Many women complain of headaches and nausea during pregnancy. In numerous cases, however, stomach pain is a constant companion. The reasons are different. Above all, the cause of stomach pain lies in the area of physical change. Still should Stomach pain in pregnancy never be ignored. Serious backgrounds can very well be responsible for stomach pain that occurs.
Not uncommon: stomach pain during pregnancy
Stomach pain describes the pain that is localized in the upper abdomen or in the epigastric region. But even if the localized pain is in the epigastric region, that does not mean that the stomach actually hurts or that it causes pain. Sometimes it is also neighboring organs such as the gall or love that can also cause pain in the upper abdomen.
The pain can be stabbing, burning, pulling, sharp or cramp-like, occur spontaneously or sometimes last for several days. In many cases, a feeling of pressure or fullness, an early feeling of satiety or heartburn are constant companions of stomach pain. Pregnant women repeatedly complain of stomach pains. Whether it is after a meal or after a change of position - Stomach pain in pregnancy are definitely not uncommon. The causes are varied and not always harmless.
Causes of Harmless Stomach Pain
Pregnancy is a masterpiece for the body. Ultimately, numerous physical processes are activated right from the start, which then ensure that the organism is converted to pregnancy and then prepared for the birth. This change is not always free of complaints, especially at the beginning. Around a third of women complain of nausea and vomiting, especially at the beginning of pregnancy.
Sometimes headaches also occur, or gas, constipation or heartburn can become constant companions in the further course of pregnancy. There are many reasons why pregnancy affects the digestive system or the gastrointestinal tract.
On the one hand, it is due to the hormonal change. Progesterone increases, which at the beginning of pregnancy ensures that the digestive system becomes sluggish. Due to the fact that the food moves very slowly through the entire digestive tract, gas and constipation are the result. Sometimes these are the reasons why pregnant women report stomach pain.
Because if the food is not removed from the stomach quickly, stomach pain or even stomach cramps can occur. Painful and burning heartburn can also result. This is because the muscle ring, which is responsible for regulating the access of the esophagus to the stomach, no longer closes properly and the stomach acid can subsequently rise into the esophagus.
Spasmodic pain can also come from the mother ligaments. The uterine ligaments, two muscle ligaments that hold the uterus in place, stretch. The uterus grows and the ligaments need to stretch; a process that can also be perceived as painful.
Those pains mainly occur in the lower abdominal area (abdomen), although it can also radiate into the upper abdomen. It happens again and again that such pain is also described as stomach ache.
As the child grows larger and the uterus grows too, the surrounding organs have less and less space. Above all, the gastrointestinal tract is narrowed so that - depending on the position of the child - enormous pressure can be exerted on the stomach. Flatulence, constipation and stomach pain are the result. Even the movements of the unborn child - i.e. kicks - can be perceived as stomach pains.
When things get dangerous: causes of acute, severe stomach pain
But stomach pains during pregnancy are not always safe. You should consult a doctor, especially if the pregnant woman suddenly suffers from acute and very severe pain. If there are other complaints - such as vomiting, fever or nausea - one must assume that there are no typical reasons for pregnancy.
Stomach ulcers, inflammation of the pancreas, the pleura or the gallbladder are possible. Sometimes gallstones can also cause severe stomach pain or pain in the stomach area.
HELLP syndrome can also be responsible for severe pain. The HELLP syndrome is one of the most difficult forms of preeclampsia and results from a liver dysfunction. The abbreviation HELLP is made up of the following terms: H stands for hemolysis (blood fall), EL for significantly increased liver function tests (elevated liver function tests) and LP for low platelets (low platelet counts).
Classic symptoms of the HELLP syndrome are severe pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, as well as vomiting and diarrhea. As a result, the pregnant woman also suffers from high blood pressure. If these complaints occur, a doctor must be contacted immediately!
What to do with stomach pain during pregnancy
Smaller but more frequent meals that are high in fiber can alleviate or prevent stomach pain. During pregnancy you should also avoid fatty, very spicy foods or spicy foods. It is important that the pregnant woman also takes time to eat and does not swallow.
Upset stomach can occur
In many cases, these are harmless causes that cause stomach pain. As a rule, it is due to the hormonal change or the growing child, so that women suffer from stomach pain. A doctor should only be contacted if other symptoms such as nausea, fever, high blood pressure and acute pain occur.
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