

indigestion;
neoplasms in the stomach;
pyelonephritis;

pneumonia;
inflammation of the ovaries.

intestinal problems;
spleen diseases;

excess physical activity.

stomach ulcer;
acute gastritis;
strangulation of the stomach;

colic of the digestive system;
splenic rupture or cyst.

It is impossible to establish a diagnosis based on symptoms of pain. To identify the exact cause, it is necessary to conduct a diagnosis.

Diagnostic measures for pain in the left side of the abdomen in pregnant women include:

medical examination by palpation;
conducting a general blood test;
laboratory testing of liver enzymes, amylase and lipase;
passing a general urine test;
performing ultrasound (ultrasound examination).

In this case, you must first contact an obstetrician-gynecologist. In addition, you may need to consult the following specialists:

gastroenterologist;
infectious disease specialist;
nephrologist.

First of all, a physical examination of the patient is carried out, during which the doctor must establish the following:

how long ago the symptoms began to appear;
the nature of the clinical picture;
personal and family history;
the lifestyle of the expectant mother: how she eats, how much time she sleeps, spends in the fresh air, any bad habits.

The following diagnostic measures can also be carried out:

general and biochemical blood test;
general urine analysis;
stool occult blood test;
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, genitourinary system;
fibrogastroduodenoscopy.

The specific list of diagnostic measures is determined on an individual basis.

What does dull, pulling, point or cutting pain in the abdomen indicate during pregnancy?

Stomach pain during pregnancy is due to changes in the body, in organs associated with hormonal changes, changes in the position of internal organs, and obstetric pathologies.

Many types of these sensations do not pose a threat to the health of the mother or the condition of the fetus. Others cause significant harm and even death to the woman and the unborn child.

Pain is a reaction of the nervous system to stimuli. A symptom of many diseases, including obstetric pathologies during pregnancy. A pregnant woman experiences hormonal changes and a restructuring of many systems. They are also accompanied by this feeling.

If discomfort and pain occur, it is better to consult with your doctor about the nature of these sensations and appropriate treatment. During pregnancy, a woman is responsible not only for her own health, but also for the health of the baby.

Nature has determined that the mother’s body tries to protect the fetus from all negative influences. A plug formed from mucus in the cervix prevents pathogenic microorganisms from entering.

Umbilical cord nutrition is formed in such a way that harmful chemical compounds do not enter the fetus. The uterus itself protects the child from external mechanical influence.

At the same time, during the period of bearing a baby, the woman herself may regularly experience pain of varying intensity and nature. Each type of discomfort indicates the presence of different pathological conditions, with the exception of harmless obstetric ones associated with changes in the maternal body and preparation for childbirth.

Based on the nature, intensity of pain, and gestational age, we can talk about how dangerous the condition is.

For example, pulling, extending to the lower back and groin, may indicate a risk of miscarriage. An additional sign of the condition will be the presence of bloody discharge.

In this case, you should immediately seek medical help and undergo an examination. If you delay visiting a doctor, the frequency of contractions will become more frequent and spontaneous miscarriage will occur.

Uterine tone is dangerous regardless of how early it was diagnosed. The fetus may experience a lack of oxygen and incoming nutrients. The woman feels a sharp pain like contractions. The solid state of the uterus and lower abdomen is recorded.

In case of injury, late toxicosis, or stress, placental abruption may occur. The condition is accompanied by acute pain in the lower abdomen. Often there is internal bleeding without external manifestations in the form of discharge. Urgent hospitalization and surgical intervention are required. Without help, death will occur.

Cramps accompanied by dizziness at five to twelve weeks can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. For a number of reasons, the egg was unable to enter the uterus and became embedded in the fallopian tube.

As a result of the rapid growth rate of the fertilized egg, severe pain occurs. The woman is sent for an ultrasound examination. An operation to terminate the pregnancy is prescribed. Lack of medical care will result in death for the pregnant woman.

A number of non-gynecological problems also contribute to the occurrence of unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen:

Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. Additional symptoms: bitterness in the mouth, tingling in the lower abdomen, heartburn.
Inflammation of the bladder and urinary tract. Symptoms: discomfort and burning when urinating, increased frequency of the urge to urinate, increased body temperature.
Seasonal colds. They are accompanied by headaches, nasopharyngeal congestion, aching bones, and fever.
Inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis). An acute condition in which severe vomiting occurs, weakness, and a strong increase in temperature are detected. Surgery is used to remove the inflamed area. This procedure is safe for a pregnant woman. Abdominal laparotomy appendectomy is used if peritonitis is suspected and less invasive laparoscopy is used if there are no signs of peritonitis. A course of rehabilitation therapy is prescribed.

It is possible to diagnose the pathology based on additional symptoms. Treatment should be supervised by medical professionals. It is prohibited to take pharmaceutical drugs on your own. If you aggravate your own condition through inept actions, this will inevitably affect the child’s development.

Treatment

The course of basic therapeutic measures will depend on the underlying factor. In this case, taking medications is kept to a minimum, as they can harm the child.

For gastroenterological diseases, in addition to basic therapeutic measures, a diet is necessarily prescribed. Treatment with folk remedies in the form of herbal decoctions is also not excluded, but this issue must also be agreed upon with the attending physician.

For diseases of the genitourinary system in the initial stages of development, conservative measures can be used - taking medications in combination with diet. In later stages, surgery may be used if the position of the pregnant woman allows it.

The prognosis will be entirely individual, since everything will depend on the underlying factor and the timeliness of the start of therapeutic measures. Self-medication is strongly discouraged.

As for prevention methods, you should adhere to general recommendations - eat right, eliminate stress, and spend time outdoors every day. If you feel unwell, you should consult a doctor and follow all his recommendations.

When do you need to see a doctor urgently, and which doctor will help?

Cases of pain where medical intervention cannot be avoided:

Cramping attacks of a pulling nature (especially in the first trimester of pregnancy) - you need to immediately seek help. There is a high risk of miscarriage or placental abruption. The presence of mucous discharge mixed with blood is a reason to call an ambulance for immediate hospitalization of the patient.
Shingles with a return to the lower back in the presence of a burning sensation at the time of urination - signs of the development of pyelonephritis. Long-term treatment may be required. Signs of illness should be reported immediately.
In the later stages, accompanied by contractions and increased uterine tone - a sign of premature birth.

Regardless of the stage of pregnancy, the appearance of bleeding from the vagina with or without pain - you should definitely call an ambulance.

Consulting a pregnant woman and caring for the patient during pregnancy is the responsibility of the local obstetrician-gynecologist. They work in district antenatal clinics.

You can get an appointment with them in the following ways:

through an electronic appointment system;
by calling the registration number of the medical institution;
Some consultations retained the journal recording system.

If the pain is not associated with the course of pregnancy and does not affect the development of the fetus, then you need to contact your local physician. It is important that treatment is selected taking into account saving the life and health of the mother and child.

Non-dangerous colic

A woman is programmed by nature itself to give birth to children, and her body has appropriate “option settings.” First of all, hormonal changes, which have a very important mission: to ensure the smooth development of the fetus and its safety. And hormones affect ligaments, joints, muscles, joints, making them more elastic and extensible.

The uterus grows following the fetus, which is why the stomach hurts during pregnancy: when the tissues are stretched, and even unevenly, various unpleasant sensations arise. Adding to the problems is some displacement of the pelvic bones, which are also preparing for pregnancy and future childbirth.

If the fetus is large, the muscles are not very good at supporting it, and an umbilical hernia may even develop. In such cases, it is better to help the muscles using such a simple device as a bandage.

Top medications to reduce abdominal pain during pregnancy and breastfeeding, painkillers

Painkillers are not advisable during pregnancy. Especially in the first months, when the main formation of organs and tissues of the future person occurs. However, the process of experiencing discomfort caused by constant negative factors also does not bode well.

Before purchasing analgesics, consultation with a specialist is required. It is advisable to try non-pharmaceutical ways to cope with discomfort.

The least dangerous drug is Paracetamol. Suitable for use throughout the entire gestation period. Toxic components are in minimal concentration and are quickly excreted in the urine.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Prescribed with caution during the second trimester. Contraindicated for the first and third trimester. Use may cause a number of dangerous side effects. If your condition changes slightly for the worse while taking an analgesic, you should inform your doctor.

Indomethacin also belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is subject to the same restrictions as Ibuprofen. If taken continuously, there is a risk of damage to the child's kidney function.

For the first two trimesters, it is permissible to use creams and ointments based on:

Diclofenac.
Ketoprofen.
Ketorolac.

In the third trimester, you can only use local products based on herbal ingredients. It is forbidden to apply them if they contain bee or snake venom.

Ointments with an irritating effect that stimulate increased blood circulation can also have a negative effect. There is a risk of developing uterine tone and high blood pressure.

The most powerful painkillers are classified as narcotic substances and are prohibited for free sale. Their use occurs only in a hospital with extremely severe pain. These are drugs based on morphine and codeine.

The list of chemical compounds for pharmaceutical use during pregnancy is extremely limited. Before you start taking it, you should read the instructions for use in detail and strictly follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on dosage and method of use.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the provisions on common side effects and contraindications.

It is possible to use folk and non-traditional methods of getting rid of suffering. For example, yoga for pregnant women, acupuncture, light massage, aromatherapy. Traditional methods are also used. But their use also needs to be discussed with a specialist.

What needs to be done?

If you experience pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, to improve the condition, start with the simplest steps:

Sit down and relax properly. At the same time, choose the position in which you will feel most comfortable.
Move smoothly and slowly, avoiding sudden movements, especially when changing position, such as standing up. Standing up slowly gives the muscles time to adjust to the changed position.
Use a support belt to relieve the abdominal muscles and transfer some of the child's weight to it.

Physical exercise

Regular physical activity can help speed up the labor process and speed up postpartum recovery. In this case, the loads should not be too intense.

It is wise to do strengthening exercises that stabilize the joints and help prevent muscle strain. During pregnancy, the body secretes relaxin to widen the birth canal, which also leads to hyperelasticity of the joints. Aerobic exercise helps relieve stress.

Preventive measures to avoid abdominal pain

The basis of prevention is the correct lifestyle of a pregnant woman:

No stress factors. The mental state of the mother is the key to the health of the child. The fetus inside a woman reacts sensitively to changes in the mother’s emotional background. He is not able to recognize the causes of depression or fears, but he is aware that adverse events are occurring. If the mother is very worried, there is a risk of pathological changes during the formation of the future person. Neurological and psychological problems are possible.
Elimination of physical fatigue. Pregnant women are not recommended to attend training regularly. During active sports, blood pressure levels increase noticeably. This will provoke the development of uterine tone, which will inevitably lead to adverse consequences. You can go for walks in the fresh air.
Properly designed diet and nutrition schedule. It must be balanced. You should not consume fast food products or preservatives; it is recommended to reduce the amount of tea and coffee. It should consist of vegetables, fruits, animal and plant protein. It is worth taking vitamins prescribed by a doctor for those who are pregnant. Weight control is required, since the percentage of subcutaneous fat outside the normal range negatively affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract. The feeding processes of the fetus are disrupted. With rapid weight gain, nutritional correction and a special diet may be prescribed. Excess weight contributes to decreased activity, bad mood, and additional pain in the back and joints. Make sure there is no overeating.
Maintaining a sleep and rest schedule ensures that a woman is highly active. She does not feel tired and overwhelmed, which means she has a positive morale.
Regular observation by an obstetrician-gynecologist according to the established schedule, passing mandatory tests, compliance with received medical recommendations. Undergoing developmental ultrasound examinations and other diagnostic measures.
Tracking the development of chronic pathologies that were diagnosed before pregnancy.
Prompt treatment of colds, bacterial and viral diseases acquired during pregnancy.
Eliminate all bad habits, such as alcohol, smoking, and drug use. Failure to comply with this rule results in a developmental delay in the baby.
Monitoring blood pressure for hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure). Monitor your sugar levels if you are diagnosed with diabetes.
Do not take a hot bath or shower, or a contrast shower. A sharp change in ambient temperature threatens a rise in pressure and disruption of the cardiovascular system.

Compliance with these rules will ensure comfortable and proper pregnancy. The pain will be considered obstetrically safe. But even if you follow all the recommendations, you need to carefully monitor your own condition and, if there are reasons, seek medical help.

Prevention

To prevent pain in the left side from bothering you during pregnancy, the expectant mother should take a number of measures even before pregnancy:

to refuse from bad habits;
promptly treat chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
avoid surges in blood glucose in diabetes mellitus;
cure urogenital infections;
if necessary, remove the ovarian cyst.

During pregnancy, it is important to follow these rules:

regularly visit the observing obstetrician-gynecologist;
exclude sudden movements, heavy lifting, physical overload;
control blood pressure;
normalize your daily routine and diet;
do exercises regularly, walk more;
wear a prenatal bandage.

Pain in the left side during pregnancy can be physiological in nature and is often observed. But a frivolous attitude towards this phenomenon is unacceptable, since they can be caused by serious diseases that require emergency care. A medical consultation and timely prescribed treatment will save the expectant mother from unnecessary suffering and help her give birth to a healthy baby.

Author: Olga Shchepina, doctor, especially for Mama66.ru

What does sudden abdominal pain mean?

The suddenness of the development of pain is a sign of an acute form of pathology. If the sensation is localized on the right side, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, there is a risk of developing inflammation of the appendix.

Immediate hospitalization and surgical intervention are required before perforation begins. Removing appendicitis is a common procedure for surgeons. It passes without complications.

During pregnancy, the operation is performed in compliance with all required patient safety criteria.

Non-obstetric types of pathological pain of a sudden acute nature include:

intestinal obstruction;
peritonitis.

As with appendicitis, acute pain accompanied by vomiting and general weakness. The syndrome extends to the lower abdomen, lower back, sacrum, and groin.

Unilateral, accompanied by bleeding from the vagina - a sign of ectopic pregnancy.

Additional signs of a dangerous condition:

cramping character;
increased symptoms in a horizontal position of the body;
severe vomiting;
shortness of breath at rest;
frequent heartbeat, which in frequency goes above 100 beats per minute.

In the absence of medical attention, the fallopian tube ruptures. Internal bleeding begins.

Stitches in the stomach on the right

The source of stabbing pain can be all kinds of inflammatory processes in the abdominal cavity: in the liver, stomach, pancreas, intestines, female genital organs, and urinary system. Cystitis, pancreatitis, pyelonephritis, renal colic, cholecystitis, ovarian cyst and a number of other diagnoses are accompanied by pain of varying intensity, including stabbing pain, which can often radiate to the right area of the abdomen.

During physical activity or nervous breakdowns, muscles can also become too tense, and as a result, pain appears.